The Dignity of Hawthorns
5 years ago
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Thursday, 13 May 2010
The FARDC
Last week i wrote about the visit of Sir John Holmes to Dungu and why exactly the UN mission should not withdraw from Congo. The FARDC, the Congolese military, are another reason why the UN mission needs to reamin to stabilise the country.
The FARDC (Les Forces Armees de la Republique du Congo), unfortunately are not a viable force that will provide this country with the stability and security it needs. Where to begin in describing the problems of the FARDC? As part of the agreement to re-integrate many militia into daily life, they were given positions within the FARDC. This policy was initially supported by the UN, but many of these militia men have continued their old habits. In North and South Kivu, FARDC soldiers have themselves been responsible for massacres and atrocities, rape is widespread, infact the levels of sexual violence in Eastern Congo are just appaling.
Due to the severe levels of abuse committed by FARDC forces in the Kivu`s region, it was decided that one batallion from this region would be sent to Dungu in December 2009. The UN also announced it would stop supporting any FARDC elements continuing to commit abuses. The violence and aggression continues against the population though. Just 2 weeks ago I saw a drunken soldier chasing a civilian and threatening him with his gun, This was in the middle of the afternoon.
As you might expect in the DRC, corruption is another serious problem for the FARDC. The military here is top heavy with generals, and the forces here in Dungu have not been paid for 4 months. They demonstrated in Dungu this week and have threatened to pillage the town. How can you expect a force who have not been paid for 4 months to fight the LRA? They are underequipped, not paid and there are huge problems with morale. Soldiers are often forced to turn to crime to make a livng.
The FARDC, in its current state, is not ready and able to manage and co-ordinate security in the DR Congo.
The FARDC (Les Forces Armees de la Republique du Congo), unfortunately are not a viable force that will provide this country with the stability and security it needs. Where to begin in describing the problems of the FARDC? As part of the agreement to re-integrate many militia into daily life, they were given positions within the FARDC. This policy was initially supported by the UN, but many of these militia men have continued their old habits. In North and South Kivu, FARDC soldiers have themselves been responsible for massacres and atrocities, rape is widespread, infact the levels of sexual violence in Eastern Congo are just appaling.
Due to the severe levels of abuse committed by FARDC forces in the Kivu`s region, it was decided that one batallion from this region would be sent to Dungu in December 2009. The UN also announced it would stop supporting any FARDC elements continuing to commit abuses. The violence and aggression continues against the population though. Just 2 weeks ago I saw a drunken soldier chasing a civilian and threatening him with his gun, This was in the middle of the afternoon.
As you might expect in the DRC, corruption is another serious problem for the FARDC. The military here is top heavy with generals, and the forces here in Dungu have not been paid for 4 months. They demonstrated in Dungu this week and have threatened to pillage the town. How can you expect a force who have not been paid for 4 months to fight the LRA? They are underequipped, not paid and there are huge problems with morale. Soldiers are often forced to turn to crime to make a livng.
The FARDC, in its current state, is not ready and able to manage and co-ordinate security in the DR Congo.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
My meeting with John Holmes
Who is Sir John Holmes? He is the under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Co-ordination. He is also a former British diplomat who he used to be the British ambassador to France. Yesterday he came to Dungu as part of a 5 day visit to the DR Congo. We, the NGO community were invited to speak with him for over 1 hour to discuss current humanitarian needs in Congo and the presence of MONUC (the UN force present in Congo).
Having spoken to several high ranking UN officals who arrived in Dungu in the days leading up to the visit, I had high expectations of meeting Sir John in person, that he was really somebody willing to listen and had ideas to change and implement action, and that he was not somebody who who was very political and would get bogged down in the many agendas of all the UN Members. Maybe im naive, but all the UN officials I met suggested here was a high ranking diplomat who has a sincere interest in serving the best needs of the Congolese people.
