We had a very fruitful mission trip in March/April, including a meeting with our Congolese partners, a good visit to Kikimi and a seminar with the young people. Theo and Florence are doing such a wonderful job with the general running of the schools, the medical center and the management of the overall project, considering the extreme difficulties and challenges they have to face in the country.

 

While we were there, a first attempt at confinement was announced by the Kinshasa provincial governor. This proved very difficult if not impossible for people to follow, as they live from hand to mouth and depend on going out daily to earn something to feed their family. The president then cancelled that confinement to preserve the security of the city, as there were already threats of looting and violence. A week before we left, only one area was on lockdown, the one where most of the foreigners live, who had the means to purchase a couple weeks’ worth of supplies. With all commercial flights cancelled shortly after our arrival, including our return tickets for the end of April, our mission trip was cut short when the embassy repatriated us on April 11, but we were thankful to have been able to accomplish our most important goals. We were impressed by the sanitary measures everyone in Kinshasa followed, using throughout the city a hand-washing machine invented by our brother Joseph Musantu (see: Lavemains) and taking local herbal remedies to boost their immune system.

 

2     Temporary Closing of the Schools

Because of the covid19 measures that also started in Congo after our arrival, our two schools had to close. This measure came close to the usual Easter holidays and we hope they will be able to reopen soon, because the educational system is not able to supply online classes, nor would the children here have access to computers or internet.

  

15 babies were born in the sole month of March! Here’s a video clip of Florence giving a post-natal class to the mommies. Everyone was so thankful for the baby clothes we brought.

  

  

  

4     Construction of Staff Housing

The construction is basically finished, it just needs the finishing touches like some tiling and painting in small areas, light fixtures and bulbs, and installing the security gates.

The beautiful road that was finally done last year leading to Kikimi never got asphalted. Erosion has now taken over again, making it very difficult to drive over some parts.

The Covid19 crisis affected our schedule but we were still able to meet all our goals and hold a 5-day seminar as planned. Instead of having one meeting a week, we held 3 in the first two weeks at the venue, as we were allowed to hold meetings under 20 people. We purchased thermal thermometer to check everyone’s temperature (and donated it to our medical center when we left). We also set up hand-washing and disinfectant at the venue and respected the guidelines of social distancing, including no hugging or shaking hands. When that venue had to close down, we held 2 more smaller meetings at our residence which was large enough to hold about 10 people at a time. This time was very fruitful to strengthen, unite and inspire everyone, which should enable them to keep progressing and training more young people. It was also a time to pray together and find comfort in God’s Word in this time of crisis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are especially thankful to all our local friends who continue to donate needed food and sanitary items for the children in spite of the economic crisis this coronavirus has created, to those who support towards the education of some children and young people, those who help with the Youth Ministry and seminars, and those who, through their generosity, keep the whole project running. May God richly bless you.

 

My Refuge and My Fortress (Psalm 91)

He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. 

Surely He shall deliver you from … the noisome pestilence. 

He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall trust: His truth shall be your shield and buckler. 

You shall not be afraid for the terror by night; Nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday.