Support Update: Moja!

After a while, you may find me harassing with my discoveries here in the third world and to a certain extent I am, but my hope is that you see these posts as opportunities to learn more. Is the ability to discern not one of the determining factors that make us image bearers of God?

Beyond guilt-trapping you into reading more, I wanted to update those who have graciously and faithfully prayed for me despite my ever-changing address. In order to make these dollar taxi rides, Lebanese street sandwiches and 36h flight possible, I committed to raise a budget of nearly $5,000. The number still scares me in all honesty.

For those of you who know me well, I have a hard time even buying myself a shirt when dragged along into a shopping mall. Moreover, exiting the peace and calm of my modest abode into the overcrowded clay trails of quartier Tabacongo has been compelling.

Nevertheless, during these tranquil moments that I have been longing to experience, the Lord has appeased my heart with a passage in particular. Proverbs 30:7-9 reads accordingly: “Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.”

It sounded better in the French Version Thompson. More seriously, I have truly been blown away by the reality of resting daily on God's provision. I do not believe I have been called to sell everything I own and live as a vagabond; to the contrary, I am beginning to find peace of mind through servanthood and abandonment (still working hard on that second one).

HOPE informed me that I have reached $1,070. Praise the Lord! This figure represents approximately 20 percent of my budget and I have only been in the DR Congo for a few days. I am tremendously grateful for these generous contributions and continue to pray that more will be compelled to give to this tangible Christ-led project in Lubumbashi.

To finish, you can keep me in your prayers in three ways this upcoming week:
- that the Lord may place encouraging people on my path, open to genuine conversations and friendship
- that I may let the Holy Spirit use me in any way He deems useful (appropriate since we're celebrating Pentecost right?)
- that the Father continue to appoint followers with a heart of generosity willing to support my work, both financially and spiritually

Djambo Saana!

Nothing like wrestling out from under a mosquito net at the crack of dawn only to be welcomed by a fully cloaked Congolese monk. Shirtless and perplex, I thanked Père Jean-Piere for waking me up nonetheless and moved toward the cold shower that awaited. Despite the surprising luxuries of unlimited internet and almost constant electricity, I have initially been baffled by the gap that separates the US from Africa. French has saved me dozens of times already, but an ever-changing dialect of Swahili remains the norm while I perpetually stand out wherever I go. However, I have begun to bond with my HOPE International colleagues and Congolese hospitality is rubbing off on me already.

Another blessing has been the tremendous amount of faith in Christ that emanates from HOPE DRC. I do not believe it was by chance that my first day of work coincided with the once a week time of staff prayer and worship. How refreshing it was to sing cantiques again and learn new melodies such as Dieu va sauvé l’Afrique. Humbling.

I quickly am understanding that much is decided day to day though. After an hour delay at the mechanics, a group of us finally took off into the chaotic streets of Lubumbashi toward the distant suburb of Kipushi. Some 30 kilometers later, the periodically paved road led us to another Catholic school, which continue to endorse the responsibility of education ever since the mismanagement years of Mobutu. The first baco, or group of borrowers, had actually come to receive the liquidities for a new loan cycle. On the other hand, the second group was seeking to begin the 5 week training process. Exciting moments for everyone. Indeed, it was fascinating to see both ends of the spectrum with evident anxieties on each sides, such as maintaing strong business for the habitués and gathering enough clients to create a group for the novices.

An iced bottle of water brought me back to my sense as Arcene and I were able to discuss some of the underlying struggles in microfinace. The managing director was first to observe that part of the recent decrease in repayments was due to the controversial reelection of president Kabila. In correlation to politics, the economy of the town experienced a severe downturn in consumption with the temporary closure of Gécamines, the only state-owned mining business (which is another topic of quarrel in itself). Jean-Jaques, one of the two loan officers who accompanied us, further explained that the rainy season also caused problems for these small street vendors. To make a long story short, I was unsurprised but intrigued by the amount of external factors involved in the sustainability of microfinance.

Anyhow, after nearly 10h of wondering in the glorious savannah, I better go rinse out the thin layer of red dust still residing in my hair and call it a night.

Roger

Sporadic First Thoughts from Leadership Summit

6 hour drive, 1 flight, 2 trains and a few days late, here I am in Lancaster for the HOPE International Leadership Summit. Despite the late hour, I quickly met other interns with amazing stories ranging from Bolivian roots (coincidently the same country my girl friend is from) to a moving Rwandan background (and already a few words in Kiswahili, specifically hujambo which means hello).

Saturday was packed with worship, devotions and meetings. First, we drilled Jessy, one of the vice-presidents, about the HOPE microfinance model before hearing more about the origins of the Christ-centered organization from Jeff, one of the two original founders, and finally interacting with a panel of country directors including Manny, who serves in Brazzaville right over the Congo river near Kinshasa the capital of the DRC (african geography 101 for you beginners). Fascinating topics and questions throughout the day with several eye-opening quotes which I attempted to retransmit in part to those of you enjoying the weekend via Twitter. The evening was more relaxed as we partook in smore making and several entertaining theological discussions.

Sunday was a well-deserved day of rest. Most of the staff was recommended/chose to attend Calvary, which was a memorable experience in itself due to the very large size of the congregation. Soccer resonated with several of us during the afternoon before we had dinner with our passion prayer groups. I was also blessed to meet Modeste, the finance director for the DRC, later in the evening as well as have a lovely conversation with Catherine, who served and lived in Lubumbashi for nearly 7 years. After another very encouraging time of worship and praise, I sadly failed to beat one of the big guys in ping pong (maybe next time).

Voila, these are obviously some very down to earth reactions which I plan to revamp once I am actually experiencing joys and hardships in the DRC. Feel free to leave notes of encouragement, recommendations and especially questions. I would love to hear your opinions throughout the summer. In the meantime, may the Lord fill you with joy this next week.

Roger