Because of DR Congo’s poor infrastructure, the powered parachute is creating new possibilities for reaching isolated areas throughout the country. Glen Chapman, with the American Baptist mission, has flown about 160 flights in 2 years using the powered parachute.
Wi-Fi in Africa
Although it doesn’t currently include DR Congo . . .
“Paul English, the cofounder of travel search engine Kayak.com, wants to blanket all of Africa with free and low-cost Wi-Fi. It’s a “big, big project,” one that will consume the next decade of his life, English tells FastCompany.com.”
Technical Trade School at Tshikapa
Just received word today that Dr. Komuesa is prepared to start the first technical trade school at Tshikapa. He has secured a license and location for the school. Anticipated start date is September of this year 2009. The initial focus will be with carpentry and masonry. He is planning on 15 students for each section.
We are in the process of gaining more specific information as we move forward with this effort. The long term goal is to establish a minimum of five such schools located through out the AIMM ministry regions.
The Graber initiative has committed to raising funds to equip the schools with the necessary tools and equipment.
Brad Graber
Brick Presses
When we were in Tshikapa, Congo in September 2008 we met with the gentlemen on the far left in red, Pastor Komuesa. Together with our help, he secured these three brick presses that will help to continue construction there. They will also serve to create jobs for men who can make and sell these bricks.
These brick molds are helping Kalonda Bible Institute to become more self-sufficient. Current students are contributing a day a week to make clay bricks by hand using these molds. The bricks will be sold to the Mennonite Church of Congo for use in its Welcome Center construction project.
To purchase and transport these presses to the site where they will be used was about $900. I believe they were probably purchased in the capital city, Kinshasa, and shipped to Tshikapa, probably by boat.
Brick presses are not flashy, nor exciting, nor meaningful. But they are creating jobs, which is exciting. They are building spaces where relationships can be built, which is meaningful. They are a small part in a big work. This is what Hope for Congo looks like.
Atheist believes Christianity is good for Africa.
An interesting article from the The Times has been sparking some discussion online.
Ebola in Western Kasai region of DR Congo
The BBC reports a new Ebola outbreak in the Western Kasai. This is the area we visited in September. Please take a moment to pray for the Congolese. It is God’s grace that sustains life.
Hope 4 Congo 
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