A letter from Bob and Kristi Rice in Congo
August 2011
“Lord, use us! Let’s build!”
Last week was the Presbyterian Community of Congo (CPC)’s national youth conference. It had been four years since the last youth conference, and we were very excited. We started hearing reports of youth arriving almost a week before the conference started. “Ten youth from Tshikapa (240 km. away) have arrived in Kananga by bicycle!” our colleague told us. “And those from the Central Synod (about 100 km. away) are planning to leave tomorrow.” Transport in Congo is a challenge, any way you cut it. Fourteen youth from the region of Mbuji-Mayi (180 km. from Kananga) paid to ride on a large truck — but en route a couple other passengers got killed and the driver fled, so the youth were back to where they started.
All that is to say, the youth who arrived in Tshikaji last week for the youth conference were eager, committed, and had already worked hard just to be there. Our theme came from Nehemiah 2:17–18, “Lord, use us! Let’s build!” Our teaching on Nehemiah focused on the fact that he was both a man of prayer and a man of action — a model for us today.
Spontaneously formed choirs.
I (Kristi) want to share a few "mental pictures" from the week to hopefully give you a taste of it.
- Spontaneously formed choirs: The very first morning in worship, the youth of the synod of Tshikapa formed a choir and impressed everyone with their voices. All the young women at the conference (about 15) also formed a choir, which was highly appreciated and special because they came from different regions.
- Intense note-taking: I was so impressed at how intently these young people listened to each speaker, asked questions, and eagerly grabbed onto any printed information that was made available. Sessions were taught on HIV/AIDS and health, preparing for marriage, community development, evangelism, music, and the structure of youth work in the church.
- Growing bodies need food! When we served seconds of bidia (the staple food), there was clamoring and relief from those who had been complaining that the food was not enough. We got lots of praise for the food—having three meals a day is a rare treat for most of these youth from rural regions. But it did take lots of refiguring and discussions to make enough to fill the bellies. I was put in charge of food and felt proud of the fact that we fed 100 people for three and a half days for a total cost of $650. Fortunately most people in Kasai are content to have the same menu every day.
- The power of testimony: Jean-Claude, an articulate and mature young man who is a leader of the youth in his parish, shared how they practice evangelism. In his parish in Kananga the youth regularly organize worship concerts and “days of reflection,” hold meetings in their neighborhood, and invite their friends to church. He said that on several occasions peers or their parents have been so impressed by the positive character and responsibility of these young people that they have started attending church. Jean-Claude’s testimony was exactly the practical example needed to complete Pastor Thierry’s teaching on the principles of evangelism.
- Add some elbow grease: It made my American heart happy to see the young people washing dishes with smiles on their faces. The boys looked a little sheepish at first when I took their picture, but also took pride in their work. It is almost taboo for men to wash dishes or work in the kitchen here, but our committee agreed to "push the limits" of culture in the interest of alleviating the load of our volunteer cooks and helping the youth take some responsibility for their meals.
- Let’s groove a little! We recruited Tété, a young woman with a gift for singing and a lot of energy to teach us some group activities. The youth formed a large circle outside and Tété taught a simple song in French. Everyone was a bit unsure and stiff at first, but they loosened up as she skipped and danced around the circle. It was not long before everyone was dancing along, and eager to get their turn in the middle. Our hope was that these youth could use this game as a tool for teaching younger kids in their communities. Several times after this session I heard people singing the songs during the conference—I think they will catch on!
- The power of prayer — the smiles on their faces showed the dedication and love of our two intercessors, Mamu Luendu and Mamu Leontine. On the last morning of the conference, Mamu Luendu and Mamu Leontine came into the kitchen with a burden to pray for our six cooks. These two women prayed during the entire conference in a nearby room, and chose to eat only one meal a day. Several of the youth who had specific concerns were referred to them for prayer, and God heard and answered their persistent and intentional prayer.
Everyone gathers to pray before departure on the final morning of the conference.
Our hope was that this conference would be a "shot in the arm" to the youth in the church. Often, they feel overlooked or without a voice in the church. Those who attended this conference went away feeling empowered and encouraged. Next year, the plan is to hold regional youth conferences in each of CPC’s 12 synods and empower the Christian Education directors and youth leadership in each synod to organize the conference. We see so much hunger for God and eagerness to serve among the youth of the church — please pray with us for this important segment of the church!
Then I [Nehemiah] said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies
in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the
wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them
about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me.
—Nehemiah 2:17-18
Bob and Kristi
The 2011 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 61
Blog: Adventures of Bob and Kristi
Write to Bob Rice.
Write to Kristi Rice.
Give to Bob and Kristi Rice’s sending and support.
