Friday, November 23, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Lifeline
No. I’m not referring to the latest Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals album, which I recommend. But, I’m stealing it for the title of this brief post.
Those familiar with the history of the Congo are aware of the horrors and darkness brought by colonial rule. However, with colonialism, came the Gospel. Unfortunately, it was inevitably intertwined with colonial domination and brutality. Some have told me it wasn’t the right time. I used to wonder if the Gospel’s presence benefited the continent at all. Naïve and ignorant, maybe, but its hard to ignore when viewing history through a lens of; Christianity the religion and the Church an institution. In my discussions with Congolese who have the relevant experience to speak passionately on the issue (not a white foreigner in the country for the first time), their eyes focus on the future and moving ahead, rather than reflecting on the past. The Gospel was introduced, and from what I have seen, it was and is the lifeline for many people. People breath it through song, dance, and prayer. Some may take this as a justification for colonialism…it’s not. As I stated, colonialism left nothing for the people of Africa. My statements, if anything, acknowledge and justify the hope and strength found in the Gospel that people have held on to so tightly. The community I’ve witnessed is astonishing, refreshing, and beautiful. It’s clear that what is needed here is empowerment, opportunities to overcome the context that has resulted from years of oppression, corruption, and war. As I reflect on my roots, I also come to the opinion that America needs a more authentic reflection of community found in the Gospel; a break from a Christian culture that is absorbed with the individual aspect.
Those familiar with the history of the Congo are aware of the horrors and darkness brought by colonial rule. However, with colonialism, came the Gospel. Unfortunately, it was inevitably intertwined with colonial domination and brutality. Some have told me it wasn’t the right time. I used to wonder if the Gospel’s presence benefited the continent at all. Naïve and ignorant, maybe, but its hard to ignore when viewing history through a lens of; Christianity the religion and the Church an institution. In my discussions with Congolese who have the relevant experience to speak passionately on the issue (not a white foreigner in the country for the first time), their eyes focus on the future and moving ahead, rather than reflecting on the past. The Gospel was introduced, and from what I have seen, it was and is the lifeline for many people. People breath it through song, dance, and prayer. Some may take this as a justification for colonialism…it’s not. As I stated, colonialism left nothing for the people of Africa. My statements, if anything, acknowledge and justify the hope and strength found in the Gospel that people have held on to so tightly. The community I’ve witnessed is astonishing, refreshing, and beautiful. It’s clear that what is needed here is empowerment, opportunities to overcome the context that has resulted from years of oppression, corruption, and war. As I reflect on my roots, I also come to the opinion that America needs a more authentic reflection of community found in the Gospel; a break from a Christian culture that is absorbed with the individual aspect.
Youth
Youth
It’s a bit odd driving or walking around. People are constantly staring at you with curiosity. Its kind of fun…except I my nature is to say hello to everyone looking at me. That’s a lot of people. Most seem to enjoy my attempted greetings, “jumbo” and “habari” in Swahili. Its quite possible, a few of the young children, I may be the first “muzungu” or “white man”, they’ve seen. A few have cried out in fear as they hide themselves in their mother’s arms. Their mother’s laugh as I reactively say sorry.
The city is filled with youth. I’ve been told that 50% of the population is under the age 16. With such a lack of infrastructure and higher education, the youthful spirit to help develop the country has limited outlets. There is a lack of leadership in the education and professional realm. Corruption reaches deep into society. Girls not expected to pass a course or grade are often given a proposition, “sex for a passing grade”. This form of oppression and others makes it difficult for girls to value themselves. The idea of a life beyond getting married or having kids still seems so far. For the boys, a “passing grade” can often be bought. They too, get caught up in the easy escape of sex and settling under a context that offers little.
Many people, including students, are from areas in the north and south. They were displaced during the most recent civil war. They fled their homes due to extensive ethnic clashes that resulted in the death of thousands. Beni, as described in my last post, has acted as a safe haven in the past. Remaining relatively peaceful the last four years.
I’ve presented a darker picture for a reason. This is the context the vision of the Congo Initiative and U.C.B.C. is striving to transform. Amidst hearing tragic stories and history, witnessing depravity and eyes that exemplify suffering, each day as I stand in front of the students at U.C.B.C their youthful energy fills the room and me. Here, hope is visible, Along with representatives at the opening conference, their passion to transform the community reaches far. Each day brings new excitement and ideas; and it’s just the beginning. It’s a privilege to be a part of something so significant and refreshing. Many obstacles and challenges lay ahead, but behind them lay peace and transformation.
It’s a bit odd driving or walking around. People are constantly staring at you with curiosity. Its kind of fun…except I my nature is to say hello to everyone looking at me. That’s a lot of people. Most seem to enjoy my attempted greetings, “jumbo” and “habari” in Swahili. Its quite possible, a few of the young children, I may be the first “muzungu” or “white man”, they’ve seen. A few have cried out in fear as they hide themselves in their mother’s arms. Their mother’s laugh as I reactively say sorry.
