A letter from Kristi Rice serving in Congo
September 2014 - Sharing Building Costs
On the way back to Kananga from Mutoto (about 40 miles northeast of Kananga) in March we stopped in a large village to visit the local Congolese Presbyterian Church (CPC) congregation. Trying to maneuver myself out of where I was wedged in the back of the Land Cruiser, I realized that a container of palm oil had sloshed around on the turbulent drive, and there was bright orange oil on my clothes and several of our bags. Annoyed that we had made this stop and frustrated with big stains on my clothes, I followed the urging of my guide to join the others in the church. Although it was Monday afternoon, a crowd was gathered in the thatch-roofed church to receive us. Pastor Kadima gave a word of welcome and appreciation for our visit, and then explained the project of building a more durable structure. They had already put up a wood structure and bought about half of the needed roof sheets—a rare and significant accomplishment! They were requesting help from the CPC for cement and the rest of the roof sheets and the bricks. We affirmed the hard work that they had done and their desire for a more durable structure and said our Department of Evangelism would consider what help we could give. Then, truly humbled by the commitment and sacrifice of this congregation, I received the live chicken they presented us with.
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Members packed into the old thatched roof church of Nyengela Mudimbi.
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The new roof structure built by members of the Nyengela Mudimbi church as of March this year.
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The old structure of palm leaves (right) next to the new structure with the roof sheets, as of September, 2014
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New bricks made by the congregation dry under the roof
I talked to Pastor Kadima a few weeks later and learned that his congregation had a field that they worked together. When they harvested their first crop of corn, they used the profits to start their building project. Over the course of a year or so, they had spent 350,000 Francs (about $400) on the wood structure that would support the roof. Keep in mind that this is the average annual income in Congo, and this was a poor rural area! Pastor Kadima said that if they could get support for the purchase of the roof sheets, his members would happily transport them from Kananga to their village, carrying them on their heads or on bicycles.
For more than a year we have been discussing with Pastor Mboyamba, the CPC Director of Evangelism, how to help churches with their buildings, which is a task often beyond the means of congregations where money is so scarce. We do not, however, feel it is reasonable or desirable to try to raise funds consistently to build entire churches. When that can be done, that is a blessing to the church, but what we want to do in a broader way is encourage and empower the local initiative and efforts. We have seen many examples of congregations making their own bricks, working together to earn money for roof sheets, or carrying stones long distances for the foundation. The building they construct might not have the same level of quality or longevity as one professionally constructed, but we think giving a smaller amount of support on a broader scale will have a positive impact and empower congregations.
With Pastor Mboyamba we put together an “application” for churches seeking support for their building, asking them to describe what they have already accomplished themselves and specifically which part (not the whole!) they are requesting support for. As we hear of specific needs, we have given out these applications. In July we sat with Pastor Mboyamba to review them and determine priorities. In August support was given to four congregations in four different synods, at an average amount of $1,200, mostly for the purchase of roof sheets and cement. We are now waiting to collect their financial reports about the use of those funds before we consider who might be next.
Pastor Kadima and his parish of Nyengela Mudimbi were one of the first recipients of a new initiative the Department of Evangelism has started this year. They now have a full roof, which means that they can come to worship even in the rain or the hot sun. They are in the process of making bricks, which means they are making progress toward having a secure place where they could even have benches and a podium locked in the building without having to transport everything each time they meet. This is one of the priorities on our “top 10 ministry priorities” page—if you would like to contribute to this specific project, see #7 on this page and follow the link for instructions.
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The new Land Cruiser for the Department of Evangelism
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Bob translates for Ken Skodiak during the laity seminar in Kananga
We are also excited to report that the new Land Cruiser for the Department of Evangelism has finally arrived in Kananga! Bob flew to Kinshasa with Mukulu Shambuyi, one of the CPC drivers, to finalize logistics for the vehicle to get documented and start the journey from Kinshasa to Kananga. We look forward to the increased ministry trips that we will be able to do, and are grateful for all the people who supported this significant ministry tool! The official name for this model of Land Cruiser is the “people mover,” which we think is very appropriate for the work it will be doing.
Two pastors from the U.S., Dale Williams from Gettysburg, Pa., and Ken Skodiak from Tucson, Ariz, visited this month to participate in some seminars and other ministry with us. We praise God for safe travel and successful and meaningful seminars and meetings in both West and East Kasai. The CPC leaders and members were very grateful and encouraged by their visit.
We are grateful that God continues to surprise us and humble us by the ways He is at work in Congo. Just when I am covered in palm oil and annoyed at another stop, God encourages me with an example of commitment to worship and love for Him. We appreciate and depend on your prayers and support. Thank you! Your participation with us and our partnership with the church in Congo is what makes a powerful impact here.
Blessings in Christ,
Bob and Kristi
The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 138
Read more about Bob and Kristi Rice's ministry
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Individuals: Give online to E200429 for Bob and Kristi Rice's sending and support
Congregations: Give to D507528 for Bob and Kristi Rice's sending and support
Churches are asked to send donations through your congregation’s normal receiving site (this is usually your presbytery).
