Philo invited to speak to a House committee

Philomène Bidimbu is a gifted rural extension worker. She has spent over 20 years with ACDI Lusekele helping Congolese villagers to discover new ways of farming and to prove for themselves the benefits. She is competent, confident and works in rural development as a vocation given by the Lord.

This week she will join the Congolese ambassador to the US as part of a panel appearing before a House of Representatives' subcommittee discussing development aid to Congo. It is an unlikely opportunity. For a short time on Wednesday she will have a chance to express the hopes of traditional farmers and the vision of committed Christians for a different Congo than we know now. The technology for change is available: new disease-resistant varieties that could double yields of key staple crops are available right now. What lacks is the political will to mobilize funds and organization for putting them in the hands of farmers.

God has put Philo in this position for a reason. God has advocated from the begining of time for health and wholeness, for help for the poor. Now Philo has her chance to give voice to that advocacy before the representatives of wealth and power. Pray Wednesday morning for her. May she shine with God's message.

Home base Keizer -- 2009-2010

Last Monday afternoon we drove into our driveway in Keizer, the early evening sun dropping in the west. Three colorful flower pots hung over the front porch and two red and white geraniums flanked the door. Inside the house was bare, characterless. But a small circle of warmth lay on the kitchen counter next to the phone book -- three welcome notes from our church family, close supporters and Thelma, Helen and all the mission ladies of the Miriam Noyes Circle. A welcome backed up by a fridge full of the essentials and two cupboards full of staples -- insurance against starving while putting our house in order. After seven days, starting with that small circle of warmth, our house for the next 12 months is beginning to take shape as home.

What a beautiful reminder that we are never alone in our mission to Congo! Our work is made possible because all of these other people share a part of the call. Some pray. Some share words of encouragement. Some help us to evaluate past accomplishments and chart future work. Some provide financial support. Some challenge us by example and unflinching word to go deeper in our walk with the Lord. And undoubtedly some will pick us up when we fall and put us back on the road.

This coming Saturday, July 18, we gather with the members of our missionary partnership team to map out a plan for the coming year. Two weeks later we join missionary colleagues for an evaluation and planning conference at Eastern University. Pray with us, that we may live with grace, serve others with love and glorify God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ.