New Archbishop enthroned

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1 Reg. Charity No No. 58, Autumn 2009 New Archbishop enthroned The Most Rev Isingoma Kahwa, 3 rd Archbishop of the Province of C ongo CCA AGM Winchester, 7 th November On-going crises in Eastern regions New centre for street children Latest news from the dioceses ISThA graduations

2 We are delighted to bring you news from all the dioceses in the Congo, as well as news of specific ministries in this newsletter. In April the House of Bishops elected Bishop Isingoma Kahwa of Boga as 3 rd Archbishop of the Province of Congo (PEAC) to succeed Archbishop Dirokpa whoretired in August after 27 years of ministry, first as Bishop of Bukavu and more recently as Archbishop, and Bishop of Kinshasa. Archbishop Isingoma was enthroned at a ceremony in Kinshasa on 8 th August and assumes this new role at a time of enormous challenges in Congo and in the Anglican Communion. In July, Judy Acheson handed over her responsibilities as Provincial Youth Coordinator to Rev Bisoke Balikenga. Visa permitting Bisoke will be the speaker at our AGM on 7 th November in Winchester do come and hear all the latest news! There is much encouragement and much to thank God for: men and women are being trained as ministers of the gospel of Christ, and Christians both young and old are making a real difference in their communities as they work in Christ s name for peace and reconciliation, seek to reduce poverty and bring transformation through grass roots initiatives, health services and education, offer trauma counselling and help to rebuild the shattered lives of those who have been raped and suffered terrible atrocities in the conflict. Prayer and the empowering of the Holy Spirit enable Christ s compassion and love to be shown in these ways. However Kivu region (covering parts of Bukavu and Nord-Kivu Dioceses) remains a war territory outside its main towns, with on-going fighting between rebel groups and the national army, displacing villagers from their homes while vast numbers of people are still living in IDP camps a year after the initial fighting. Peace in this region is desperately needed and the means to its realisation are complex, but we believe that prayer can make a huge difference alongside the political negotiations. CCA is now partnering with a new initiative called Prayer for Peace in Congo, established by Rev Jean-Bosco Kanyemesha, a Congolese pastor in London (see p. 23). Please continue to pray regularly for peace in Congo, for the church, its

3 leaders and ministries, and encourage your church to do likewise. Thank you for your continuing prayers and support for the Church in Congo. We welcome any donations, large or small, for the ministry of the Anglican Church of Congo. Yours in Christ, Judy Rous CCA AGM th November, 2009 at 12 noon at Wolvesey, Winchester (SO23 9ND) by kind permission of Bishop Michael and Mrs Lou Scott-Joynt. Guest speaker: Rev. Balikenga Bisoke Co-ordinator for Youth - PEAC Lunch is provided but please bring a contribution towards the cost. RSPV to Liz Hallett at Coachmakers, 33 Latimer Street, Romsey, Hants, SO51 8DF, , liz.hallett@o2.co.uk. Please reply by 28 October at the latest for catering purposes. Parking is available. Rev Dr Pat Nickson, OBE Rev Dr Pat Nickson, long-time CMS mission partner, founding Director of IPASC (Pan-African Institute of Community Health) and Curate at St Mary s Upton died on 27 th April 09 from abdominal cancer. Pat began work in Boga in 1982, taking responsibility for the diocesan health programme, which grew and flourished under her leadership, pioneering new approaches in community health. She became a leading authority in her field and founded IPASC, with centres in Aru and Bunia. She was ordained in 2004, spending increasing time at her church in Upton but also making frequent visits to Congo. Many, in UK and Congo, will remember with thankfulness her warm friendship, kindness and love, and her strong faith and trust in God.

4 News from ISThA Hosting ENP Graduation - Challenges In May ISThA hosted Bill Crooks and Rev Fedis from Kenya for a mid-term evaluation of the Ensemble Nous Pouvons (Together We Can) programme. Facilitators and bishops from the pilotdioceses (Aru, Boga, Nord-Kivu) and Archbishop Dirokpa were all present. Bill Crooks writes: Overall this programme has been successful in the first phase with significant change at the grassroots, both in terms of changed attitudes and confidence to try new things. The success of the programme in this early stage is largely due to the quality of the facilitators and their use of a series of interactive Bible studies. These studies have awakened congregations and communities to see their potential to make a change and build a vision of a better future by themselves using their own resources. Most of the pilot churches have successfully initiated some small projects for their congregations or with the community. Many of these projects have strengthened church unity and in some cases built good relationships and collaboration with other denominations and faiths. Some key challenges have been the need to integrate ENP as a philosophy and an approach to be used by different diocesan departments and across the whole church. Other challenges have included the level of poverty many communities face and the recovery from civil conflict. In addition the lack of Bibles and illiteracy has been challenging for the facilitators as the approach relies on the reflection of key passages and sharing of stories. An important part of the ENP programme was integrating the teaching into existing theological courses at ISThA. This was successfully achieved as a result of all the training being held at ISThA and two of the key participants being the academic secretary and the director. Students currently cover ENP material as a core part of their leadership course and are encouraged to use the approach in their placements with local churches in the Bunia area.

