Collapsed Presbyterian Church in Lubi II Village
Two noteworthy events – one good, one bad.
The bad first…
On August 29th, a tornado ripped through the village of Tshikaji and surrounding area in central Congo. Four people were killed and more than 100 homes destroyed. The small Presbyterian Church in the village of Lubi II collapsed. Luckily, our Sewing School for Single Mothers was not damaged and damages to Good Shepherd Hospital were minimal. The families who lost their homes essentially lost everything they had. Within weeks of the tornado rainy season would be upon them and they needed to get seeds in the ground – unfortunately, all their seeds were destroyed in the storm. The community rallied.
Several churches here in the US stepped up. Tarps were purchased to prevent remaining homes from further damage. Emergency funds were sent by various individuals and organizations for seeds. ROW Congo-Kasai was able to send $1,000 to Good Shepherd Hospital to help with the unexpected expenses due to medicines and treated the injured and R another $1,000 to help rebuild the church in Lubi II. So, while this event was catastrophic, the community is moving forward and has expressed gratitude for our support in the message below.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, and to all the PC(USA),
In the name of the Department of Evangelism for the Presbyterian Community in Congo (CPC), we are happy to thank you for your willingness to consider us to help with your money for the rebuilding of the church (Lubi II) and houses which collapsed due to the disaster caused by a tornado and rain in Tshikaji (village of Kamenga). We continue to seek funding to complete the planned amount for this work. We pray for you and also ask that you continue to pray for us.
May the Lord our God bless you.
Pastor MBOYAMBA Kabala
Director of the Department of Evangelization
Now, the good…
On December 18th, another 30 ladies will graduate from the Sewing School for Single Mothers that is sponsored by ROW Congo-Kasai. This will mean 79 ladies and all of their children’s lives will have been incredibly impacted since we got involved in the founding of this school in December 2007. Our Thanksgiving here in the U.S. was celebrated in part by sending $4,500 to the Congo to purchase the sewing machines that each of these 30 new graduates will receive at their graduation ceremony. The look of pride and accomplishment on their faces will be incredible – just as for the last 49 graduates. Not only does this program change their lives, by purchasing the sewing machines on the local economy, it helps numerous others. To all who have helped in this effort – as they would say in Tshiluba, “Tuasakadila wa bungi!
Please note – the annual budget for the sewing school is $15,000 – to impact 30 ladies and their children forever. The rebuilding of the Lubi II Presbyterian Church is estimated at $29,000. The need continues. Bless them and it will be a blessing to you.
Jimmy Shafe
Rivers of the World – Congo Kasai Chapter – Director