High on the agenda was the possibility of a UN witdrawal from Congo. The Congolese government has been putting pressure on MONUC to leave Congo by August 2011. While nobody expects MONUC to stay here forever, it is absoloutely impossible for them to withdraw in the next 12 months. There is a huge need in Province Oriental, especially in the Bas Uele province. This area has been hugely affected by the LRA crisis, but also suffers from having a very poor infrastructure and there is a huge problem, both logistically and security wise, in tewrms of accessibility to thousands of displaced people. Even in Bunia, in Ituri province, the peace there is very fragile. About 60 km away from Bunia in Gety, there is a very forgotten conflict still continuing with over 100,ooo people displaced and Bunia itself could very easily slip back into a serious war. There remains a lot of banditry and insecurity around the town, a complete UN withdrawal would be disastrous for ituri province.
As Medair have an emergency health programme here, I also had the opportunity to talk a little about some of the difficulties we are currently facing in this domain.
Overall, Sir John seemed to engage in the issues, but the meeting was short. He will return to New York and directly advise the Security Council on what he has heard. Certainly, in Dungu, he saw that the LRA conflict is far from over. It remains to be seen whether his visit will have any impact, but I remain hopeful. Please continue to pray for the people fo the Congo.
Having spoken to several high ranking UN officals who arrived in Dungu in the days leading up to the visit, I had high expectations of meeting Sir John in person, that he was really somebody willing to listen and had ideas to change and implement action, and that he was not somebody who who was very political and would get bogged down in the many agendas of all the UN Members. Maybe im naive, but all the UN officials I met suggested here was a high ranking diplomat who has a sincere interest in serving the best needs of the Congolese people.
High on the agenda was the possibility of a UN witdrawal from Congo. The Congolese government has been putting pressure on MONUC to leave Congo by August 2011. While nobody expects MONUC to stay here forever, it is absoloutely impossible for them to withdraw in the next 12 months. There is a huge need in Province Oriental, especially in the Bas Uele province. This area has been hugely affected by the LRA crisis, but also suffers from having a very poor infrastructure and there is a huge problem, both logistically and security wise, in tewrms of accessibility to thousands of displaced people. Even in Bunia, in Ituri province, the peace there is very fragile. About 60 km away from Bunia in Gety, there is a very forgotten conflict still continuing with over 100,ooo people displaced and Bunia itself could very easily slip back into a serious war. There remains a lot of banditry and insecurity around the town, a complete UN withdrawal would be disastrous for ituri province.
As Medair have an emergency health programme here, I also had the opportunity to talk a little about some of the difficulties we are currently facing in this domain.
Overall, Sir John seemed to engage in the issues, but the meeting was short. He will return to New York and directly advise the Security Council on what he has heard. Certainly, in Dungu, he saw that the LRA conflict is far from over. It remains to be seen whether his visit will have any impact, but I remain hopeful. Please continue to pray for the people fo the Congo.
Monday, 26 April 2010
Field Trip 1
As part of the preparation for an upcomig donor visit, I went on a field trip today, just 15km from Dungu to places called Kpezu and Dungu May, to help prepare the heath centres. Enjoy some of the views. Below is the road to Kpezu.
The journey to the health centeres. People just appear in clearings in the jungle, there are villages hidden in the dense forest. Its crazy really.
The health centre at Dungu May. You can see a Congolese soldier waiting to be treated.
The consultation room in the health centre at Kpezu, its pretty basic conditions. Medair have helped to treat displaced people here for free. An invaluable service, as some IDP`s can`t even afford the most basic treatment for 1$/2$. They have been forced to flee their homes and crops, and sometimes have no income at all.
The health centre at Kpezu. Supported by Medair since the beginning of the LRA conflict in Nov/Dec 2008, early 2009.
Friday, 23 April 2010
More photo`s - Dungu
The truly bizarre chateau in the centre of the Dungu, on the banks of the River Kibali. It was built by a Belgian coloniast, and lies in ruins now.
The Medair base in Dungu, the house was used for elections in Congo in 2006. You can see the satellite dish they used for the elections just left at the house. We have nowehere to store it, and we had told the local administrator several times to pick it up, but nothing, they never came. A bizarre country.
The outisde kitchen at our base in Dungu, with Maman Therese in the picture as well. We cook on charcoal, and we have a bread oven as well.
