Crossing Into Congo!

Talk about a rough road!!! We had never seen such a "road" in our lives, but at the same time we were overwhelmed by such a beautiful country. We had always heard that the roads in Congo were a bit difficult but to experience them was a totally different story. Erica and I were able to travel with some German missionaries (Frank & Tony) last week to Congo. Our German colleagues had crossed the border numerous times and were heading to a town called Rethy (pronounced Ready) to do some repair work on a hydroelectric dam. We saw this as an opportunity to travel with some experienced missionaries to see Congo, do some survey work for future ministry and use our Swahili, since French and Swahili are the two main languages of Congo.

The border crossing was a speedy 4 hours, there were no problems, just had to wait for several different people to sign our short term visas. Jesus blessed the waiting time though, with good conversation with the border patrol officer, Jackson. Finally we were on the "road" again. The journey to Rethy could take anywhere from 4-6 hours depending on the weather and therefore how deep the mud would be on the roads. We were blessed to have clear skies and dry roads and made it to Rethy in 4 hours.

The people of Rethy were delighted to see there old friends, the German missionaries (Pictured left) who we traveled with. It was wonderful to see the warm friendship these missionaries had developed over the years and see their shared passion for Jesus. Rethy is a former mission base, which hosted somewhere around 200 missionaries around 10 years ago. A civil war swept across the country of Congo forcing this mission base to evacuate leaving behind all their homes and ministries. The war ended about 3 years ago, and the local church has been able to resume the missionaries' former work.

The main problem now is the fact the hydroelectric dam (Both pictures to the left) is completely broken which has resulted in a chain of other ministries coming to a complete halt. The hydro supports the whole town of Rethy, which includes: a school, printing press for Biblical materials, vocational school, radio station, optometrist training center and a full hospital (Surgery room pictured below). Despite the lack of electricity, it was one of the most beautiful places I've been in Africa, and it was refreshing to meet with the Lord on a mountain top.

Over all it was a great trip and Jesus really blessed our time with our Congolese brothers and sisters as well as our fellow missionaries. Jesus also helped us communicate in Swahili, which we were both nervous about. Erica and I were reminded of how amazing it is that God has created all people in His image and how amazing it is to have so many different languages in the world, yet God understands each person right where they are.

The only challenge of our journey came on the drive back to Arua ... it stared raining ... which meant slippery, muddy roads. But God protected us as we drove, and I was able to gain some valuable experience of driving on some mud pit covered roads. Thanks for praying for us. Please continue to pray for the Lord to open doors in His timing and way.