5 Despite some big challenges in recent months, ISThA successfully completed the academic year and graduation was a colourful ceremony at which the Archbishop-elect, Rt. Rev. Isingoma, Bp of Boga was present. Students and their families have now returned to Aru, Kindu and Kisangani dioceses where they will serve. In August, after the enthronement of the new Archbishop, the Administrative Council of ISThA met to consider ISThA s affairs. ISThA is hugely important for providing a good theological foundation for ministerial formation within the Anglican Church of Congo, and its graduates go on to play key roles as clergy and diocesan officers, in education and health care, and in pastoral and spiritual care for the displaced and traumatised. Rev Désiré, who writes about the desperate situation in Kivu elsewhere in the newsletter, is a graduate of ISThA, as is Archbishop Isingoma! The bishops pledged to contribute financially towards ISThA, as well as to look for scholarships to send students to ISThA. Discussion also considered ISThA s need for Income Generating Activities, and other possible developments as well as the importance of broadening its supporter base to meet the needs for scholarships and running costs for the institution. The most pressing current need is for more student scholarships. To maintain government accreditation, a minimum of 7 new students should enter 1 st year. The CCA Appeal for ISThA has raised 2500 to date for new scholarships, and we are grateful for your generosity so far. An extra 500 from donors will provide two full scholarships from CCA. 2 other bursaries have been promised to ISThA from other sources but this still leaves a shortfall of 3. Any amount, large or small, will make a difference! The staff at ISThA continue to trust the Lord in these challenging circumstances and walk by faith, working hard and often sacrificially in their many responsibilities and trusting in God s provision for ISThA in due time.

6 Centre Kimbilio supporting street children in Lubumbashi by Ian Harvey, CMS After over three years of planning and fund raising, Centre Kimbilio finally opened its doors on the 16 th June 2009 (Kimbilio meaning a place to run to for safety in Swahili)! I arrived in Lubumbashi on the 15 th April and spent a very busy few weeks laying the final plans for the Centre alongside my colleague Lievin Kalubi, formerly secretary to Bishop Kasima of Katanga. Since my last visit in 2007, Lievin had been supported by the Church to complete a 9 month course in working with vulnerable children at the Mindolo Foundation in Zambia. We recruited 16 young people from the local Church youth groups to work as volunteers at the Centre and completed a 3 day training course with them. The Dean of the Cathedral kindly agreed for us to use space at the Cathedral for the Centre. However this involved a lot of renovation, including plastering, fitting electrics and ceilings, making tables and chairs etc! We have also constructed a new toilet and shower block as well as a kitchen area. New water tank (far left), new shower/toilet block ( mi ddle) and new kitchen area (above)

7 As the 16 th of June (International Day of the African Child) drew closer we went out onto the streets in the market area close to the Cathedral at 5am to make contact with children sleeping on the streets. We invited 30 children who also invited their friends. We ended up with a group of over 40 children including 4 girls. It is the aim of the Centre to assist children to return home to their families where possible. A number of children have returned home already and we accompanied 2 children back to Kolwezi approx 400 kms away and successfully negotiated with their families for them to return home. The Dean has been starting the morning with a Bible story and praying with the children before they have breakfast and start literacy classes or sport activities. They then have an opportunity to wash themselves and their clothes and then have a main meal before returning to the streets. It is our longer term plan to build The day starts with a pr ayer, a story and a song. Maison Kimbilio, a residential unit for them in a village near the Centre. Brief Report of the situation in Goma DRC by Rev Désiré Mukanirwa Kadorho At the moment the political situation is not too bad. At the beginning of August 2009, the President of Rwanda, Mr Kagame, met our President, Mr Joseph Kabila, for a couple of hours in Goma, the capital of Nord-Kivu Province. But there are still big problems in Kivu area, especially in villages and the forest. The Rwandan terrorists are still creating problems for the local people in this part of the country and in Ituri and the Ugandan LRA groups are disturbing our people with lots of casualties. The local population is still suffe ring with forced displacement, caused by the Interahamwe, who left Rwanda in 1994 and

8 fled to Zaire/DR Congo for refuge. Many of this group live in the bush and have become very dangerous to the Congolese, killing, raping and ambushing people with no pity at all. There is actually too much suffering for the innocent in our region! Some people joined the nearest camps and others are being looked after by people in the Samaritan way despite their poverty. People do so just to show their inner compassion which is part of the People burnt in their houses by Interahamwe i n Bunyakiri. They are receiving treatment in Matutira Health C entre. Congolese culture. Nowadays, there is a military action going on against these people. But this results in further displacements of hundreds of civilians with side effects such as hunger, nakedness, HIV/AIDS, sexual abuse to women and infants, cholera, malaria fever and other diseases. The vile acts of sexual violence are seen as a weapon of the war. Women, girls and infants and old ladies are paying the price of this devil plan. Some ladies have faced family breakdowns, others are actually HIV positive victims already, and others are STD infection victims, and others have been forced to have unplanned children who are at the same time fatherless children with no care at all. We would therefore need your support and prayers and also your advocacy at the international level for DR Congo, because everybody has the right to live. We are tired with the war and we now need peace, security and stability for a brighter future. Left to Right: A woman raped by Interahamwe and a knife has been used to cut her womb; a young man with many panga wounds because he tried to protect his wife from rape; a woman raped by 4 Interahamwe, her arm broken by the bandits..

