Leadership Support Network Newsletter 2014-15

My apologies to you, our Hope4Congo readers, I am late with this week’s post. I’ve been struggling with a cold and my brain is in a fog. Plus I’ve had technical problems with my computer–more about that in a future post.

The usual posting day for this website is on Thursdays. Recently there have been additional items to include on our website. Therefore I’ve posted twice / week, on Tuesdays as well as Thursdays. That won’t always happen.

The Cong10682407_10152627774139473_4340179845760257057_oo Leadership Support Network has had a productive year. Charles Buller recently published a One Year Review Newsletter. Here are a few highlights or as Charles aptly wrote, God Signs:

In September 2014 AIMM made room in their limited office space for Charles to begin the vision for the Leadership11246263_10153183593794473_1733209414427768500_n Support Network. Fund-raising and vision framing began and were successful. In November 2014, Charles met with Congolese brothers to discuss and identify core values to under gird the ministry. In March 2015 an ambitious three-week Congo visit included preaching in churches, traveling to Tshikapa with Leonard to present the vision, and a 1000 km trek with Albert across south-central Congo to visit church leaders and communities.

As you can imagine a lot of work went into translations of literature and location logistics for the seminars. Many wonderful God signs there included cooperation among other ministries in Congo. Praise God for how he organized all this through his willing servants!

All that preparation and planning led up to the two seminars this year. If you’ve been reading this website regularly you already know about the success of those. Again, we praise God that leaders 11947497_10153469823959473_4444987339093765441_nhave12022520_10153497072834473_3982604055302065183_o been equipped to go and help train other leaders.

Please pray for continued networking to train, develop, and encourage the Congolese leadership.

©2015 Hope4Congo

Give Thanks for Answered Prayers

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Damien and Sylvie continue to heal. Praise God!
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Albert arrived safely from his 1000 km journey over these kinds of roads without incident. Another Praise God!

©2015 Hope4Congo

Ordination Celebration

12038395_10153536063289473_3178813728685170601_n Jacque M. was ordained this past weekend. He served with Campus Crusade in the ’80-90’s, then worked with various evangelistic efforts, although he was never officially ordained. Recently he has been working with a few young churches located at the Bateke Plateau – some 100 kilometers from Kinshasa.

The Bateke people have been historically resistant to the gospel. However, in the past twenty years there has been an opening. Various evangelistic churches have seized upon this opportunity.

Jacque’s wife died of diabetes in 2007. He has raised his family alone. All of them share a deep vibrant faith and are already leaders among their peers. 12108302_10153536063974473_7726978943005479725_n

For some time now, Jacque has not had a consistent income. He and his family were living in a home in exchange for protecting the property while a large home was being built. The home is completed now and his family must move, but they have no place to go. Please pray for a home and that God will provide for their needs.

 

©2015 Hope4Congo

A Lonely Ride

12009594_10153529416599473_231520789564487121_nPray for safe travel for Albert M. who began his week long motorcycle journey to Tshikapa a few days ago. Many potential hazards on this treacherous journey including bandits who could take advantage of a lone rider far from villages or towns.

Adam F. calls Albert a gentle and friendly soul–unpretentious, but driven. Pray that Albert’s work is fruitful as he seeks to make connections with various church leaders and extension sites for theological education work.

Finally, please keep his wife and family in your prayers, too. They remain behind at home.

©2015 Hope4Congo

 

Damien and Sylvie

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Damien and Sylvie, photo by Simplice Mbamvu via Congo Leadership Support Network

Praise God for the generous outpouring of financial gifts to AIMM for Damien and Sylvie. These gifts are also part of the healing process for them.

Please continue to pray for their complete healing. Damien is receiving good care. As mentioned previously, quiet and rest are essential for healing of brain injuries.

©2015 Hope4Congo

Update on Damien and Sylvie

12032279_10153518690644473_9184883280453132840_nIt looks very much like our prayers are having an effect. Please continue to pray for complete healing. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. The brain needs quiet and rest in order to heal after a head injury.  Below is an excerpt from an update regarding their condition.

Charles Buller with Congo Leadership Support was able to talk briefly with Sylvie (wife of coaching network team member, Damien) on September 24th by phone. She and Damien are resting and recuperating following the assault by bandits last Saturday. She sounded positive and hopeful. Apparently surgery for Damien may not be necessary. They were instructed to stay in a quiet place to give medications a chance to work. (And a time for God to do His sacred work of healing.)

The costs for their care and long-term healing will outstrip Damien and Sylvie’s financial resources by many fold. Whatever you would be willing to contribute toward their financial needs – even $5 or $10 will be an invaluable investment in the lives of these two servants. Checks can be made to AIMM, P.O. Box 744, Goshen, IN 46527; or in Canada, 440 Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5. Please clearly designate on your check, Kakhenda medical expenses.

©2015 Hope4Congo