Reconciliation

As the words of the last interviewee explain, reconciliation has begun in Northeastern Congo. It is a story that is unfolding before us at UCBC. An element of tribal affiliation once had a significant and damaging stronghold, but is now overcome by a different community. The students at UCBC come from all walks of life: different “sectors” of society, past opposing tribes, unsymmetrical life experiences.

One student lost her father during the war. He was assassinated because his tribe was accused of aiding an enemy tribe of another group. His body is yet to be found. She says she has somehow found forgiveness, even with lack of closure.

Tears shed down another student’s cheek as she spoke deeply of her father’s death. After the looting of their livelihoods, house and businesses, the stress and anxiety overcame him. He suffered a heart attack 3 days later.

Another student and family were kidnapped by militia and forced into hard labor for several months before their rescue.

Then, there are a few students who were involved with the militias themselves. Taking part of the conflict that plagued the area surrounding Bunia. Witnessing the same tragedies the stories unveil above. Perhaps tired of fighting, or just realizing the senselessness of it all, they too, have gathered at UCBC to search out something new in this part of Congo.

As a teacher and friend, I can only listen to these stories disclose painful memories. Never, will I truly grasp their intensity. But, it is a privilege to witness them come together as a community, not forgetting about the past as if erased from memory, but forgiving the past, and setting their eyes on the future. Their moto, “Amour (love), Travail (work), and Fidelite (faithfulness),” overcomes even the heart-wrenching damage of loss. Here is reconciliation.

Interview II

James lived in Beni for most his life. However, he lived in Bunia for 3 years: 1999 to 2002. His father is a pastor. He was studying in Bunia at the theological university USB. The whole family lived at the University campus. At the camp, there were people from different cultures and different tribes. Everyone was friends. He was studying there and got to second class of secondary school.

When the war began, it was not easy for his family. They were from the tribe, Nandi. The people began to speak badly about them. They said, “You come from a place of many riches. You are known for riches. We don’t want you here at our land. If you don’t leave we will kill you.”

Father was in his last year. One month after the beginning of the war they had to leave Bunia for their own safety. They loved Bunia. At the end of 2004 (after the war), they began to make trips back to Bunia for reconciliation. They went to the villages where the different militias and tribes resided. All the houses were burned in each village. When they arrived they would hold seminars for usually 3 days. After those three days, they would share the Gospel. “We saw God’s miracles, because the chief of the Hema went with us to the Ngiti village. The chief of Ngiti went with us to the Hema village. They asked each other for pardon and peace. Those that stole from the opposing villages began to bring the stolen items back to those taken from. There is now a market on the border of the Hema and Ngiti,” explained James.

What happened in Bunia, the reconciliation, touched his heart. So, he asked God, “What can I do to help my country? How can I find understanding?” Even in the war, pastors, “Christians”, were killing each other. James wanted to understand God. He wants to help his country grow with a new mentality, founded on Christ. He stated, “God showed me these things…1) Prepare myself at UCBC; 2) Begin a ministry with the youth (this month we will have our first meeting); 3) Another ministry of writing on different subjects that help the Congolese understand God, and try to help them cultivate a heart of love.” They have begun this too and have written 6 essays. One challenge is they always have to send writings to Kampala for copying and distribution. They hope to have their own machines and materials someday.

“The presence of UCBC in Congo is very important because the state of our country,” continued James. “What we have experienced and continue to experience; war, poverty, etc. is a result of bad leadership.” All things seem corrupted: in medicine, business, politics, and education. When UCBC began, when he saw the vision of UCBC, he saw a solution. It addresses these problems. After one month he understands how he can contribute. All those who will pass through UCBC will be the agents of transformation and solutions in Congo. He believes through UCBC, God will transform, will deliver, and save this country. UCBC is training the mind, body, and heart. “ I think UCBC is a gift to Congo from God. The vision and the staff of UCBC are united. Even if we have a great vision, we need people to implement it. And UCBC has a good staff to accomplish the vision. UCBC has become a reality.”

