Full Circle
An amazing trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) took place this summer as Jimmy Shafe, Rivers of the World’s (ROW) Congo-Kasai director, led a group of former Congo missionary kids and their spouses back to that part of the world for their first return trip in 40 years!
The emotional impact of this trip for the MK’s was significant. From May 26-June 10, Jimmy traveled from nearly one end of the DRC to another. Reunions took place from the capital city of Kinshasa to Lubumbashi. Past memories of people and projects collided with the present as bonds between individuals were formed and a heightened sense of purpose for current programs was established.
In Kinshasa, stops were made at the ROW orphanage and a Congo Presbyterian Community women’s empowerment program. The group also traveled to Tshikaji to visit the Good Shepherd Hospital and tour the ROW sewing school for single mothers. Trips were also made to Katubue, Bibanga, Lubondai and Mulungwishi.
The joy and excitement shared with these former MK’s and their families was remarkable. Returning “home” seemed as if their lives had come full circle. Memories of their lives as children in the DRC flooded their minds as new memories were created and shared with their families.
As Christians, we have an even more remarkable reunion in store for us at the end of our lives. We will have an opportunity to see Jesus face to face and we will be reunited with all those loved ones who traveled home before us. There is no way that our minds could even begin to grasp this reality. As a matter of fact, we are told in 1 Corinthians 13:12:
“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
God allows us to have glimpses of heaven here on earth. We experience the intensity of love that exists in a marriage, we enjoy the immense bond that is present between a parent and a child and we have a chance to embrace the unbelievable love of God. All these experiences, and many more that we have in this life, pale in comparison to what we will enjoy in heaven with our Lord and Maker.