The Medair Base in Dungu
Flying directly over Dungu
The amazing colour of the Congolese. Women waiting at a heath centre in Dungu
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Dungu - Photo`s
There is a significant UN (MONUC) force in Dungu, with troops from Morocco, Indonesia and Bangladesh. This is the entrance to one of their 2 camps
The incredible landscape of NE Congo
A MONUC helicopter loading up ready to go to Bangadi. One of our medical supervisors was on this flight, but I was not allowed close enough to get anction shot. Bangadi is an extremely insecure area, deeply affected by the LRA crisis.
The incredible landscape of NE Congo
The intense jungle in NE Congo. This is the approach to Dungu by plane...pretty incredible
The Bamokandi district of Dungu, pretty intense jungle. Makes it easy for the LRA to hide and avoid and capture. There was a serious LRA attack here in January and the threat persists. You can see a MONUC tanker in the distance.
The airport in Dungu, built by Indonesian UN (Monuc) Forces. Maybe thats why the sign welcomes you in En glish
Monday, 19 April 2010
Depending on God
Phillipians 4,11-13 is an interesting verse in the bible ive come to appreciate in recent months. `I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
I only have one month left in the Congo, and the last year has not always been easy, lots of ups and downs. Problems ranging from security issues to many changes in the team have led me to depend on God on a daily basis more than I have ever done before. For my work, i have been asked to do things Ì have never done before and had to have faith in God to help me, sometimes when i have been the only expat at my base.
Its right to depend on God. Trusting God`s grace to draw near so that we can expeience Him as our refuge, glory and stength corrects the problem of our independence and separation from God. That God wants to be close enough to be your confidence and security means that he wants to be yout God, in every situation. I also think that our dependence on God in these everyday situations exalts Him, gives Him praise and shows that we are worshipping Him through the way we choose to live our lives.
I hope this attiducte represents a developing maturity in my faith, and i really hope i can keep surrendering every day in dependence to God, to give him the glory. The apostle Paul wrote, Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light...behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (Rom. 13:12b-14). Separation from God naturally leads to sin, and sinful desires. It is right to completely depend on God for our confidence and security.
I only have one month left in the Congo, and the last year has not always been easy, lots of ups and downs. Problems ranging from security issues to many changes in the team have led me to depend on God on a daily basis more than I have ever done before. For my work, i have been asked to do things Ì have never done before and had to have faith in God to help me, sometimes when i have been the only expat at my base.
Its right to depend on God. Trusting God`s grace to draw near so that we can expeience Him as our refuge, glory and stength corrects the problem of our independence and separation from God. That God wants to be close enough to be your confidence and security means that he wants to be yout God, in every situation. I also think that our dependence on God in these everyday situations exalts Him, gives Him praise and shows that we are worshipping Him through the way we choose to live our lives.
I hope this attiducte represents a developing maturity in my faith, and i really hope i can keep surrendering every day in dependence to God, to give him the glory. The apostle Paul wrote, Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light...behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (Rom. 13:12b-14). Separation from God naturally leads to sin, and sinful desires. It is right to completely depend on God for our confidence and security.
Monday, 12 April 2010
Book Review
I have read 2 books recently about the LRA, the Wizard of the Nile by Matthew Green was the first. Matthew Green is a British journalist who used to work for Reuters in East Africa. The book focuses on his search for an interview with the elusive Joseph Kony. He does eventually manage to find Kony, across the border in the Congolese bush, along with other journalists and a group of individuals trying to to restart negotiations for peace with the LRA. The book contains some interesting information on the background of the LRA conflict and several testimonies to the conflict, but a lot of time is wasted by Green who describles in detail his many visits between Sudan, Northern Uganda and Congo trying to locate Joesph Kony.
The second book is trial justice by Tim Allen. This is an older book, published in 2006 but is a fascinating account of the investigation into the LRA by the International Criminal Court in the Hague, and their subsequent issuing of arrest warrants for Kony and the other LRA leaders. These are many of the reasons why Kony went into hiding in Garamba National Park in NE Congo, and following this, his retaliation against the Congolese people and their continued quest for survival. There is also a fascinating look at the story of the LRA and Joesph Kony, their political roots in Northern Uganda and their truly bizarre spiritual roots. A great read.
