A letter from Bob Rice in Congo
November 4, 2010
Our Eternal Treasure
“Do not store up for yourselves on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Last month Kristi and I made a trip to Mbuji-Mayi, the diamond capital of Congo. Tragically, young men sacrifice life and limb to find these precious little stones. Throughout the city one finds diamond outlets with large walls … walls emblazoned with dazzling designs of diamonds … walls with images that titillate the eye, yet hint at the darker side of this lucrative industry. We went to Mbuji-Mayi to unearth some treasure of our own. The purpose of our trip was to experience the life of the church in East Kasai. We discovered abundant riches in the stories of transformed lives and changed communities. We sat with Bamamu, church women’s groups, who have taken initiative to help their families and strengthen their communities and churches. We sat with prayer intercessors who have seen the glorious power of God at work in desperate situations. We sat with church elders who selflessly serve refugee populations. We also watched girls soccer …
Kickoff! Sophie and Etas Unis and two other players are ready for the match.
The way that Pastor Thibemba, Legal Representative of the Church in East Kasai, got excited about the game you would have thought we were watching the final match of the World Cup. “You see number 5,” he said, “Her name is Sophia and she is the best player on the team. She shoots the ball like a machine gun … and number 7, her name is Etats Unis (United States). She is dangerous too!” And on he went, naming each player and highlighting her strength. The Congolese Presbyterian Church (CPC)’s girls soccer team in Mbuji-Mayi is the best girls team in this teeming city of more than 2 million people. They have won the championship four years running. And one Sunday afternoon in late October, we were able to watch them beat a boys’ team in a scrimmage.
Us watching the game with Pastor Tshibemba, Legal Representative of the CPC in East Kasai.
But, you might ask, why does the church sponsor a soccer team? That isn’t a very holy activity! Many people in Congo would ask the same question, because people here often associate soccer with such unsavory activities as drug and alcohol use and witchcraft. Teams often worship some type of fetish to give them power and success to overcome their opponents. Do Christians have a place in such an environment? The CPC in Mbuji-Mayi responds with a resounding “Yes!” The successful girls team draws big crowds, even on days when they are just scrimmaging. Rather than worshiping fetishes or engaging in negative activities, they pray before every game and give thanks to God afterwards. Each player worships at a local CPC church. People have been drawn to church because of the girls’ examples both on and off the field. The CPC in East Kasai also sponsors other sports such as volleyball, wrestling, karate and boxing. They recognize that to have an impact in their culture and to reach the younger generation, they need to be involved in these activities that draw the attention of young people.
The girls played stellar defense! They were aggressive and tenacious.
After the match the girls team posed for a picture with us. Their smiles and their effervescent spirit are a treasure that we carry in our hearts. Their on-the-field hustle and off-the-field testimony to the One who gives them strength are an inspiration. Their willingness to publicly demonstrate their faith to a watching world challenges those of us who prefer to live out a “private faith.” In a world that values diamonds, riches, technological gadgetry and power, Jesus challenges us to boldly and publicly live out our faith and to store up for ourselves riches that will last in heaven. May we, like the girls soccer team of Mbuji-Mayi, make our faith public as we use our gifts and skills to bring glory to the One who is our ultimate treasure. May we store up eternal treasures that will make us rich in faith and help us reflect the radiance and goodness of Jesus Christ.
Kristi and I want to thank you again for your prayers and financial support of our ministry here in Congo. Without your help, we could not be here. We are making steady progress with the language and continuing to learn about Congolese culture here in Kasai. People here hope that we can be here until “kashidi” (eternity). Only God knows how long He will call us to serve in Congo, but your prayers and support sustain us and keep us strong. May God richly bless you!
In the Name of Jesus Christ,
Our Eternal Treasure and Reward,
Bob and Kristi
The 2011 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 61
