A life on the run.

Today (July 24th) we shared our evening and dinner with the President and Vice President of the CECU (The Congolese Free Church).

We were hosted by the director of the Elikya (Hope) Center, in the home he built near Gemena.

We started late in the afternoon, and President Bosokpale shared with us his vision for the future of the CECU. His vision was broad and aggressive and showed a powerful belief the the Holy Spirit and God's provisions for the church.

We asked questions about how we could help, and they shared their ideas, hopes, and dreams. It was a wonderful conversation about how we might all serve God in the Congo in the coming years.

During dinner we exchanged questions and ideas. Near the end of dinner Pastor John asked the President, Vice President, and Director if they're lives were impacted by the war in the Congo. The war began in in 1996-97, and greatly impacted these men and their families beginning in 2000. They each shared their stories about how they and their families retreated from the village into the jungles to seek safety and shelter from the troops. In some cases the men were separated from their wives and children, but eventually found them in the jungles. They retreated deeper in the jungles to avoid the troops and the planes and the bombings. One of the men shared that his friend's son was killed during the war, but they all had to keep moving to stay ahead of the carnage and violence.

These men shared their unshakable faith that God had protected them from complete devastation, and led them to the work they are now doing for His people of the Congo. During our dinner they thanked God for His protections during that horrible time.

We closed the evening with prayers and tears. As we prepared to leave the home, they gave us each a gift of hand-made clothing. More tears and "thank yous!"

It was a powerful evening of of witnessing, and sharing ideas and dreams

Dave Sagisser.