I've been back in Kinshasa for seven weeks now, and in some ways it seems like I've never been away.The Lord is at work in many ways, and I've been privileged to be a part of it.
I spent ten days in the Bas Congo province, attending two retreats for members of our Baptist churches.More than a thousand believers attended the larger of the two,in the village of Minkelo, where the theme was "Harvest time is here." Encouraging messages were given, about how to live the Christian life in these "end times," and pastors were deeply involved in counseling sessions.Glen Chapman showed biblical films, as well as Charlie Chaplin comedies and clips from the USA / Portugal soccer World Cup Final, much to the delight of the audience.A team from the Bible Society showed the Jesus film, which is always a favorite here.
I've participated in three seminars since I've been back on the True Love Waits program.The abstinence-based ideas are met with incredulity by some people, but others are coming to the conclusion that this is truly the only way to stem the growing spread of AIDS.In September, I've been invited to attend an AIDS conference in Nairobi, Kenya; please pray that this will give me additional information and "ammunition" in talking with young people on this subject.
One Sunday I preached to several hundred inmates at the Kinshasa central prison. Prison and hospital chaplaincies here in the Congo, as elsewhere, provide spiritual and material resources to people who find themselves in desperate circumstances.The faithful ministers engaged in this work on a regular basis are seriously underfunded, and the needs are great. Please pray that the churches will see the importance of supporting them!
This month, I'm preparing to move back to Kimpese in Bas Congo, where I lived from 1983 to 1996.The leaders there are refurbishing the house where I used to live.The final move will probably take place after my return from Kenya at the end of September.
I spent ten days in the Bas Congo province, attending two retreats for members of our Baptist churches.More than a thousand believers attended the larger of the two,in the village of Minkelo, where the theme was "Harvest time is here." Encouraging messages were given, about how to live the Christian life in these "end times," and pastors were deeply involved in counseling sessions.Glen Chapman showed biblical films, as well as Charlie Chaplin comedies and clips from the USA / Portugal soccer World Cup Final, much to the delight of the audience.A team from the Bible Society showed the Jesus film, which is always a favorite here.
I've participated in three seminars since I've been back on the True Love Waits program.The abstinence-based ideas are met with incredulity by some people, but others are coming to the conclusion that this is truly the only way to stem the growing spread of AIDS.In September, I've been invited to attend an AIDS conference in Nairobi, Kenya; please pray that this will give me additional information and "ammunition" in talking with young people on this subject.
One Sunday I preached to several hundred inmates at the Kinshasa central prison. Prison and hospital chaplaincies here in the Congo, as elsewhere, provide spiritual and material resources to people who find themselves in desperate circumstances.The faithful ministers engaged in this work on a regular basis are seriously underfunded, and the needs are great. Please pray that the churches will see the importance of supporting them!
This month, I'm preparing to move back to Kimpese in Bas Congo, where I lived from 1983 to 1996.The leaders there are refurbishing the house where I used to live.The final move will probably take place after my return from Kenya at the end of September.
Thanks for your prayers and support!
In His service,
Wendy