A letter from Bob and Kristi Rice in Congo
August 17, 2010
Five Smooth Stones
In the spring of this year Kristi and I spent one month at Lake Munkamba, where we did intensive language study. One afternoon Kristi and I sat in front of the house and watched a group of young boys play soccer. We casually paid attention to them as we flipped flashcards, trying to remember Tshiluba words and phrases while also enjoying the warm sunshine and the lake view. After a while we noticed that the boys had suspended their play. All of them had gathered around a tall palm tree. We realized that their ball had become lodged in the very top of the tree. The boys, who love soccer, made every conceivable attempt to retrieve their prized possession. Finally I thought maybe I could help them in some way. I took a chair over, and suggested that I stand on it with a boy on my shoulders who attempted to dislodge the ball with his long stick. My strategy seemed like a good one, but after several valiant attempts, we also failed.
Two boys demonstrate their agility in climbing to the top of a palm tree.
Finally, to my amazement, another boy scaled the other side of the palm tree. Pulling himself up by the long-hanging palm branch, he slowly inched himself all the way to the top. While this procedure looked scary and dangerous to me, I have subsequently seen that it is a relatively common way for boys to scale palm trees here in Congo. Upon reaching the top of the tree, the boy reached down, plucked out the ball, and threw it down to his jubilant friends. With equal skill and agility, the boy then slowly made his way back down the tree. When he was low enough, I caught him in my arms and gave him a big hug as we all celebrated the retrieval of the ball. To be honest, there was part of me that wanted to be a hero in this drama. I wanted our combined efforts (coupled with my wisdom of course!) to be an example of partnership and collaboration. I wanted to share in the glory of retrieving the ball. Yet in the end I was able to share in the glory of retrieving the ball — it just did not happen in the way I thought it might. It took the skill, the courage and the faith of an 11-year-old boy to get the ball down. And we were all there to celebrate with him when the ball was finally retrieved!
This reflection makes me think of the Communauté au Presbyteriénne au Congo (CPC), the largest Protestant Church in Congo and a long-standing partner of the PC(USA). Since its inception 120 years ago, it has grown to 3.5 million members. The CPC is well organized and well mobilized. I (Bob) have been impressed by the level of training that pastors receive and the commitment of these pastors to serve God’s people in a challenging context. Yet, despite this awesome growth and this vitality and dynamism of the CPC, among many there seems to be a perpetual looking back to the “good old days” of missionary presence and unflinching monetary support.
While the CPC often looks to outside resources to help solve its problems and fulfill its future, perhaps it is the skill, courage and faith of Congolese pastors and leaders that will bring the CPC into the bright future God intends. I am not suggesting that we, as partners, do not have a role to play in this unfolding drama. Our prayers, friendship and sharing of resources play a vital role. I am suggesting, however, that ultimately Congo’s problems and challenges will be solved by Congolese men and women of faith as they look to the Author of their faith, Jesus Christ. Just as this 11-year-old boy scaled a very tall palm tree to retrieve a ball, I believe that Congolese pastors and leaders can scale the oppressive barriers that have bound their people for so long. Our role is to come alongside them, encourage and support them, and celebrate with tem.
The book of 1 Samuel provides the account of a young Israelite boy named David, the last-born of Jesse’s eight sons. Upon visiting his older brothers who were employed in the king’s service, David noticed the champion Goliath, a man who stood over nine feet tall and who daily taunted the Israelite army. In a sea of fearful and trembling men, the boy David volunteered himself to fight this “uncircumcised Philistine” who defied the armies of the living God. David was initially fitted with the king’s armor, but quickly realized that this armor would not work well because he was not used to it. Instead, the shepherd David took his own staff and chose for himself five smooth stones from a stream. With sling in hand and an implacable faith, he approached his adversary. David slew the giant and all Israel rejoiced!
David chose his method for defeating his adversary. He selected five smooth stones from the stream. The 11-year-old boy also chose his method for retrieving the ball. He pulled himself up by the large palm branch. Both David and this boy exercised skill, courage and faith. I believe that as pastors and leaders of the CPC recognize their God-given skill, courage and faith they can surmount the oppressive barriers that stand before them. May our Congolese brother and sisters recognize their unique skills and gifts, be filled with courage and faith and ultimately trust in the goodness of God. And may we support them as they select their “five smooth stones” …
Peace and Blessings to you from Congo —
Thank you so much for your prayers and support!
Bob and Kristi Rice
