Tag: Fred

Africa’s Problems

Meeting new people provides challenges when we encounter differing viewpoints.

Two weeks ago my husband and I took a vacation trip along America’s northwest coast. While we waited for our tour bus to arrive, I got acquainted with my fellow travelers. One couple had recently returned from a trip to Tanzania. They regaled us with stories of the wildlife they viewed from the safari tour’s land cruiser.

Another traveler spoke of his life in Congo during the upheaval of the 1960s. The talk turned to a discussion of Africa’s current political climate and poverty. The man declared, “Only Africa can solve Africa’s problems!”

“That’s an interesting perspective,” I said. I mentioned I blogged for this ministry to Congo. I summarized Fred and Dale’s Congo Trip 2015. Feeling pleased about the success with the rainwater collection system, I told them it also provided a small business opportunity for the Congolese men who were part of Fred’s team.

The man cut me off. “Humph! That won’t help. That’s not enough water.”

His tone softened when he allowed me to explain the size of the rainwater collection tanks.

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Fred with a rainwater collection tank he and his son installed at the conference center in Tshikapa, Congo.

After further discussion I asked him, “So you think we’re wasting our time trying to help the Congolese. Should we just give up?”

He shrugged. “No. You should keep trying.”

The tour bus arrived and our conversation ended, but his judgment still hung in the air: “Only Africa can solve Africa’s problems.”

What do you think? I’d like to hear your opinions about this.

©2015 Hope4Congo

Summary of Congo 2015

Fred has returned safely home. Dale returned three weeks earlier. It’s time for a summary of this year’s trip to the Congo.

As reported earlier, Dale and Fred along with their drilling crew were disappointed that they were unable to successfully dig a well. Although two attempts were made and they did strike water, both wells collapsed. This is a problem that needs to be investigated further with the company that engineered the equipment. Pray for wisdom and a solution to this problem.

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Fred and the potential new businessmen

Before Fred left the Congo, he and his crew were able to attach rainwater collection systems to four houses. Using roofing tin, the team devised guttering to carry the water through a downspout into thirty gallon plastic containers. These containers, readily available in the Congo, make fine water reservoirs. The system should work quite well during the approaching rainy season.

Pray for the success of the collection systems on these homes. The Congolese have never tried to collect rainwater before. If the Congolese people see these reservoirs as effective, they will be more willing to utilize this method to provide safe drinking water for their families. This could be such a wonderful solution for these dear people since they have a plentiful supply of rainwater.

Pray also for the Congolese crew members who learned how to create and install these rainwater collection systems. This could be a fine business venture for these men, a much-needed source of income for them and their families.

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Candid shot, Dale on left, Fred on right

Finally, we here at Hope 4 Congo are so grateful for the work of Fred and Dale. They were not only willing to go, but joyful for the opportunity. Dale developed malaria upon his return home. Fred contracted malaria while in Congo and was quite ill for a few days. Please pray for the full recovery of both men.

©2015 Hope4Congo

Dale has Malaria; Fred Continues Drilling

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Dale on the left, Fred in the background

Dale has been our source of updates due to his internet connection. Since Dale is back home now this is the last photo we have to share at this time.

Unfortunately, Dale has come down with malaria. It will take several days for him to recover. Please pray for him to feel better soon.

Fred is still in Congo. He reports they drilled down about eighty feet on the second well, but they had to abandon the first hole because it went crooked and collapsed at the bottom.

They have found water again, but we haven’t heard anymore from Fred at this point.

Please continue to pray for a successful well and that Dale will recover quickly.

And as always, please follow us so you’ll keep up with the news from Congo.

~Blessings

©2015 Hope4Congo

Saturday Afternoon Off

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Gravel from underground river

Dale writes: It is Saturday afternoon. We stopped drilling and took the afternoon off. We praise the Lord that we reached small gravel stones. This shows me that the underground river is close. I pray that we’ll reach water on Monday.

God is to get all the Glory.

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An afternoon off.

©2015 Hope4Congo

Water and a Bomb

Dale writes: Ready to start another day. Just heard that a bomb went off in Dibumba last night. We’ll proceed with caution and await more news.

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Starting the hole with a post hole digger.

Dale continues: Just found out details about the bomb. Last night a lady with a baby was cooking over a small fire. An unexploded landmine from years ago went off wounding her and her baby. They have taken her to the hospital. We pray to God that she and her baby heal.

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We’ve gone a total of 60 feet down. Hope and pray to hit water tomorrow.

©2015 Hope4Congo

Searching for Water

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Moving drilling equipment to a new site.

Dale Beverly and Fred Suter made the trip to Congo this year. The purpose of the trip is to drill wells for safe drinking water.

Dale writes: We searched for underground water, but didn’t find anything. So we went across the Tshikapa River to another village that needs good clean drinking water. Found a large underground river that we can drill into. Will move drill equipment there tomorrow. It will take all day to move and get set up.

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Setting up equipment.

©2015 Hope4Congo