Perhaps through the telephone
system, the news of my visit preceded my arrival, and old friends
and colleagues all came out to greet me. I do not doubt the genuine
joy they had to see me again, but many greetings were also accompanied
by the usual “requests.” They are in dire need. Many
said, “We don’t have anything to eat, please help
us.” When I said that I would consider their requests, several
of them asked me to call them on their mobile phone! In the past
they asked “When shall I come back?” Perhaps they
had nothing to eat for spending the money on the mobile phone.
The fact that I do not have a phone to make the call did not register
in their minds. Also, I sensed that with the arrival of instant
communication, their patience for a solution is also reduced.
The good old American virtue of instant gratification is taking
hold in central Africa as well. On balance, however, it was good
to see that average people have means to communicate. With the
increased communication capability, we hope to see increased accountability
as well.
Our team made many visits to outlying areas, taking advantage
of much more relaxed travel controls in the country since the
ceasefire. The road conditions were the same as before but most
of the security checkpoints are gone, having moved to Nepal (just
a joke, folks) and light airplanes are allowed to fly. Three years
ago, I wanted to visit two hospitals in the neighboring province,
Kasai Oriental, but had to cancel due to ongoing war and the trouble
within the Congolese Presbyterian Church leadership in that area.
This time, we left early in the morning with the Congolese church
leaders to make the 50-mile journey to Bibanga from Mbuji Mayi.
After 20 miles we left the paved road and started on some of the
worst roads I have traveled in Congo, or for that matter, anywhere.
At one point, a broken down jeep completely blocked the road requiring
massive manpower to push it out of the way. The trip took three
and one half hours. When we got near the village, we were met
by the women dancing with palm fronds around their waist and palm
leaves waving in their hands. They were so glad to be in the proper
care of the church, after being torn and suffering under the destructive
behaviors of the rogue leaders. We walked the last half mile to
the church together with the village folks. I could almost imagine
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem; there were more palms than
on any Palm Sunday that I experienced, and the pure joy of the
people was moving. After the emotional service of thanksgiving,
“evaluation of programs” had to be shelved—it
just wasn’t the time. When God moves, our human efforts
are inconsequential! It was good to put our work in proper perspective.
We will return another day to do evaluation. Many difficulties
remain, but on this day the joy of God’s affirmation and
the hope for a better future overshadowed any practical concerns.
It was a very humbling but joyful lesson I learned. I pray that
the joy and hope become infectious and spread throughout this
land, and in America.
We will write a more detailed report next month. Please also
remember Nepal in your prayers, as Nepal’s condition is
actually getting worse. A small bomb exploded very near our house
two days ago, thankfully no one was hurt, but it brought our vulnerability
home. We especially ask for your prayer during the time Haejung
and I are in different countries.
May we all find the joy in risen Christ and have hope!
Simon & Haejung
The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
203
|
