File - Africa Inter
Transcription
File - Africa Inter
Africa Journal Congo: Traveling on THE WAY August 2009 Vol. 9 “Following Jesus, Making Disciples, Empowering the Church” The New Testament gospels are replete with descriptions of travel- disciples walking distances in groups or alone, scrounging food from fields along the path, dealing with annoying crowds or hostile territory, and always trying to stick close behind the Master. Pastor Vende Byngu Leavean Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission: International Central Council P.O. Box 744 Goshen, IN 46527 440 Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Canada Ph: 574-535-0077 Email: aimm@aimmintl.org Web: aimmintl.org Such descriptions are easily understood by Congolese Christians today. The Congo Mennonite Church held its General Assembly in Tshikapa this past February. The Assembly took place in a spirit of calm. Arnold Harder attended as a representative of the AIMM Partnership Council. Here are a few brief glimpses of how the delegates made the trip to Tshikapa. Mme. Mubi Matemba walked 350 miles from Kahemba north east to Tshikapa over an 8 day period, eating and sleeping in roadside restaurants along the way. • Jean Tshimanga Kazadi, Gastof Kabaselé Mukita Bungi Bungi, ungi and Rev. Mpoyi Dieudonné Kamba traveled from Mbuji Mayi 285 miles west to Tshikapa by bicycle over sandy, potholed roads. It took them 5 days. Pastor Vende Byngu Leavean traveled from Gungu east to Tshikapa, visiting churches along the way. As the crow flies, the distance is around 125 miles: no doubt he made many more than that. He was on the road for 6 days. • • Jean Tshimanga Kazadi, Gastof Kabaselé Mukita Bungi, and Rev. Mpoyi Dieudonné Kamba Congo Outreach through the Jesus Film During 5 weekends in April and May, an evangelistic team led by Mennonite Church of Congo Vice President Birakara brought preaching teams and the Jesus film to a number of Mennonite congregations and their neighborhoods. Locations visited include Kele-Kabondo and Madi in Tshikapa; Tshibemba; Tshimbondayi; and Ngombe. Pastor Birakara Birakara estimates that over 7,500 people listened to the message and watched the film. As a result of these events, 51 people were baptized and admitted into local congregations. From August 23 through September 6, the same team is planning another trip. This time, they plan to visit the following local churches and surrounding areas: Iroro Munene; Ibombo Iyeye; Mapono; Ibombo Itimu; Kikunga Tembo; Khoma; Nyanga; and Sashila. Pray that people who hear the message and see the film will respond positively to the Word of Life. AIMM supports this ministry through gifts to help cover transportation costs. AIMM Archives Find a Home The Illinois Mennonite Historical and Genealogical Society’s Mennonite Heritage Center, located on Hwy 116 just west of Metamora, is the home of the AIMM Archives. This collection of files, photos and publications which document the story of Congo Inland Mission/Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission from its inception in 1912 to the present, is housed in the IMHGS Center’s climate-controlled archives room in a series of metal file cabinets. Several trips have been made to the Center recently by AIMM staff, and volunteers Jim and Jenny Bertsche, Bertsche in an attempt to properly organize the collection and render it easily usable to those interested. Currently an updated index of the holdings is available both at the Center and at the AIMM Office. We encourage interested persons to visit the Center and the AIMM’s Archives! Center staff can be reached at 309-367-2551. The Illinois Illinois Mennonite Heritage Center is open April through October, Fridays & Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm & Sundays from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, or by appointment. In addition to the archives, it also houses a museum, a library, a meeting room and the Congo Room. The latter professionally displays a number of Congolese artifacts depicting village life during the period that the donors, Jim and Jenny Bertsche, Bertsche lived and worked in Congo with CIM/AIMM. (photo L. Julie Hendricks MHC secretary, R. Jenny & Jim Bertsche, Lola Gingerich ) The Change We Wish to See… Melanie Quinn (MMN) in Francistown, Botswana, Botswana, writes: “Sitting on the veranda of Bopaganang Basha we casually talk about the sky. Pearl gray and sepia clouds spread across the huge African sky and I once again tell the