9 News from Boga by Rev. Kibwela Anthonio Following the decision of the Diocesan Synod last year, the Diocesan office and ministry coordinators are all based in Bunia. Internet equipment remains an urgent need for the diocesan offices; the internet cafes in town are limited and in great demand. Diocesan peace and reconciliation programmes, in collaboration with NGOs in the region, have resulted in a return to normal life in the diocese. But insecurity remains in areas where militias attack government soldiers, and the local population become victims of rape (especially women and children), looting, torture and even murder. Two years ago we suspended the training programme at Boga Bible School due to financial constraints and yet the need for lay ministers is constantly increasing due to the growth of the Church and the emergence of several new parishes. To meet this challenge the diocese plans to send a team of 3 teachers to train lay workers in situ in the Archdeaconries. Women s ministry is developing well in the diocese you can read Mme Mugisa Isingoma s report on page 14. In the field of education, we are rebuilding 9 schools destroyed during the war. The new philosophy of the diocese s participation in social development through the ENP ( together we can ) strategy is becoming more and more of a reality within society. The population who are poor are proud to discover that they can develop from their own resources. The positive results are noteworthy at Kunda and in Boga where those who have followed ENP produce much greater harvests than before. Jeunesse Chretienne Agape (Youth) continues with many activities in addition to Bible teaching and worship: sport to bring young people together; agriculture for self-financing; peace and reconciliation and youth leader courses; training and counselling for raped girls; helping young people into apprenticeships.

10 Recent activities in Bukavu Diocese by Bishop Bahati and Mrs Nyota Veneranda, MU President Since April 2009 Bp Bahati has visited 48 of the 65 parishes in Bukavu Diocese new members have been confirmed as Anglican believers and 9 priests ordained. Church members of Bukavu diocese made contributions and bought a Land Cruiser to facilitate the transport of the Bishop and diocesan staff members! Bishop Bahati and cler gy dedicating the new car with prayer. Confir mation ceremony at Rutshuru Archdeaconry Training and ordination: Bible school training, started in April 2008, is continuing in Bukavu, Bangwe and Rutshuru Bible schools for 45 students. Another 13 students are studying theology in different protestant colleges of D.R. Congo (ULPGL, ISThA, UEA and CUP). After training they will be able to preach the holy Gospel of salvation and lead local churches. Evangelism: The Gospel has been preached to pygmies in 6 villages. About 130 pygmies have become Christians since 2005 and their children are supported in school. A Youth convention and seminar were held in Bukavu drawing in lots of young people. Mothers Union has been very active. Seminars on the struggle against violence and poverty have been held in various archdeaconries; in Bukavu on MU day (25/3) the theme of the conference was the qualities and failures of a Christian women in her family, Church and society, with talks, discussions, drama and celebrations. In order to fight against poverty, in their families and in their community, since June 2009, the Mothers Union members in Bukavu Archdeaconry have been cultivating and sowing seeds expecting to get more harvest in December 2009.

11 A training course in sewing skills was organised following the millennium goals for development to fight poverty in the families of vulnerable women, creating income-generating activities for them. Participants in the course and other church groups have been given sewing machines, thanks to a generous gift of 92 machines from friends in Wales. Micro-credit assistance has been given by the Mothers Union to raped women in the diocese. Due to the weight of their problem and hardship in their families, Mothers Union Bukavu has distributed money (20 or 25$/person) to help these victims to run small lucrative activities to enable them to recover their dignity in their family and in the community. Distribution of micro-credit to raped women by MU in Bukavu Community development activities focus on promoting education and fighting illiteracy with several new schools built, and also a reforestation project in 2 villages to protect the environment, with help from several partners like TEAR Fund, ARDF, MERU/ECC and Fonds Social de la RDC. Insecurity: The main difficulty facing Bukavu Diocese is the insecurity, caused by militias in different areas such as Katana, Walungu, Mwenga, Kalehe, Masisi, Bunyakiri. They regularly attack the population and cause harm and rape to many, making them leave their homes and properties and live in displacement. The impact of this situation to the Church is increasing of poverty and HIV/AIDS infection. The situation of the people who have been affected deserved particular attention. So, Bukavu diocese supported by its partners (CCA, CMS/UK, Mary Sumner House, CAPA, ERD) recently distributed assistance to 1,329 vulnerable families in some of these areas.

12 News from Aru - displaced people update by Bishop Titre Ande Georges I wrote to you all in February 2009 about the displaced people in Ariwara and Ingbokolo. Brutal attacks by Lord Resistance Army (LRA), forced residents to flee their villages. The current situation: The security situation has much improved in the region (North-East). The coalition of the Congolese, Ugandan and South Sudan armies attacked LRA in December At first it succeeded only in scattering the LRA combatants, who became as uncontrollable as fierce animals. However, the Congolese army has now managed to bring the situation under control. Of course, there are places where attacks are still possible but these are isolated cases. There is hope for the future. We still have the displaced people in Ariwara and Ingbokolo and they want to be assured of a lasting peace before they return home. Statistics as at 31 August 2009: We have got 13,296 displaced in Ariwara and 12,440 in Ingbokolo. There was a time when the number of displaced went up to 19,000 in Ariwara but this was simply because the local people also registered themselves as displaced! The Welcoming Committee took courage and worked hard to identify again one by one all those who had registered as the displaced. This is why the number is now a bit down, although one can still find such cases. As well as help from World Food Program, Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières (who handed over to Malteser 3 months ago), we have had help in serving the displaced from many partners of the diocese, including CCA. We would like to express a BIG THANK YOU to you all for what you have achieved for God s people in need. You have helped our church to show the Lord s compassion to these people who lost their humanity and dignity. I ll continue to offer you more information and we ll continue to appreciate your prayers for these displaced people in Ariwara and Ingbokolo. Many greetings from Aru Diocese.

13 CONGO NOW! by Marcus Hope, CCA Trustee The All Party Parliamentary Group on the Great Lakes has spent much effort this year highlighting the DR Congo, with all its difficulties and opportunities. Working with a range of NGOs (where the CCA was also represented), they put on a successful series of events in May. The week was launched by the Congolese international and West Ham star Herita Ilunga at a football tournament in Regent's Park in co-operation with Christian Aid. Further events included a public debate in Parliament on peace and stability in the run-up to the 2011 elections and a discussion of the impact of the global economic crisis on the DRC at Chatham House. The highlight of the week was the evening celebration at the Southbank Centre on 7 May which featured British and Congolese musicians, writers and other personalities. Particularly moving was Thandie Newton's rendition of Eve Ensler's monologue giving a rape victim's story. There were also contributions by Oona King, women's rights activists and others against a backdrop of impressive photographic images by Susan Schulman. The Purcell Room had scarcely any empty seats. Together with other events put on separately by NGOs, this was the result of a coalition of many NGOs coming together, including Christian organisations such as CAFOD and Christian Aid. The CCA had hoped to get a Congolese diaspora church choir together, but this proved impossible to organise in time. Congo Now! was the focus of a campaign to address some of the fundamental problems of the DRC. The Government remains the largest bilateral donor to the Congo and is taking seriously the difficult security and justice issues. The APPG is trying to gather in more widespread support for the campaign. Next year is the 50th anniversary of Congolese Independence and APPG is already making plans. The date for your diaries is 9 July at the Southbank Centre. CCA will continue pursuing the idea of an event to include a Congolese diaspora choir.

14 News from Kisangani Diocese by Bishop Funga This picture shows the construction of the office of our school co-ordination. We are building using our own effort and money which is raised almost monthly. It was the initiative of our Christians and we hope to finish it before Easter Our work of alphabetisation* is continuing in the diocese of Kisangani. This picture is of a woman who finished well her course. She came from Kindu diocese to see her son and decided to follow the class of alphabetisation. Now, she can read, write and count well. Her name is Adolphine Zuura. * alphebetisation means literacy This picture shows the handing over of new musical instruments to the choir members of IMARA, the big choir of our cathedral. Part of the money came from our church friends in JERSEY and the second part came from the fundraising of money in our cathedral of St John. In the picture you can see the chairman handing over musical instruments to the choir. Donation Form Please do use the enclosed donation form to help the work of CCA. You can give to the 2009 Appeal for ISThA, to our General Fund, from which grants are made to the Dioceses, Province and ISThA, or pick another project which may be of interest to you.

15 Boga Diocese MU & Women s Ministry by Mrs Mugisa Isingoma, MU President The Mothers Union is one among other ministries existing in Boga diocese. We praise our Lord for the strength we always receive to accomplish our mission that God gave us, although some parts of our diocese are still in insecurity. Since the existence of the Anglican Church in Boga Diocese, women in the Archdeaconry of Gety have not had many opportunities to be trained and to join Mothers Union. We thank God because after six months of training for women and couples in the 5 MU objectives, Leadership, and Bible study, organized by the MU office, Bishop Isingoma welcomed 95 new members of the MU in Isura. In the Archdeaconry of Boga we had 195 new members. Now women are very exited to be trained and to join MU; even their husbands want to join our group, praise the Lord, because it helps bring Jesus in their family and to lose some bad culture that does not give a voice to women in their families. We started the literacy program in Bgandayi with 50 women and girls plus 4 men. The awareness-raising about HIV/AIDS is going ahead; large numbers of women have been raped in Isura and Boga. Please pray for us. We are planning seminars with pastors and their wives. In order to empower families and especially women, we are working with UFPPS, an organisation that works in synergy with other churches and NGOs in Boga Diocese. UFPPS workers give on-going support to groups working on agricultural projects which are very successful in Kyabaganzi, Bukiringi and Boga. Using a loan system, groups of 10 women have started buying metal roofing sheets for their homes; they also do handicrafts and sewing and numbers are increasing. We thank our Lord because women are now opening new groups themselves because of this training. Women give loans from their own resources to help one another. According to churches and local Chiefs, when someone is in need, they visit and give support and the women are very active in their churches. We need your prayers for peace, especially in the Isura and Bukiringi areas.

16 News from Katanga Diocese by Ven. Mwamba Dileng Director of pastoral training In Katanga Diocese the distances are huge between archdeaconries, parishes and even sub-parishes (up to 100km!). In an innovative programme called a Portable Bible School, rather than bringing men and women to study in the Bible school in Lubumbashi, which is expensive, a team went to rural parishes in two Archdeaconries, Manono and Malemba Nkulu to deliver pastoral training to potential evangelists and catechists (lay leaders). The result: many are trained for a small outlay. This visit follows Bishop Kasima s pastoral visit to the region last year. Ven Mwamba, Director of Pastoral Training and Rev Stephane Makata, Diocesan Evangelism Coordinator, spent 6 weeks in Kayashingo parish (Malemba Nkulu Archdeaconry), training 59 men and women from both the Anglican church and other denominations. The course was comprehensive, covering OT and NT, Christian doctrine, history of the church, evangelism, pastoral care, administration, liturgy, preaching and practical service. Ven Mwamba writes: Throughout the teaching there was great joy

17 amongst the students and teachers. The hand of God was with us and we witnessed students confessing their sins, 91 people came to faith, spiritual renewal in Kayashingo parish and extensive evangelism. Some couples also decided to enter into Christian marriage. Students are now serving in churches throughout the region. Before a second training course is held, the Director of Lubumbashi Bible School will do a follow-up visit to assess progress. Problems encountered included interruptions due to deaths in the community (mortality is high in the region, due to lack of an adequate health centre), lack of Bibles and prayer books, lack of bicycles or motorbikes to help church workers cover the vast distances and more participants than anticipated. They would like to address these issues and also give health education alongside Bible teaching. The training in Manono Archdeaconry was slightly shorter and one of the objectives was to train pygmies from Kaseha and Kamala parish, people who are scorned by their neighbours. 18 people participated in the training. The hope is that this format of training, taking the training to the people, can be replicated in other Archdeaconries across the diocese to strengthen and grow the team of church workers, both ordained and lay, for effective ministry. Bisoke Balikenga, Provincial Youth Officer Visa permitting (please pray!), Bisoke will be in UK at the invitation of CMS from early November till Spring Before Christmas he will be based in Oxford and visiting churches and other organisations while from January he will be enrolled on a youth ministry course in Nottingham. If you or your church would like to host him any time during the week (i.e. not week-ends) between 8-26 November, please contact Stephen Johnson at CMS tel or Stephen.Johnson@cms-uk.org

18 News from Judy Acheson Plans to work with the Minister: The result of the visit of the Minister, His Excellence Patrick, to Bunia and Mahagi is our deepened friendship and his commitment to working with us; gradually there may be agricultural and micro-credit projects financed by the Ministry including the Makabo agricultural centre near Bunia. We are also going to work together to produce a nationwide training programme for youth leaders. The Minister s vision is for a CFEJ (Youth Leaders Training Centre) extension in Kinshasa, followed gradually by one in every diocese. He also sees that some of our students could be appointed by the Ministry to work within the Provinces as Government youth workers at all levels. A gift of land: The Minister has given us a gift of 6 hectares of land near the airport in Kinshasa to enable us to build another CFEJ. The process of getting all the legal documents and a site actually assigned to us has started. We may get some help from the Ministry towards running costs, though the Minister is not over hopeful! He is also supporting Willy in the process of getting official recognition for ISTAS with the Ministry of Higher Education. A beautiful handover: The service on 19 July in Kinshasa, when I officially handed over the department to Bisoke and Jean-Bosco, was such a special time. I felt deeply blessed by the Lord and amazed at the expressions of love and gratefulness for the work we have done over the years. The Minister s advisor, Mr Kasay, spoke so kindly about me and even said that I should take Congolese nationality, as I am more concerned for Congo than many Congolese! He then presented me with a beautiful picture. The former mayor of Bunia, who is now an MP, attended with his wife and then lent us his Mercedes whenever we needed it, to help us with transport. A big change! Bisoke and the staff worked hard on their plan of action and budget, and are full of ideas for the way forward. There is a big

19 change for everyone to look to Bisoke and Jean-Bosco not easy when for years it has been me but it feels good not to carry all this responsibility! Archbishop Isingoma would like the team to be based in Kinshasa but this will take time to plan and prepare properly as Kinshasa is not an easy city to live in. An enthronement: The enthronement on 8 August of Bishop Henri Isingoma was a happy occasion and a tremendous witness to the worldwide Anglican Communion with representatives from the States, UK, South Africa, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda. He has much to do to establish a good administration, clear financial system and a closer working relationship between all the departments. Please pray as he works through all the different issues. Book 3: Book 3 is validated and the manuscript is at the printers. We are waiting for the preface to be written by the Minister. Looking forward... I praise God for His presence as He has walked with me through this time of change. It feels so right. I am aware of times where I have failed, where I have not always been obedient to His will, but I am also overwhelmed at His goodness and all that has happened to enable the work to spread throughout the country, from the early beginnings of five young people in Bunia! Prayer points: Please pray for the staff that will continue this work, headed up by Bisoke and Jean-Bosco. Pray that they will feel free to take it on in the way they want, making changes where and when necessary. Pray that the Church will accept their leadership and give them the support and the authority they gave me. Pray for necessary funding to make their programmes possible. Pray for me to know when to give advice and when to push them to make their own decisions. Pray for me in my new role in Mahagi, working alongside Willy and the team there. Bisoke has asked me to continue with the partnership with the Ministry in so far as it relates to CFEJ and youth leadership training.

