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.”