Interview

Ben comes from a family of eight. He is married with three children of his own. His family came from the Bunia area (approx: 50km north or Beni). He worked at Nyakunde hospital near Bunia as a greenhouse administrator for a German project that grew vegetables. In 2002 the area became increasingly unstable. Ethnic conflict broke out between tribes and warring militias. Step by step, the conflict took over the whole area. In the beginning of September 2002, these fighters came and completely destroyed the hospital, killing many. “We had the grace of being saved,” stated Ben.

Ben and his family were displaced and settled in Beni. He lost a brother and a sister in the war; each of them had a child. Ben has taken in both these children as his own. The Nyakunde hospital, those left from the original administration and staff, relocated to Beni as well. There, Ben continued to work.

(Note: This is one of many stories of the destruction at Nyakunde Hospital in September 2002. A number of the students were displaced as a result of war in that area. The horrors that occurred are not described in detail here. I’ve met a number of friends that witnessed the senseless killing and destruction of the hospital. Some lost loved ones. These same people have joined in a reconciliation and reconstruction effort of the hospital and region.)

One day, he saw an advertisement for UCBC. It has been his prayer to work in computer science. UCBC provides that opportunity. He further explained, “The philosophy of UCBC will be able to transform me into the person I want to be.” With this blessing, comes also a social problem. His wife is studying healthcare at the hospital. His daughter has begun primary school. And, they need to take care of the 3 other young children. With this background, it is difficult to support my studies. We can only lean on God.

Ben closed with this request, “I need my brother’s prayers to support me as I take on the responsibilities of a student and a father.”

Their Stories

Many of the students have approached me with the desire to tell their stories. They would like the world to understand the context of Congo and the new hope found in UCBC.

Interviews began a few weeks ago and give the opportunity for their voices to be heard. This has brought “Hidden Rendition” to a new level of significance. The student’s stories are renditions of the purest nature. So, I ask you, PLEASE continue to read.

I will post interviews periodically. They are simply written to avoid facts and feelings from being lost in translation. Due to my lack of knowledge of what is appropriate and in the best interest of the students, identification information is excluded.

Brotherly Love

Last Sunday, I visited an orphanage that the Congo Initiative continues to assist. There were approximately 18 children crammed into a small mud thatched house. A new child was just brought to them. The mother passed away shortly after giving birth. The family tried to feed the baby “hard” food and as one might expect, this did not benefit the child. He came to the orphanage at 6 months and was severely malnourished. His name, translated from French, “Thank God”.

An orphanage is actually rare in Beni. And, in many instances, the orphanage only acts as a temporary residence for the children. It provides time for the child’s family to make necessary arrangements. More proof of the beautiful community. Street children are rare. Families take care of each other and take in those who are in need. What amazed me was the dedication of the women or mothers at the orphanage. In a context that is often desperate, they set aside their livelihoods in order to give love and life to the children.

My friend, David, pointed out one day a young girl, about 8 years old. As it begun to rain, she quickly picked up her little sister (not necessary biological), threw the child on her back, as she ran for shelter. “They learn to take care of each other at a very young age,” said my friend. I noticed this same kind of brotherly love at the orphanage. An older child helping another eat; picking up one if he or she fell; holding hands; always looking out for one another.

Sauterelle

A couple weeks ago, I awoke to the joyful shouts of the Congolese. I climbed to the top of the house to pear over the wall. The people were flocking to the field just west of our house. They ran around digging in the long grass, as if a plane had dropped candy. I walked with my faithful friend, B, to check out the commotion. As I approached the field, I noticed even those driving motorbikes jumped off their rides and fled to the field. Children were jumping and singing as they chased after what appeared to be green flying objects. My friend yelled, “Justin, sauterelle!” In his hands were 4 bright green grasshoppers. “GOOD!” he shouted with laughter.

Sauterelle invade the area about once a year in November. The poor green buggers are a natural candy. Like many flying insects, they are attracted to bright lights at night. That evening, I again, heard shouts of joy. My Congolese family and I ran outside and the next thing I new, we were catching hundreds of flying grasshoppers…in the rain. After about an hour, we called it quits and took our evening’s catch to the stove. Within 30 minutes, they were fried. An analogy? Well, think of popcorn shrimp. Of course, the next question would be, “Did I throw a few down the old hatch?” The boys of 878 can attest I’ve eaten some crazy creations. So, I’ll let your imaginations wonder.