20 News from Kindu by Bishop Masimango (heavily edited from the Kindu newsletter) The state of the country: DR Congo is progressing towards becoming a peaceful country. Most of the eleven Provinces which form the country are peaceful with the exception of a remaining pocket of insecurity in the East caused by ongoing killings by the FDLR (Hutu Rebel group) and the LRA (Lords Resistance Army from Uganda). Recent developments in the situation in Eastern Congo have given a tinge of hope for people in the Great Lakes Region to taste peace and stability after nearly two decades of insecurity and violence. This has followed the success of Umoja Wetu (Swahili for Our Unity ) which was a joint military operation between Rwanda and DR Congo. The operation which might turn out to be the decade s most successful assault on the rebels was started by the unprecedented arrest of Gen. Lauren Nkunda. The remaining danger now is from remnants of his forces who are carrying out terrorist activities against civilians. Bishop Masimango s new bike: It took some months to get here and some time to get all the correct documents but Bishop Masimango s new bike is now on the road. The local registry office has run out of number plates but all is legal. Bishop Masimango would like to express his thanks once again to those who contributed money to make this possible. A trip around parts of the diocese by motor bike was planned for July. Projects and plans: ICCHO funding was used to assist young people demobilised after the war. They were trained in carpentry at the Diocesan Technical School but unable to open their own workshops. The current project will open a carpentry workshop to provide employment and give them the skills and confidence to open their own businesses. Farming projects are being funded by Tear Fund and Christian Aid to improve farming methods and farming seeds in a subsistence

21 society, and aiming to raise nutrition and health levels. The new church building in Kalima, through many donations and much faith, is almost finished. The only thing still lacking is the cement floor and pews to fill the church but these are also slowly being made as money comes in. Berea Bible School has been in operation for almost 3 years and is about to have its first 8 graduates. Our latest building is nearing completion and should be ready for our next intake in September. Health Work: The general level of health and nutrition in Maniema is very poor. In the whole province of Maniema there is not a single dentist. The main plans and hopes for Diocesan Health work are in 3 main areas: Firstly to have a dispensary or health centre in each of the 8 Archdeaconries. At present there are two. Secondly to have people trained in basic dentistry. Thirdly to provide AIDS education in our schools and youth groups. Some funding has come through from the Anglican Province of Congo to begin the STAYS program. This is Straight Talk to Youth about Sex. Some testing facilities are available in Kindu but it would be preferable if in the future the church could have its own testing facility for HIV. News from Kinshasa There have been several major events in the life of the Province and the Diocese. On 2 August, the diocese bade farewell to Archbishop Dirokpa on his retirement; it was his 70 th birthday and he received the well-merited thanks of the faithful for all he has done. Then on the following Sunday, his successor Bishop Henri Isingoma was enthroned at a great eucharistic service. Many of the Primates of the Anglican Communion were represented; the Archbishop of Canterbury by our Patron Bishop Michael Scott-Joynt, accompanied by Lou. The Secretary General of the Anglican Consultative Council, Canon Kearon was also present, with a number of others, eminent both in church and state.

22 The new Archbishop will certainly have his work cut out. The very next day he presided at a three-day workshop attended by all the bishops and heads of departments with representatives of partner organisations. Their purpose was to produce a plan for the Anglican Church to play its part in development and general improvement in the life of the people. The event was paid for by Christian Aid, who intend to work closely with the church, now that it is nationwide, with a presence in every part of the country. The Archbishop next set off to help Bishop Kayeeye bring peace to the troubled diocese of Nord-Kivu on the other side of the country. Next, he went to Nairobi for a meeting of CAPA, bringing together the Anglican Primates of Africa. Now he is back in Kinshasa, but preparing to visit Pretoria at the invitation of its bishop who had been present at his enthronement. He has many problems, among them the question of where he himself is to reside, and how to deal with the deficit in the Provincial budget. On 19 July, there was another momentous handing-over. Judy Acheson, with the team she has brought together, has over many years built up a youth movement, AGAPE, which is now nationwide. On 19 July there was a ceremony at St Peter s Church, attended by the representative of the Government Minister for Youth and Sport. She passed on he r responsibilities as Provincial Coordinator of the Christian Youth Movement, Agape in Mission, to her successor Revd. Bisoke, who will share this work with M. Jean-Bosco and Rev. Mlle Azama. There have also been some significant developments in the Diocese itself. On 28 June, its first two women deacons were ordained. A five week course for preachers has been attended by participants from all areas as well as from Kasai and Katanga. The Christians at Moanda, 200 miles away on the coast, we re encouraged by visits from Archbishop Dirokpa and Judy Acheson, and later by Ven Isesomo the Provincial Evangelist and then by one of the new lady deacons, Rev. Rosalie Lisongi Etsa. At Bandundu, the Christians have started a project to make bricks for churches and schools. And the Archdeacon of Brazzaville has spent several weeks at Mpokola, to strengthen the infant church there.

