NEWS 2010

DEDICATION OF CEJAL II
New Building for the Boys' Orphanage
by Barbara Dadd Shaffer

After years of anticipation, the new building for the boys' orphanage is a reality. So real that the facility was dedicated on July 10, 2010. Many, many people were in town for the Centennial Celebration of Methodist in the South Congo Episcopal Area.

It was Saturday in the late morning. The crowd was gathered in a rectangle in the open area between two of the buildings. Any disorder from ongoing construction was smoothed over for the event. Two large banners greeted the crowd and identified the new buildings. Many local people were in attendance. Members of the three international delegations and four visiting United Methodist bishops were seated. All the boys from the existing orphanage were there, most dressed in matching orange t-shirts. Many girls from CEJAL I were seated in another section. A women's ensemble in matching UMW clothing was ready. A podium was set up in the middle. Programs were handed out.

The bishop and four others processed in, the bishop in an impressive purple chasuble over his white robe, and were seated along the fourth side of the opening. The liturgy was in Swahili. Speeches were all translated into Swahili or English, which ever was needed. The boys sang one number in Swahili. Three boys from the orphanage spoke. The eldest said, "You killed our parents but because of Jesus Christ, you have no power over me". Another beamed, "You have given us the promised land." The youngest boy stood in his wheelchair on the stumps of his amputated legs to speak clearly to the gathered crowd.

Rev. Francine Tshisola, director of the two orphanages, rehearsed the history of the orphanages and the partnership of her Episcopal Area with the Pacific Northwest Conference. The orphanage for girls was started by the conference in 2000 for girls orphaned by war or abandoned because of disabilities or accusations of witchcraft. A good facility for the girls was constructed in 2003 with funding and labor from the PNW Conference. When the girls moved into their facility, orphaned boys were moved into the previous space. Now the boys will also be moving into a good place.

Representing the Pacific Northwest Conference, I spoke about the nature of the partnership. I reminded the audience that the buildings are important but what really matters is the ministry in Christ's name of caring for the boys and challenged the audience to participate in this ministry. Moving from serious matters to a bit of fun, I called forward boys and girls from the orphanages to hand them each a trio of soccer balls from churches and individuals in the PNW Conference. It helped that the final game of the World Cup was the next day.

As the liturgy was ending, the bishop asked a question not in the printed program. "What names shall be given to this place?" The answer was "Mama Francine and Mama Barbara". The place erupted in energy. Francine was completely surprised. What a great recognition of her leadership.

Then the crowd moved into the courtyard of the buildings toward the door to one of the four buildings, the one farthest along in construction. The bishop symbolically splashed water on the steps and then unlocked the large padlock so that everyone could enter. People milled around that building and the other three buildings which make up the facility.

The new buildings are dedicated by the people of the United Methodist Church to the ministry of caring for orphaned boys. It is anticipated that the boys will move in by the end of September. What a privilege for our delegation to represent the PNW Conference at this event.

We have attained our initial goal for the Jamaa Letu II

Boys' Orphanage project. Additional help is always needed.

You can help!

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NEWSLETTERS FROM AFRICA

Enjoy the February 2010 newsletter written by Dr. Jeffrey Hoover and Dr. Ellen Titus Hoover from the University of Lumbumbashi and currently living in Lumbumbashi, DRC. February, 2010 Newsletter

NEWS ARCHIVES

[DECEMBER 2008] 2008 CONTAINER HAS ARRIVED IN CONGO!
The 2008 Congo container arrived 12 September, was off-loaded, and the supplied distributed. A special thank you to the Container of Hope volunteers and Bishop Katembo and his staff. Their efficiency and attention to detail assured another successful effort by the Pacific Northwest and South Congo Conferences.
Contact Mike and Terresa Hobbs at miketerriehobbs@gmail.com for more information on the Container of Hope project.

[APRIL 2008] CONGO CONTAINER 2008
Last year the Hope for the Children of Africa intended to send one cargo container to the DRC. Because of the generous donations from our PNW Conference we sent two, and we still have some leftover! Mike and Terresa Hobbs have kindly committed to coordinating the shipping of banother container this Spring.