Sunday, 28 March 2010
The LRA Tradgedy
Human Rights Watch have finally published their report on the LRA attack in Tapili in December 2009. Tapili is located about 6okm South West of Dungu, towards Isiro. In the space of 3 days, the LRA killed over 300 people. According to reports we have heard locally, the LRA may have killed over 400 civilians in this attack.
The Ugandan and Congolese armies are continuing to claim they are winning the war against the LRA. However, the LRA, if anything seem to be re-arming and replensihing their forces. In Nianagara last week, its believed 102 local people were killed in another LRA attack.
A strategy is surely needed, initiated by UN (MONUC) and local
governments to combat the ongoing threat of the LRA. The attaqck in Tapili indicates just how active they still are.
Links to articles detailing the attacks in Tapili can be found below;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8587305.stm
http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2010/03/29/trail-death-0
The Ugandan and Congolese armies are continuing to claim they are winning the war against the LRA. However, the LRA, if anything seem to be re-arming and replensihing their forces. In Nianagara last week, its believed 102 local people were killed in another LRA attack.
A strategy is surely needed, initiated by UN (MONUC) and local
governments to combat the ongoing threat of the LRA. The attaqck in Tapili indicates just how active they still are.
Links to articles detailing the attacks in Tapili can be found below;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8587305.stm
http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2010/03/29/trail-death-0
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Wedding of the Year
Well i think so anyway...and i love this. Check it out, the invite to mine and Jennie`s wedding, it even has a link to our website. http://weddings.theknot.com/pwp/pwp2/view/MemberPage.aspx?coupleId=9628986563927617
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
In contact with the outside world again
Wow, firstly i must apologise its been a good 2 months since i updated this blog. I have mostly been in Dungu for that time, and I often have just not had the time or the means to update this blog. For the last 5 weeks i have been the only expat for Medair in Dungu. Its not been easy, at times its been pretty tough.
LRA activity in and around Dungu is still pretty intense. Even In the last few days, there has been an LRA attack in central Dungu. As you head North of Dungu towards Doruma and the borders with Sudan and CAR, there are several groups of LRA soldiers continuing to wreak havoc. As many as 102 peole were reportedly killed in a recent attack. As for their strategy and what the LRA are doing, well who knows. I`ve added the link below so you can read a bit more.
http://www.enoughproject.org/blogs/ledio-cakaj
The base here was very simple when i arrived, so there has been a big focus on improving things logistically. We have installed a water system, electircy and of course the VSAT for access to the world wide web. Soon we will install a VHF base and continue to improve the quality of the house. I`ve negotiated the rent with the Catholic church, which has been much more challenging than you`d think. They tried to double our rent!!!Pretty disgraceful as we are to assist and serve the local population.
Its been challenging, lots of ups and downs for sure.
I`ve missed Jennie a lot. She has been in Kampala since February. I saw her for 5 days in early Feb, and will return to Kampala next week for more holiday i cannot wait.
`
The following verse fom Isiah comes to mind `but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Ive been depending God throughout dasily life here, there are strong foundations for the future.
LRA activity in and around Dungu is still pretty intense. Even In the last few days, there has been an LRA attack in central Dungu. As you head North of Dungu towards Doruma and the borders with Sudan and CAR, there are several groups of LRA soldiers continuing to wreak havoc. As many as 102 peole were reportedly killed in a recent attack. As for their strategy and what the LRA are doing, well who knows. I`ve added the link below so you can read a bit more.
http://www.enoughproject.org/blogs/ledio-cakaj
The base here was very simple when i arrived, so there has been a big focus on improving things logistically. We have installed a water system, electircy and of course the VSAT for access to the world wide web. Soon we will install a VHF base and continue to improve the quality of the house. I`ve negotiated the rent with the Catholic church, which has been much more challenging than you`d think. They tried to double our rent!!!Pretty disgraceful as we are to assist and serve the local population.