23 Update on the Diocese Of Nord-Kivu by Bishop Enoch W. M. Kayeeye The Archbishop s visit was very helpful and very positive We thank His Grace the Archbishop Isingoma for sparing time to visit the Diocese of Nord-Kivu in late August. The visit was timely and very helpful. Christian leaders, pastors and heads of departments were able to express their views unhindered and the result was very positive. People developed a sense of rediscovering each other as brothers and sisters after many years of conflict. Diocesan Synod - 1 st & 2 nd September 2009 The Synod was presided over by Bishop Enoch Kayeeye and devotion was led by him. The Diocesan Chancellor guided the members through each Article following the recommendations by the College des Eveques at Kisangani, December After a long debate, the amended constitution was adopted and signed by every member. The Renewal Convention - 3 rd to 9 th September 2009 The Renewal Convention was led by Rev. Canon Don Brewin from SOMA UK. The Theme was from St Matthew 11:28. Workshop details involved topics like: Restoring hope in the Community What sort of leaders do we need in the future? Sharing your faith - becoming effective agents for the Gospel Rooted in Jesus - helping others to grow to maturity Claiming the VICTORY of Christ in D. R. Congo - the place for intercession Walking forward into the future - a challenge for young people Women in the midst of conflict - how can families survive? Evening Crusades The proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ after all sharing of testimonies The morning Bible exposition

24 Through all the above experiences, I hope, Nord-Kivu will never be the same again. Many people were saved and had their lives restored and renewed. Many people confessed openly about past conflicts, forgiving one another and reconciling. Many people had been stealing Church money and others committing adultery. All were spiritually transformed. The Archdeacons in the Beni area who had sent a letter and delegation to College des Eveques in Goma repented and wrote to withdraw their memorandum. I am sure with the strength and by the power of the Holy Spirit during and after the Convention and the visit of the Archbishop, the Diocese will move forward. Bishop and Mama Kayeeye plan to visit UK in Nov/Dec They have been invited for one month to visit St. Brelade Anglican Parish Church in Jersey and Tonbridge near Canterbury. Prayer for Peace in Congo Prayer for Peace in Congo is a new initiative, which gathers believers across Christian denominations, NGOs, churches, businesses and the political sector which campaign for peace and reconciliation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was launched on 30 th June 2009 at the Houses of Parliament. Its aims are: 1. To pray for unity, peace, reconciliation, stability and prosperity of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 2. To promote global awareness on DRC conflict 3. To encourage local churches and Christian organisations to put the DRC on their prayer agenda 4. To encourage UK churches and Christian communities to campaign and advocate for renewed stability in the DRC 5. To support victims of the persecution in the conflict through prayer and other means of support. CCA, along with CMS, Christian Aid and others, has become a partner organisation. It has been exciting to connect with Congolese Christians here in UK. May we encourage you to get DRC put on your own church s prayer agenda?

25 News from Lubumbashi by Eric & Sandra Read, CMS Why do we live in poverty? The people of Kapolowe Gare were discussing this pervasive issue. They decided to focus on one common reason which they felt they could start addressing. It is the fear of witchcraft. If people see I have money and my life is improving they will be jealous and I will be bewitched. Because of this people will not improve their houses, send their children to school nor even want to be seen buying meat. Others will get jealous and will bewitch us! If someone gets any money they will just waste it on drinking and other destructive activities. It also acts as a major disincentive to trying to improve your life and that of your family. If you do have a bit of wealth you live as if you do not, and if you don't, why bother doing anything about it. As people in the church were reminded that they are standing in the victory of Christ over witchcraft, they decided this bondage of fear should be tackled. At that time Joseph and Seraphin from our team were training them in the use of 'participatory tools', activities to help bring out ideas and information from people about their lives and community. One tool is the use of drama and sketches. Some members of the church decided to use this to tackle the problem described above. They developed their own script and presented an exaggerated comic drama about witchcraft to bring up points for discussion. About 50 people watched and enjoyed the sketch and discussed it afterwards. One man said he will not be afraid and started to use his money wisely and, as proof, in the next few days he bought 4 iron sheets for his leaking roof. This is a beginning, but the group were a bit disappointed there was not greater impact. However, as the pastor wisely reflected, one activity will not solve a problem which is so ingrained in people's lives. This is one of a number of churches we are working with who are starting to be active in their communities. Please pray for them that they will be able to initiate positive changes as they tackle different issues in their communities.

26 The Semliki Crossing Review by Chris Carey, September 2009 This is a vivid account of two people who went to Uganda with the Church Missionary Society CMS in 1933 and 1934 respectively. Dorothy Clayton (born in Uganda) went as a teacher to Toro Girls School in Fort Portal, Western Uganda, which prepared the most able pupils to become teachers and sent them out to over 20 bush schools, for which she was also responsible. On the other side of the great Rift Valley Reg Palin, a clergyman, was located to Mboga in the Belgian Congo to consolidate and develop the pioneering work of Canon Apolo Kivebulaya, the Ugandan evangelist who had just died. For both Reg and Dorothy travelling meant walking - long foot safaris with many porters to help them. The three-day march between Mboga and Fort Portal entailed a huge descent onto the waterlogged plains of the Semliki River, a hazardous crossing by dug-out canoe, followed by a mountainous climb over the northern slopes of the Rwenzori mountains. Even in the 1930s the extent of such pioneering was unusual in CMS Uganda, where road travel, schools, colleges and hospitals were by then well established. The book has been compiled by the Palin family from their parents (and grandparents ) diaries of daily work and travel, letters to their parents and friends in England and letters published in home parish magazines, also their more formal annual reports to CMS. It includes 163 photographs taken from their albums which can also be viewed (larger) online. Reg and Dorothy married in 1938 and continued in Uganda to the point of national Independence in They had a distinguished career, Reg holding the post of Archdeacon of Uganda from 1950 and becoming first Provincial Secretary of the newly created autonomous Church of Uganda in Two things make this book of special interest to church historians. First, it documents in great and sometimes daily detail the early growth of the Anglican church in the Belgian Congo and Western Uganda. Reg records every move, every safari, the places, distances, names of evangelists, teachers, trainees, numbers of baptisms and confirmations from an era where probably no such information now exists. At that time he was the one ordained Anglican priest in the Congo. This record fills the gap from Apolo s death in 1933 to the early 1950s. Today in spite of all the war and violence in recent years the Anglican Church in the Congo is a national church with eight dioceses and tens of thousands of members. Likewise Dorothy led and shaped girls education in Toro, requiring close liaison with the colonial government, which wished to see both the highest standards maintained and the rapid establishment of a national network of schools. Both Reg and Dorothy admire and affirm their African colleagues, the real builders of the new church. Secondly there is a unique and surprising account of the early spread of the East African Revival movement into Toro and Bunyoro. Most such accounts are from within, as it were, documenting a wonderful and rapid spiritual movement from Rwanda into Uganda and beyond. By then Reg was a church official, the bishop s representative, whose task was both to welcome and contain the new movement in the church. It was a hard and painful task with many misunderstandings and setbacks. The message was right, but the methods and assumptions could easily have fragmented Christianity in Uganda. However Reg in Western Uganda and Bishop Simon Stuart in Kampala quietly and patiently held things together. Reg initiated a new programme of retreats, quiet days, in-service bible training and the like to support and affirm the clergy and ensure that the heart of the Revival movement remained available for all.