youth how much I love the vastness of space here. We are waiting, as usual. Today is different though. While passersby may think we are idle, we are far from being still. These past few months we had been embroiled in a rather traumatic scenario. The Youth Centre has been funded through a clearinghouse that is supported by overseas funds. Unfortunately it was discovered that the financial officer was misusing funds and the Youth Centre was his personal jackpot. The result is that our Centre's funding has been suspended. Bopaganang Basha has not received anything since March! There is an ongoing investigation, auditing, and many reports that must be continued. I will confess to quite a bit of frustration and even anger at this situation. After all, these young folks are heavily involved in peer counseling and education through the outreaches and dramas they themselves organize. And may I add-they are so talented! The first Bible study after everything came to light was hardreally hard. After all, how dare I suggest we all work on forgiveness? And, was I ready to show the example? Forgiveness is a powerful action; action we must engage it often in order for it to be valid. I must change my action-my behavior. I cannot bring up the anger just to vent. Rather, I must forgive totally so we can gather ourselves and move on. So, I pray for the strength to let go of my anger and frustration. Now we are left to start anew and begin to bring in new administration to handle our office. We are committed to moving on and rebuilding. So, I ask my young brothers and sistershave you forgiven yet? Are you able to let go and give it to God? With harder than necessary faces, many of them do not answer. The ones who do just tell me-” Mommy, you will know.” Today we are waiting for a truck to come and load our stage for a special competition. The youth are all patiently preparing themselves for this event. It took a lot to get them here to this place of action. What inner reserve they have! The truck arrives, and the guys put their stage into the back. As they finish loading, we stand together to pray for the day, for safety, for love, for friendship. As I look around at their faces, I feel a great comfort. Suddenly the young women lift their voices in song. I watch them open their eyes and, wow it is like the sun coming out from behind a cloud-big smiles. As they leave, I get hugs, and with laughter, one young man assures me-”We are not angry anymore-we are free!” Please continue to pray for Bopaganang Basha Ba Semoya. Pray that we continue to seek Our Lord's guidance in all that we do. Pray for a healing upon our hearts as we move into the future of our centre. Kagiso (peace of Our Father) After six years of service in Botswana, the Allison Jones’ family- Glyn & Susan with children Maeyken and Adriaena- are transitioning back to life in Canada. They served through Mennonite Church Canada Witness. AIMM VolunteersVolunteers- THANK YOU! Congo Centennial Book Project In order to mark the 100 year anniversary of the Congo Mennonite Church and also of CIM/AIMM in 2012, we are embarking on a major story gathering project. We want to hear, preserve and publish stories of Congolese Christians faithfully witnessing to and living out the gospel in their context across a century. This project is divided into three phases: research; translation and editing; and publication. Each phase is projected to cost around $40,000. L to R clockwise:Tina Bohn,Carolyn & Nevin Albrecht, Jim Bertsche, Peter & Gladys Buller, John Bohn, Martini Janz, Elvina Martens prepare Africa Journal for mailing February 2009. AIMM benefits tremendously from hundreds of volunteers who help the mission in many ways. Some of the more obvious examples include: praying for African and expatriate churches, leaders and mission workers; stuffing envelopes for AIMM mailings; sharing encouragement and ideas with AIMM staff personally and through phone and email conversations; serving on an AIMM board, either in North America or internationally; investing time, energy and resources into specific projects through AIMM; mobilizing financial support for AIMM; hosting people for meetings; organizing AIMM events; etc. Without you working beside us as your AIMM support staff, our tasks would quickly overwhelm us. THANKS for all you do for God’s mission! The early church Jim Bertsche and Rod HollingerHollinger-Janzen have been making contacts with individuals and church communities who are connected to the