Its been challenging, lots of ups and downs for sure.
I`ve missed Jennie a lot. She has been in Kampala since February. I saw her for 5 days in early Feb, and will return to Kampala next week for more holiday i cannot wait.
`
The following verse fom Isiah comes to mind `but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Ive been depending God throughout dasily life here, there are strong foundations for the future.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
Dungu Update 2
I have returned to Dungu after spending Christmas with the Medair team in Bunia. Christmas was a pretty quiet affair this year, I spent New Years Eve at the MONUC (UN) house with some Medair teammates, UN peacekeepers from Morocco and the Guatemalan special forces. Different definately!
The local population in Dungu were fearing the worst over Christmas. In Dec 2008, the LRA launched a series of horrific attacks in the town. LRA activity had intensified at the end of this last year, creating a lot of concern in and around Dungu.
Security remained calm over the festivities, but has continued to intensify since my return in early January. Why? Well certainly the LRA seem to have reorganised in Congo. The Congolese military presence has been reduced dramatically, as the government tries to fight a new rebellion in the Equateur Province. There are also elections in South Sudan in April, followed by more elections in Congo and Uganda in 2011. All mitigating factors maybe, and the LRA seem to be making the most of their opportunity, with attacks happening all over NE Congo.
Anzway, im doing fine. Medair and all the NGOs are working as much as possible to help as many people as possible affected by this ongoing crisis. Please pray for the work of Medair and those affected in the DR Congo.
The local population in Dungu were fearing the worst over Christmas. In Dec 2008, the LRA launched a series of horrific attacks in the town. LRA activity had intensified at the end of this last year, creating a lot of concern in and around Dungu.
Security remained calm over the festivities, but has continued to intensify since my return in early January. Why? Well certainly the LRA seem to have reorganised in Congo. The Congolese military presence has been reduced dramatically, as the government tries to fight a new rebellion in the Equateur Province. There are also elections in South Sudan in April, followed by more elections in Congo and Uganda in 2011. All mitigating factors maybe, and the LRA seem to be making the most of their opportunity, with attacks happening all over NE Congo.
Anzway, im doing fine. Medair and all the NGOs are working as much as possible to help as many people as possible affected by this ongoing crisis. Please pray for the work of Medair and those affected in the DR Congo.
Friday, 25 December 2009
Living Dangerously for God
Living dangerously for God. What does this mean and why do i want to talk about it.
I have been reading Joshua recently. Near the end of his life, Joshua challenged the Israelites to make a life changing decision: Choose for youselves this day whom you will serve, whether the Gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the Gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24,15). The people responded with `Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other Gods (Joshua 24, 16). They were taken aback, perhaps even offended by Joshuas challenge.
Then Joshua emphatically stated `You are not able to serve the Lord, He is a Holy God, a jealous God (Joshua 24,19). Can you imagine the indignation you would have felt if you had not been in the crowd that day. I am not able. Who does he think he is?
Israel missed the point. Their faith was based on what God had done for them not who he was. Joshua meant that God is so holy that we cannot to begin to fathom the depth of his character. he is so jealous that he will not accept anything less than total commitment. A token resolution to follow God is not transformational. Joshua was not asking for lip service, but for a life of absoloute and constant surrender to God.
How does this work practically.Is God really first in your life? I feel like God has brought me to a place where I am not completely certain of where he wants me to be in the future, but still that i am completely walking in his will. I have an amazing peace about the direction my life is taking, I trust the Lord completely and I am very content to live out a dangerous faith. There is nothing to fear.
I have been reading Joshua recently. Near the end of his life, Joshua challenged the Israelites to make a life changing decision: Choose for youselves this day whom you will serve, whether the Gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the Gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24,15). The people responded with `Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other Gods (Joshua 24, 16). They were taken aback, perhaps even offended by Joshuas challenge.
Then Joshua emphatically stated `You are not able to serve the Lord, He is a Holy God, a jealous God (Joshua 24,19). Can you imagine the indignation you would have felt if you had not been in the crowd that day. I am not able. Who does he think he is?
