Congo Vision Trip?

Over the past couple of years I've been wondering if God might want to use us in some fashion in Africa. The AIDs epidemic is leaving a staggering number of children orphaned. Natural calamities such as drought have devastated crops. People have warred against others, destroying villages and lives. It's heart-breaking! But just what could our little church do to make a difference?

I began praying and searching for what God might have for us and then last spring received an invitation for a vision trip to the Congo. The International Mission of the Evangelical Free Church of America (of which Cornerstone is a part) wanted people to see what God has done over the recent past there. Because of the political unrest in the 1990's the missionaries where forced to leave the Congo, but not God. In spite of the brutalities, including the killing of some 4 million people, the church has grown. There are now 867 Evangelical Free Churches of the Congo! Nearly as many as in the United States.

The Congo Free Churches are growing but they have asked for help. Of the 867 churches, only about 200 have pastors with any kind of training. They have three hospitals involved with medical care and they have developed an AIDs initiative to minister to those affected, especially the children. The needs are great. Do we have any resources that God might use to help them?

The origninal vision trip was canceled due to the political unrest surrounding the Congo's first democratic election in July. The run-off election occurred October 29 and it appears that maybe some stability has returned to the region. If so, the original trip will depart in January, Lord willing.

In the meantime I have been talking with Kevin Kompelein (the International Mission Director for Africa) and he's suggesting I go with him in July to see first hand how Cornerstone might be a help in the Congo. The purpose is not for us to "hand out" but to "work with". To listen and learn in order to know how we might then serve. The Lord obviously has matured the church there, but they are lacking in resources. While the church in the U.S. has lots of resources but could certainly learn a great deal about faith in the midst of persecution from the Congolese. So we want it to be a partnership.

I am sensing that God is in this, but is this his timing? Will you pray with me that God will make His will very clear regarding this vision trip? Becoming involved in the Congo would be amazing for us. But without God, it will be impossible. Fortunately, our God is the God of the impossible! Be praying and stay tuned!

P.S. Check out this link Congo Blog