Congo Mennonite story through AIMM. They are willing to travel to present this project to anyone who expresses interest. They may be contacted through the AIMM office. To launch the research phase in November 2009, $40,000 needs to be raised. Presently we have received $28,000. Are you willing to help close this gap? In Memory of Loved Ones Hulda Banman Thiessen, Thiessen AIMM missionary in Congo from 1956-1971, went to be with Jesus on April 2, 2009. Hulda spent her missionary years training Congolese nurses at Kimpese and Tshikaji. In 1987 Hulda married Henry Thiessen, who preceded her in death in 1996. Elmer Neufeld, Neufeld AIMM Board member from 1968-77, and Board chair from 1971-75, passed away on March 30, 2009. Elmer worked at Bluffton University as a philosophy professor and academic dean before a long stint as President from 1978-1996. Elmer also worked extensively with Mennonite Central Committee, including a term in Congo as MCC Country Director. Elmer is survived by his wife LaVera, and their children Carolyn Huffman, Cynthia Neufeld Smith, Timothy Neufeld, Iris Neufeld, and Francene Merrin. Lowell Short, Short longtime AIMM supporter from Archbold, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on March 27, 2009. Lowell was a farmer and a developer. He is survived by his wife Jane, along with their children Barbara Goble, Sam Short and Linda Ross. AIMM Missionary Kid Reunion The first AIMM Missionary Kid Reunion Reunion was held at the Grace Church in Morton, IL. June 26-28. By all measures it was a successful event, thanks to God who blessed it, to the many people who made a great effort and covered Lee Rocke, Judy (Schwartz)Good, (Carolyn Harder)Voth long distances in order to attend, and to organizer Tim Bertsche, Bertsche his wife Laura and their children David, Mika and Erik, Erik who all helped to make it happen. Attendees (for all or part of the event) included the following: Jim & Jenny Bertsche, Tim & Laura Bertsche with Mika and Erik, David & Callie Bertsche, Vangie Claassen, Delbert Dick, Rudy & Sharon Dirks with Nathan, Shawna and Stephanie, Lola Gingerich, Carmen & Judy Good, Tim Bertsche Brad Graber, David & Karen Harder, Harold & Joyce Harms, Rod King & Sandra Bertsche King, Heidi Regier Kreider, Rod HollingerJanzen, Jo Ann Harms Loewen with Zachary and Connor, John Martens, Phil Martens, Chuck Regier, Dave & Pris Reimer, Darrel Rocke, Dave & Cathie Rocke, Ina Rocke, Keith & Mary Rocke, Lee Rocke, Loren & Nancy Graber Roth, Marc Roth, Yvonne Roth Smith, John & Carolyn Harder Voth, Jim Yoder & Linda Bertsche. Some of the highlights: an extended sharing time Saturday morning dealing with the opportunities and struggles of transition from one country and culture to another; exchanging photo albums; birthday party #94 for Ina Rocke with all of her children present; an authentic Congolese meal prepared by the Rocke family, complete with bidia, chicken in palm oil, and greens; lots of storytelling around tables; Jim Bertsche explaining that the “boarding school experience” of sending children away for education to a faraway city was difficult for the parents as it was for children… A big THANKTHANK-YOU to all who participated in this event! Your commitment and enthusiasm is an Jim Bertsche, David Bertsche, Nathan Dirks indication that such a gathering should be planned again in several years. Thanks also for your generosity in contributing toward reunion costs. Due to higher than anticipated attendance, we were able to cover those costs plus contribute over $1,300 to the AIMM Congo Story Gathering Project. Cathie Rocke, Nancy Roth, Vangie Claassen Loren Roth, Phil Martens, Chuck Regier, Nancy Roth & Rudy Dirks AIMM Family News Irene Weaver grew up in India as the daughter of Mennonite missionaries. She and her husband Ed pioneered work with African Initiated Churches, first in Nigeria and then in various other parts of Africa. The Weavers lived in Botswana 1975-77 while helping AIMM to begin its work of accompanying AICs. Irene will celebrate her 100th birthday on Jan.23, 2010. Peter and Gladys Buller celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary with a program and open house at Silverwood Mennonite Church on Sunday June 28. Their children Charles, Jeannette and James organized a wonderful program celebrating what God has done through Peter and Gladys. Former AIMM missionary to Congo receives award (reprinted from Canadian Mennonite July 27, 09 issue by Henry Neufeld) The University of British