Israel missed the point. Their faith was based on what God had done for them not who he was. Joshua meant that God is so holy that we cannot to begin to fathom the depth of his character. he is so jealous that he will not accept anything less than total commitment. A token resolution to follow God is not transformational. Joshua was not asking for lip service, but for a life of absoloute and constant surrender to God.
How does this work practically.Is God really first in your life? I feel like God has brought me to a place where I am not completely certain of where he wants me to be in the future, but still that i am completely walking in his will. I have an amazing peace about the direction my life is taking, I trust the Lord completely and I am very content to live out a dangerous faith. There is nothing to fear.
Engagement and marriage
I am very happy to say that Jennie and I announced are engagement just a couple of days ago. I spoke to Jennie`s father and asked for his permission to marry his amazing daughter. We are both very excited about what the future holds. God has opened up so much for us in the last few months, and we are excited to see what adventures he holds in store for us over the next few years. We plan to be married at the end of July, in Denver USA. This obviously means that I will not be extending my Medair contract at the end of May.
There are some things we would like people to pray into for us over the next few months
Fiancee Visa. To get married legally in the USA I have to be granted a fiancee visa. These normally take 5 months to process, and I will even have to go for an interview in the US embassy in London. So theroetcially, we should not have a problem with the timeframe. If you can pray for us anyway, that there will be no delay`s in this process.
From now until the end of May I will be living and working in the DR Congo. Jennie will be working in Kampala. I will be able to see Jennie on my visits to Uganda for holiday, but please pray for protection over us as we will sadly have to spend some time apart over the the next few months.
Please continue to pray for us as we prepare to get married and spend our lives us together, that the Lord will bless us, continue to guide us and show us exactly where he wants us to be. Please pray that God will always be at the centre of our relationship and that he continues to work so actively in our lives. Please pray we can surrender our life to him.
We are truly blessed.
There are some things we would like people to pray into for us over the next few months
Fiancee Visa. To get married legally in the USA I have to be granted a fiancee visa. These normally take 5 months to process, and I will even have to go for an interview in the US embassy in London. So theroetcially, we should not have a problem with the timeframe. If you can pray for us anyway, that there will be no delay`s in this process.
From now until the end of May I will be living and working in the DR Congo. Jennie will be working in Kampala. I will be able to see Jennie on my visits to Uganda for holiday, but please pray for protection over us as we will sadly have to spend some time apart over the the next few months.
Please continue to pray for us as we prepare to get married and spend our lives us together, that the Lord will bless us, continue to guide us and show us exactly where he wants us to be. Please pray that God will always be at the centre of our relationship and that he continues to work so actively in our lives. Please pray we can surrender our life to him.
We are truly blessed.
Happy Christmas
Happy Christmas from the Congo! Its strange being in a warmer climate at Christmas, especially when its snowing so much at home. I dont like being away from my fiancee Jennie or my family, but there is one good thing about being in the Congo at this time of year. I escape all the commercial hype that Christmas means in the Western world. A friend recently sent me a link to the Advent Conspiracy website. www.adventconspiracy.org/
The story of Christ`s birth is a story of Promise, hope and a revolutionary love.
So what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a Savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams and shopping lists.
And when its all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to clear, and this empty feeling of missed puropse. Is this really what we want out of Christmas?
What if Christmas became a world changing event again?
An opprtunity to focus on the message Jesus brought to this world.
I will leave you with that message, a very merry Xmas to all.
The story of Christ`s birth is a story of Promise, hope and a revolutionary love.
So what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a Savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams and shopping lists.
And when its all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to clear, and this empty feeling of missed puropse. Is this really what we want out of Christmas?
What if Christmas became a world changing event again?
An opprtunity to focus on the message Jesus brought to this world.
I will leave you with that message, a very merry Xmas to all.