The city is filled with youth. I’ve been told that 50% of the population is under the age 16. With such a lack of infrastructure and higher education, the youthful spirit to help develop the country has limited outlets. There is a lack of leadership in the education and professional realm. Corruption reaches deep into society. Girls not expected to pass a course or grade are often given a proposition, “sex for a passing grade”. This form of oppression and others makes it difficult for girls to value themselves. The idea of a life beyond getting married or having kids still seems so far. For the boys, a “passing grade” can often be bought. They too, get caught up in the easy escape of sex and settling under a context that offers little.
Many people, including students, are from areas in the north and south. They were displaced during the most recent civil war. They fled their homes due to extensive ethnic clashes that resulted in the death of thousands. Beni, as described in my last post, has acted as a safe haven in the past. Remaining relatively peaceful the last four years.
I’ve presented a darker picture for a reason. This is the context the vision of the Congo Initiative and U.C.B.C. is striving to transform. Amidst hearing tragic stories and history, witnessing depravity and eyes that exemplify suffering, each day as I stand in front of the students at U.C.B.C their youthful energy fills the room and me. Here, hope is visible, Along with representatives at the opening conference, their passion to transform the community reaches far. Each day brings new excitement and ideas; and it’s just the beginning. It’s a privilege to be a part of something so significant and refreshing. Many obstacles and challenges lay ahead, but behind them lay peace and transformation.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Beni - "blessed"
I arrived in Beni, DR Congo on October 23, 2007. After a short night’s rest in Entebbe, Uganda, our MAF flight flew to Bunia, DR Congo, then on to Beni. Words cannot describe the beauty of the Congo viewed from above. Shades of green cover the valleys and mountains. Like the Great Lakes region in the Midwest, so holds the name of the eastern DR Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Carved into the landscape lies large, abundant lakes. As we approached Beni, to the west rolled a sea of jungle known as the Ituri forest. For miles and miles the canopy of this lush vegetation reached for the horizon. To the east, the Ruwenzori mountain range stood tall and mystical as clouds tried to cover it's enourmousy. The land is a paradise. As it would be said by my Congolese mother, Kaswera, “You can throw any kind of seed on the ground and it will grow”.
We were greeted by harmonious songs of praise from a number of leaders, pastors, and students. This is when it hit me…I’m in Africa, and I joined in to the best of my rhythmic inability. The welcoming was incomparable. We immediately headed over to the city government building where we met the mayor of Beni, minister of the Nord Kivu province, and director of the office of DR Congo. I flew to Beni with a delegation from the United States to include an advisor to the governor of the State of Arizona, the assistant mayor of Phoenix, and a prominent businessman and pastor from Milwaukee. The Rev. Stuart Briscoe joined us as well. So, before I could really start to take in the environment, I found myself in the middle of a formal welcoming from the provincial government. Of course, I was still chewing the old piece of gum I placed in my mouth that lessened the pressure on my ears while in flight.
After the formal welcome, we drove along dirt roads that make SUV commercials look weak. We arrived at the Kasali’s house and my new home. The house is large with many rooms and beds to accommodate the many visitors that come to Beni. I met their nephews and nieces…Festo, Grace, Amani, and Babi; and Kaswera’s brother Benjamin. They are blessed to have running water, which is not a common luxury. I am fortunate to call it home. We had a quick lunch that consisted of the most amazing pineapple and passion fruit juice, plantains, kasava leaves, potatoes, rice, and beef. Kaswera is a wonderful cook…I will do well here!
After lunch, we headed straight over to the Universite Chretienne Bilingue du Congo (Bilingual Christian University of Congo), for the beginning of the consultation conference – The Role of the Church and Nation Building. The school has not been completed, but the people continue to work diligently. I will be teaching English here. The building stands on 36 acres of land that was provided at a reasonable cost to U.C.B.C. by a local chief. The land is beautiful and holds great potential for the growth of the University.
Now, let me explain briefly what occurred this past week at the consultation or conference. A beautiful and historic event is beginning here in Beni. In a country that is striving to come out of years of destruction and absolute devastation of humanity, leaders from the local region have gathered to share ideas, vision, passions, love, and hope for the rebuilding of the region and nation. Pastors, businessmen, authorities, professors, chiefs, and others, gathered at Universite Chretienne Bilingue du Congo (U.C.B.C) for a consultation focused on the Church’s Role in Nation Building and the official opening of U.C.B.C. It was encouraging to see these leaders and community members come together to share the ideas and passions to support the vision of the Congo Initiative and U.C.B.C. It was no different from the exciting and challenging seminars and discussions I’ve attended at other universities. Furthermore, the consultation was not only a group of leaders gathered to discuss pertinent social, educational, and political issues, but included an absolute dependence on God. It is encouraging to hear these voices give thanks and praise after coming out of years of destruction and devastation of their country. Their hope revolves around the message of the Gospel. These leaders have experienced first hand the suffering and oppression and now stand together to support a vision that will bring hope and empowerment to their communities.