Columbia Department of Surgery recently announced the establishment of the Henry D. Hildebrand Award for Excellence. The late physician was a pioneer and leader in vascular surgery. The cash award will be given annually to a promising junior resident surgeon. Hildebrand, originally from Niverville, Manitoba, had a long and successful medical practice, taught medical students and served in Congo, Central America, Kazakhstan and Kenya. The inaugural award was presented at a recent ceremony by Hilda Hildebrand. The Hildebrands were long-time members of Point Grey Inter-Mennonite Fellowship, Vancouver. Burkina Faso Church Responds to Disaster KANGALA, Burkina FasoFaso- by Lynda HollingerHollingerJanzen (MMN) Mennonites in Burkina Faso are living out Jesus’ love through a largehearted response to the devastation caused by lightning-induced fires in three villages. Five days after the May 21 storm, leaders of Eglise Evangélique Mennonite du Burkina Faso (Evangelical Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso) visited communities that had lost homes, food supplies and their means of transportation – bicycles and motorcycles. Members of two Mennonite congregations were among those left only with the clothes they were wearing and their hoes. The three nearly simultaneous lightning strikes ignited fires late in the afternoon while most of the villagers were working in their fields, located at a distance from their homes. “We cannot remain indifferent as we observe this picture of desolation. We want to express our compassion and bring aid at all levels – individually, as a community and internationally – to comfort those who have experienced this disaster,” reads the report written by four members of the Mennonite executive committee following their visit to the scene of the fires. After consulting with local authorities who are coordinating grain collection, the Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso contributed an initial $600 and is encouraging each congregation to take a love offering for fire relief. Church leaders also committed to repairing five damaged roofs. Gifts from international partners including AIMM, Mennonite Church Canada, the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, the French Mennonite Assistance Fund and other concerned friends have enabled Mennonites in Burkina Faso to purchase around $8,000 U.S. of grain. The grain has been transported to the needy villages and is being distributed. “As a result of our visit, the executive committee saw the immediate needs and decided to offer the modest means we had to the victims. We decided to help the whole village, but to also respond to the specific needs of our church members,” said Siaka Traoré, Traoré national president of the church. In Kangala, 468 people are now without shelter. Because most of the homes were constructed in the traditional style with mud walls and thatched roofs, the walls remain. Given the season, thatch will be difficult to replace. Villagers must wait for new grass to grow long enough to be harvested for their roofs. There are Mennonite churches in Kangala and Kotoura, a village less than two miles from Kangala. These churches grew out of the ministry of AIMM and its partners, the predecessor agencies of Mennonite Mission Network and Mennonite Church Canada Witness. The losses in Kotoura were limited to five homes. About 12 miles away in Fitiguedjassa, a mother and her two children died in the fires. New Executive Committee for the Evangelical Mennonite Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso Evangelical Evangelical Mennonite Church of Congo (CEM) Plants New Congregations Under the leadership of Pastor Benjamin Mubenga, CEM church planting efforts are bearing fruit. In 2008, three new congregations have begun meeting: Bakwa Kashila, led by Pastor Kadima Tshiashinda, is 40 miles south of Mbuji Mayi; Bakwa Tshinena is 60 miles east of Mbuji Mayi, led by Elder Mitenga Nduba; and the third is in an outlying quarter of Mbuji Mayi, with leadership given by CEM Vice President Matthieu Shimatu. The AIMM Congo Partnership Council is helping to support CEM’s efforts at training church planters. In December 2008, a weeklong seminar was held in Mbuji Mayi, bringing together 44 delegates nationwide. The main course taught was entitled, “The Mission of the Church”. Others included, “The History of CEM” and “Church and Development”. Basic notions of pastoral ministry as well as the national church budget were