We're back in Kinshasa.
Last night another big dinner. A fantastic men's choir singing. At the home of church members. The Kinshasa district's turn to start saying good-bye. More great food. More inspired gifts. We are honored and touched again by the thoughtfulness. And moved beyond speech when they offer the women outfits made from the Disciples chalice cloth that had been unavailable for purchase. They had designed the outfits creatively, stretching the scarce cloth by alternating it with yellow panels, making a little go a long way. We make our speeches, but words seem poor offerings in comparison.
Today we've been to Brazzaville, the capital of the other Congo, the one colonized by the French, the one that was in the Russian orbit during the Cold War. But it is also the seat of one of the newest Disciples communities, this one an outgrowth of the missionary zeal of our brothers and sisters of Mbandaka and Kinshasa. There President Lucien Kobele and his colleagues take us to the land they have purchased to serve as the church headquarters in years to come. We gather in a circle and bless that land and the community that God is calling forth to witness here.
In Congo-Brazzaville, we see a young church, without the long history of close association with the West. But there is the same visionary hope, the sincere faith, the committed labor and the belief that God will bless their work. In Congo-Brazza, the economy is stronger, but the church is more vulnerable, 2000 strong, yet looking to a stronger future. I am touched by their intense sincerity, humbled by their strong intention.
Monday night we are guests of Mattieu Bosunga, who was my boss 30 years ago. But tonight when I jokingly call him "Boss" he is shocked. He is now the executive director of the Protestant publishing house, CEDI, and opens his home in a generous expression of hospitality. In his office hangs a large picture of Dr. Bokeleale, a sign that Bosunga and I share a mentor as well as our work of long ago. He tells me that the literacy program we created was used all over Congo.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 »
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