It is also evident the immediate community came together to make this event happen. From the construction of the building, to the preparation of food, to the incredible Congolese music; all participated, providing a glimpse of what is yet to come. The students’ hearts long to learn. Despite the language barrier, it is evident their hearts beat with excitement and desire to participate in the rebuilding of their country. Like the present leaders, they are tired of the conflict and instability. They are the leaders of tomorrow and their desire to learn and contribute is incomparable.
This is a poor attempt to summarize the last 10 days. There is much more to be said. I left out many details and realities for the sake of bringing to front last week’s consultation. The realities, some beautiful and some dark, you could find in much more professional writings in media. However, I will try to touch on these in future entries. Let me lastly mention this; it is telling that the name, “Beni”, comes from the French word “benir”, which means, ‘to bless”. In a land with a troubled history, the Congo Initiative is a gathering of many lights beginning to shine. I consider a great blessing to be a part of the community here and desire to see this city, province, and country, transformed.
We were greeted by harmonious songs of praise from a number of leaders, pastors, and students. This is when it hit me…I’m in Africa, and I joined in to the best of my rhythmic inability. The welcoming was incomparable. We immediately headed over to the city government building where we met the mayor of Beni, minister of the Nord Kivu province, and director of the office of DR Congo. I flew to Beni with a delegation from the United States to include an advisor to the governor of the State of Arizona, the assistant mayor of Phoenix, and a prominent businessman and pastor from Milwaukee. The Rev. Stuart Briscoe joined us as well. So, before I could really start to take in the environment, I found myself in the middle of a formal welcoming from the provincial government. Of course, I was still chewing the old piece of gum I placed in my mouth that lessened the pressure on my ears while in flight.
After the formal welcome, we drove along dirt roads that make SUV commercials look weak. We arrived at the Kasali’s house and my new home. The house is large with many rooms and beds to accommodate the many visitors that come to Beni. I met their nephews and nieces…Festo, Grace, Amani, and Babi; and Kaswera’s brother Benjamin. They are blessed to have running water, which is not a common luxury. I am fortunate to call it home. We had a quick lunch that consisted of the most amazing pineapple and passion fruit juice, plantains, kasava leaves, potatoes, rice, and beef. Kaswera is a wonderful cook…I will do well here!
After lunch, we headed straight over to the Universite Chretienne Bilingue du Congo (Bilingual Christian University of Congo), for the beginning of the consultation conference – The Role of the Church and Nation Building. The school has not been completed, but the people continue to work diligently. I will be teaching English here. The building stands on 36 acres of land that was provided at a reasonable cost to U.C.B.C. by a local chief. The land is beautiful and holds great potential for the growth of the University.
Now, let me explain briefly what occurred this past week at the consultation or conference. A beautiful and historic event is beginning here in Beni. In a country that is striving to come out of years of destruction and absolute devastation of humanity, leaders from the local region have gathered to share ideas, vision, passions, love, and hope for the rebuilding of the region and nation. Pastors, businessmen, authorities, professors, chiefs, and others, gathered at Universite Chretienne Bilingue du Congo (U.C.B.C) for a consultation focused on the Church’s Role in Nation Building and the official opening of U.C.B.C. It was encouraging to see these leaders and community members come together to share the ideas and passions to support the vision of the Congo Initiative and U.C.B.C. It was no different from the exciting and challenging seminars and discussions I’ve attended at other universities. Furthermore, the consultation was not only a group of leaders gathered to discuss pertinent social, educational, and political issues, but included an absolute dependence on God. It is encouraging to hear these voices give thanks and praise after coming out of years of destruction and devastation of their country. Their hope revolves around the message of the Gospel. These leaders have experienced first hand the suffering and oppression and now stand together to support a vision that will bring hope and empowerment to their communities.
It is also evident the immediate community came together to make this event happen. From the construction of the building, to the preparation of food, to the incredible Congolese music; all participated, providing a glimpse of what is yet to come. The students’ hearts long to learn. Despite the language barrier, it is evident their hearts beat with excitement and desire to participate in the rebuilding of their country. Like the present leaders, they are tired of the conflict and instability. They are the leaders of tomorrow and their desire to learn and contribute is incomparable.
This is a poor attempt to summarize the last 10 days. There is much more to be said. I left out many details and realities for the sake of bringing to front last week’s consultation. The realities, some beautiful and some dark, you could find in much more professional writings in media. However, I will try to touch on these in future entries. Let me lastly mention this; it is telling that the name, “Beni”, comes from the French word “benir”, which means, ‘to bless”. In a land with a troubled history, the Congo Initiative is a gathering of many lights beginning to shine. I consider a great blessing to be a part of the community here and desire to see this city, province, and country, transformed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