also discussed. Photo, from left to right (standing): Daouda Traoré, Secretary; Benjamin Traoré, Assistant Secretary; Siaka Traoré, President; Bala Sourabie, Treasurer; Abdias Coulibaly, Vice President; (crouching) Salif Traoré, Assistant Treasurer. Pastor Benjamin Mubenga presents a church planting seminar participant with a certificate at the closing ceremonies. News of Miodi Girls’ School Pastor Komuesa Kalunga reports that at the end of the 20082009 school year, 12 young women wrote their final exams. Director Mama Manya continues to provide good leadership. In May, she attended an historic conference initiated by ICOMB, the Mennonite Brethren worldwide body, and focused on renewing Mennonite efforts in education in Congo. Bakwa Kashila congregation in worship Construction of two additional classrooms is underway, as well as the completion of the school fence. Funds for these improvements, and for the gift of a sewing machine for each graduate, are being provided by AIMM Women’s Auxiliary supporters led by Martini Janz, Janz with a major annual boost from Barkman Concrete of Steinbach, MB. Martini Janz traveled to Manitoba in August 2009 to gather AIMM Women’s Auxiliary supporters and share an update on the school. She continues to provide leadership in raising funds to support Lycee Miodi. Bakwa Kashila church members AIMM Office News • • • The AIMM-U.S. Board has accepted a request from the AIMM International Central Council to assist the AIMM Office in providing an additional level of financial accountability. U.S. Board President Erwin Rempel and Treasurer Arnold Harder can now view all AIMM bank account activity and receive quarterly updates of all financial transactions. They are working in cooperation with our financial reviewers, McGladrey & Co. AIMM’s 2008 Financial Review is available from the office on request. Lola Gingerich, Gingerich AIMM Office Manager, is planning to attend a weeklong course on organizing mission archives in September, at the Overseas Mission Study Center, New Haven, Conn. AIMM Speakers Available for your Congregation or Sunday School Class The following persons welcome invitations to share with you about what God is doing through AIMM. Brad Graber bradleygraber@yahoo.com Stan Graber graberbackhoe@wildblue.net Arnold Harder agharder@frontiernet.net Dr. John Martens john-martens@sbcglobal.net David Rocke dcrocke@netins.net Rod HollingerHollinger-Janzen rod@aimmintl.org Dayspring Relates to Mennonite Churches in Kamayala Region of Congo Ron Goertzen writes, “To date, our congregational involvement (Bethesda MC, Henderson, NE) has funded multiple projects such as: supporting the medical work and the purchase of medical supplies; the purchase of 20 bicycles for pastors; building school classrooms; purchasing school supplies; currently supporting 14 students who are preparing for church work; assisting in the construction of a regional guesthouse as well as a church; supplying garden seeds; supporting an orphanage; starting women’s literacy classes as well as other women’s projects. These involvements, as well as several others have been a source of great encouragement to a people who have long felt isolated and abandoned. I was told that despite their long history and association with Mennonite Missions, the region we are involved in hadn’t received a visit from a North American delegation for over 20 years. The impact and accompanying hope that Dayspring represents is significant. I am humbled that God is using us to reach out in a concrete way to a people group I bonded with over 35 years ago. A friend recently shared this African proverb with me, “I know we are people because you came to visit us.” That’s a picture of the hope and encouragement that the Bethesda congregation has been a part of; the simple power of presence and caring. “ Congo Interest Group Meeting On August 1 & 2, Congo Interest Group members Harlan & Grace Bartel, artel Ron & Linda Goertzen, Brad & Sharon Graber, Stan Graber, John Martens, David & Cathie Rocke, and Rod HollingerHollinger-Janzen met at the home of fellow members Arnold & Grace Harder in Mountain Lake, MN. Discussion centered around projects meant to communicate encouragement and hope to Congolese Mennonites. Agenda items included CMCO’s Century Welcome Center; needs in Mennonite Hospitals; the development of technical schools; the development and manufacture of bicycles in Congo appropriate for freight and/or human transportation; and an update from Kamayala.