Friday 15th February 2013
At 9.15am we were driven to the CECCA16 offices in Isiro. The Church President Modibale and his
secretary have an office in the building along with admin staff including the
Treasurer and Pastors in charge of the Bible Schools and Evangelism. 
Modibale and Vice President Manzimba are
excellent, dedicated church leaders. Dr.
Omelebatti, who is the Medical Admin Officer for CECCA16’s districts, moved to Isiro
a year ago as this was the best place to co-ordinate plans with President Modibale and Vice President
Manzimba who both live in Isiro. We met the Doctor in Isiro Hospital
yesterday. There are34 Hospitals and 39
Health Centres throughout the 20 districts.
We
saw school and office buildings in need of repair or rebuilding, and equipment
from the 50’s which needs updating.
The
President thanked us for coming to DR Congo; and particularly thanked John for
assisting so many of our team, and the team on motorbikes to get their
visas. They know that it is very
difficult to get permission to enter their country. They feel that our “Centenary Prayer Walk” is
a foundation for the future. It is
motivating people by the encouragement we give them and they know that WEC
still holds the DR Congo close to its heart and supports it in many practical
ways including the donation of money raised through the Mission.
After
visiting buildings, discussions and
prayer we were driven to the home of Vice President Jean & Christine
Manzimba for lunch.
A typical Congolese
meal was enjoyed by all. The photograph
shows their typically extended family with children, grandchildren and nephews
and nieces. A son tragically died and
they have taken his children into their home.
After
lunch John went off riding pillion on their son Sam’s motorbike to the SIL
offices to try to fix a problem with a laptop which he had brought from the
Bible School in Ibambi; unfortunately without success!
Later
in the afternoon some of the team attended another local church for a
celebration / praise service (similar to yesterday!)
Saturday 16th February 2013
Today
continued very hot and humid with another visit in the morning. This time it was to the Commercial
College. We visited a site on the
outskirts of town where a new building project had to be abandoned due to rebel
activity and had never been restarted.
Then we visited the rented building they now use, met some of the
students and the staff and were told of the problems they face which are
similar to all the other establishments we visited. There was considerable frustration as no one
has been able to use their mobile phone for the last few days, though on the
whole it was a more relaxing day. In the
late afternoon John, Evan, Nancy and Stephen visited the President for some
wide ranging discussions regarding church structure, organization, financing
etc.
Sunday 17th February 3013
After
breakfast we went to an area near the Gamba church for a really huge open air
Centenary Celebration Service under a canopy of bamboo poles and palm
leaves. It is fascinating to watch them
building these canopies! Over 1000
people of all ages, from babies to oldies, some even older that us!
Many speakers, many chorales and bands
(Janice has some great video clips!) and of course we “missionaries”, sitting together
with the church leaders and their wives (only one each!) AND the District Commissioner
and his wife who had an armed bodyguard also sitting with us!
Now imagine 5 hours sitting!! Whether it was because it was such a special
celebration or not, we don’t know, but anyone with a camera or phone to take pictures, including us, were getting up
and walking around taking pictures from every conceivable angle.
A lunch in the actual church followed for missionaries and dignitaries,
including the DC and his friendly police guard who John spoke to through an interpreter
and told him the he should have no worries about security today as we had angels
guarding us!!
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