Update from Africa

Hi everyone!

This is Peggy's daughter Jenny writing with news I've received from those in the DRC. My mom has been filled with joy as she is surrounded by familiar faces and new friends. She sends her love to everyone and wants you all to know that your support and prayers are greatly impacting the community and university. I had a laugh when she said that the women had recently taught her how to hand wash her clothes and how unexpectedly difficult it was.

On a much heavier note, the people of the DRC are continually dealing with threats and actions of rebel militias. I have recieved some eye witness accounts of things happening in the Congo from Paul Robinson, a member of the team now serving in Congo. Please forgive any missing information as part of my email seemed to be cut off.

Paul writes the following:
"...the blue skies, the spectacular Rwenzoni mountains on the other side of the valley, an afternoon rainbow to the northeast, and a cooling afternoon breeze belie some growing tensions here in northeast Congo. You've probably seen on BBC that a militia group has resurfaced south of Bunia, and a few days 'terrorized' the outskirts of Bunia. Today the buzz on the cellphones is that the Congo army is so overstretched responding to Nkunda's activities around Goma, and the LRA activities around Dungu, that this militia is testing the authorities. The news today is that this group attacked and have 'captured' Nyankunde. David just talked to the President of Shalom University in Bunia, and the reports are true, but not as ominous as this may sound. There was no gun battle, and one person only died-a heart attack from fear I guess (though that is bad enough). MONUC is gathering troops in Bunia to respond, but of course, the militia will disappear before they can show up. Rumors are that this militia is under the authority/control (or at least influence and financial support) of Laurent Nkunda, of Goma, who has recently vowed to 'liberate' Congo. Nkunda is supported by Rwanda. There's also suspicion that the LRA activity might be being coordinated with Nkunda to stretch the capacity of the government forces in the region (which it is doing)."

Paul also sends word about the truly awesome efforts of the young faculty at UCBC to provide the best education they can to students at the university. They are not only interested in educating students in subject matter, but truly desire to transform lives. Despite having limited resources and teaching materials the energetic faculty presses on to learn new teaching techniques that will engage their students.

I encourage you to pray for the faculty at the university and the situation in the DRC. Brothers and sisters all over the world are facing tremendous hardship and continue to look heavenward as they put their hope in Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord, for He is good.