27 Congo Church Association Patrons The Rt Revd Michael Scott-Joynt, Bishop of Winchester Dss Lucy Ridsdale President Archbishop Isingoma Kahwa B.P Kinshasa - 1, Democratic Republic of Congo Hon Secretary Mrs Rosemary Peirce, 8 Burwell Meadow, Witney, Oxon OX28 5JQ General Commissary Revd Canon W.B. Norman, 37 Cloudesdale Road, London SW17 8ET Chair Commissary USA Judy Rous, Revd Ted Lewis, 353 Banbury Road, Laurel Hill Way, Oxford, Germantown, OX2 7PL MD , USA Hon Treasurer Paul Dickens, Hockliffe Grange, Hockliffe, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 9NL Printed by: Hallett Press, Coachmakers, 33 Latimer Street, Romsey, Hants SO51 8DF Please send material for publication to the Newsletter Editor, Paul Dickens, at the above address or by to pmjdickens@lineone.net Prayer and Praise Province Pray f or Abp Isingoma as he leads the church & f or God s hand upon Him to giv e him wisdom, discernment & vision in all his many responsibilities. Boga Pray for Abp Isingoma & team in all their planning; pray f or God s blessing on Mrs Mugisa Isingoma and women s work. Pray f or lasting peace in Ituri enabling people to go home & opportunities for reconstruction. Bukavu Pray for a f inal resolution & end to hostilities in the conf lict in the Kivus. Pray f or many people displaced & traumatised, & for spiritual & material help for them. Remember Bp Bahati & his staff, especially clergy in the troubled area. Katanga Praise God f or church lay workers recently trained. Pray f or the work with street children esp Centre Kimbilio, and also the transformational development work.

28 Kisangani Giv e thanks f or Bp Funga s v isit to distant parts of his diocese. Pray f or Bp Funga & his staff & clergy as they minister in this v ast diocese. The Kasais Pray for Ven Bey a as he leads the church; pray for Abp Isingoma s forthcoming visit & the appointment of a bishop for this region, amidst many challenges. Kinshasa/Congo-Brazzaville Pray for Ass. Bp Molanga & clergy as they minister in urban & rural parishes in this huge diocese. Pray for Abp Isingoma s visits to Kinshasa North Kivu Giv e thanks f or the renewal conference in Sept, and pray for progress towards unity in the diocese & lasting solutions following Abp Isingoma s pastoral visit. Aru Pray for the displaced in the region & for the church s ministry to them. Pray for Bp Ande, juggling diocesan work & teaching responsibilities at ISThA, and f or his team. Kindu Remember students at Berea Bible School nearing the end of 3 rd year, pray ing God will deepen their f aith & passion to serv e Him, & equip them for ministry. Pray f or Bp Masimango in his diocesan work & as Dean of the Province. ISThA Pray f or Can. Sabiti & staff, who f ace many challenges in teaching the course, & dev eloping the College. Pray f or sufficient income. Pray f or existing students growth in spiritual maturity & ministry skills and f or new students who have left f amilies behind. Youth Giv e thanks for Rev Bisoke as Provincial Youth Officer & pray for him & y outh workers throughout DRC. Praise God for exciting new developments & God s working in the lives of y oung people. Pray f or Mahagi Youth Training Centre & ISTAS, & for Judy Acheson s new work here. Thank God f or all she has done to establish y outh work. Health - Pray f or those running health programmes who f ace huge needs with often limited resources. Pray f or God s prov ision & His healing touch on the liv es of many. Evangelism pray for Rev Ise-somo s ongoing evangelistic work amongst soldiers; pray for effective discipleship of those who come to faith in every diocese. Development pray for grassroots initiatives & God s transforming work in hearts, lives and communities. Pray for His blessing & protection on people & programmes. Clergy & lay-workers pray for all who have responsibility to lead & teach in the Church; that they may grow in faith and knowledge of Christ and be faithful ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for increasing availability of the Bible for people to buy.