Congo Thoughts

In talking with Kevin Komplein about the possible vision trip to the Congo, he recommended I read "Against all Hope: Hope for Africa" It is filled with information and I thought I would pass some of it on to you as we pray about the trip.

Here are some clips:

Africa is home to over 874 million people, or about 14% of the world population. Think about this for a moment. 14% of the world's population lives on more than 22% of its total land area The combined population of China, India, Europe, Argentian, New Zealand and the U.S. is approximately 3.3 billion people or 54% of the world population. If this other 54% of the world's population inhabit land that is equal to the land mass of Africa, what does that tell you about the African continent?

Africa is the world's richest continent (emphasis theirs) in terms of natural resources.

It has been said that Zambia, Zimbabwe, and The Democratic Republic of Congo have the agricultural potential to feed the entire continent.

The Democratic Republic of Congo contains 90% of the world's cobalt, and 85% of its platinum. Sierra Leone has the world's largest supply of titanium. African mines produce most of the world's diamonds, three-quarters of the world's gold, and a fifth of the world's copper. The largest known repository of Columbite-tantalite, [used in circuit boards, cell phones, computers...] is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Yet "despite these countless blessings and riches [outlined in the booklet], Africa remains undeniably the most poverty-stricken and broken continent on the planet."

On the Human Development Index developed by the U.N. to measure "quality of life" the Congo ranks 168 out 174.

On the Corruption Perception Index Finland was best at 9.7 while the Congo came in tied at 114 with 2.3

In 2005 a "Least Livable Countries" list put the Congo at #11.

(By Darrow Miller with Scoot Allen, copyright Disciple Nations Alliance)

These are just a few indicators of the great need and the great potential that Africa has. One of the main points of the booklet is that many people in Africa have professed Christ, but have not understood the need to be transformed by Him. Jesus Christ and the Gospel is "fire insurance", not Lord over all of life (political, social, economic, justice etc...).

What is cool for me to see, is that the Evangelical Free Church of the Congo has grown to 867 churches and they are asking for help in training pastors (to help transform the people) as well as help with the other needs (AIDS, orphans, medical, agricultural...). So they recognize the need for transformation and wholistic ministry and are inviting the Evangelical Free Church of America to help. Are we to be a part of that?

There is a sense among us at Cornerstone that God is in this. If so, the next step is for me and perhaps one or two others to go on a two week vision trip in July. After that we would debrief with the body here and seek to discern how the Lord would have us be involved in the Congo, if at all. So, at the last church meeting, we decided to ask God to make it clear if I am to participate on the vision trip in July. We said we would pray daily until February 11, when we will meet to discuss what we as a body sense God is saying to us.

Even if you were unable to attend the meeting, please join us in asking God to confirm to us over the next 10 days what He desires... and then keep your eyes and ears open for what He might do!

In His Grip!

Nils

For more information see the links section at the upper left for World Vision information. Also, Elim E. Free Church is part of the July vision trip and their CongoBlog is very good. Check it out.