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Dungu Update
Sorry I have not written in a while, but Im in Dungu now...and there is very little internet coonection here. I took up my new role as base support manager 2 weeks ago. I had a fantastic holiday with the beautiful Jennie in SW Uganda, visiting Lake Bunyone and the Virunga volcano range. Pretty spectacular. (I'm sure most of you have seen the photo's on facebook by now - I certainly don't have the bandwith to upload any photo's here)
And now im in Dungu. Whats in Dungu..well not much to be honest. Its a small town in North East Congo, approximately 250 km from the Sudan border. About 1 year ago the LRA crisis exploded here. The LRA have long since been forced out of town, but they are not that far away. There are reports of LRA attacks about 60KM away from here, with Congolese and Ugandan armz forces present everywhere.
What are Medair doing here? We run an emergency health project, providng equipment, medication and supervision, in the main hospitals and health centres. At the moment, treatment for the local population and IDP's is completely free in all Medair programmes. Thats an amazing gift we can give the impoverished population here. Martin Luther King said it was every persons human right to have access to health care.
We have just had our programme extended here for another year Praise God. The LRA are still very much a present force in north Eastern Congo, and continue to penetrate CAR and South Sudan. so there is much work to be done.
I promise to write more soon. I will be in Congo for Christmas, in Bunia next week, so I will have a much better internet connection in the base there.
Bye for now.
And now im in Dungu. Whats in Dungu..well not much to be honest. Its a small town in North East Congo, approximately 250 km from the Sudan border. About 1 year ago the LRA crisis exploded here. The LRA have long since been forced out of town, but they are not that far away. There are reports of LRA attacks about 60KM away from here, with Congolese and Ugandan armz forces present everywhere.
What are Medair doing here? We run an emergency health project, providng equipment, medication and supervision, in the main hospitals and health centres. At the moment, treatment for the local population and IDP's is completely free in all Medair programmes. Thats an amazing gift we can give the impoverished population here. Martin Luther King said it was every persons human right to have access to health care.
We have just had our programme extended here for another year Praise God. The LRA are still very much a present force in north Eastern Congo, and continue to penetrate CAR and South Sudan. so there is much work to be done.
I promise to write more soon. I will be in Congo for Christmas, in Bunia next week, so I will have a much better internet connection in the base there.
Bye for now.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Team Life
`Our life is full of brokenness - broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God's faithful presence in our lives.` A quote from Henri Nouwen.
When I first started to think about joining Medair, one of the great attractions was the sense of community and belonging that a role with the organisation offered. Living alongside other Christians, from all over the world, all working together to serve the most vulnerable. To me, it sounded like an amazing opportunity to part of a unique community, living with like minded people.
Its therefore pretty ironic that this community has started to become one of the greatest challenges about being here in the DR Congo. Maybe i was naive, I would prefer to think that i was hopeful and optimistic. I have been surprised by some of the dysfunctionality that exists in our team here, and im talking specifically about the international team.
Of course, with our colleagues from the Congo, there are huge cultural differences which sometimes make it difficult to work together. I did not expect so many problems between a group of people who come mostly from Europe and North America.
Life in the field is intense, there is no doubt about that. People grow tired and weary, especially those who have been here for a longer period. Stress levels can be high emergencies can develop pretty quickly. We definately find ourselves under spiritual attack , we are working on the front line after all, soldiers for God. In Bunia, where I have been based for the last 3 weeks, there is a very heavy spiritual feeling. No doubt the results of many years of war and conflict and the terrible things that have been done here. There are all sorts of reasons that contribute to this level of dysfunctionality we are experiencing at the moment. Not that i think any of these are good excuses.
Christ says in Hebrews that we are a Royal Priesthood, that we stand out. Im not sure that we have been doing that as a team here recently. By my own admission I have pretty high expectations of myself and the people around me. Perhaps there is a lesson for me in all of this, to display the same grace God has extened to me, to show that grace and love to the people around me, I can be pretty impatient at the best of times .
Maybe its a lesson that we are all human, we all have weakness and people do from time to time disappoint us. Through the ups and downs Im being stretched and challenged thats for sure, and that can only be a good thing....
When I first started to think about joining Medair, one of the great attractions was the sense of community and belonging that a role with the organisation offered. Living alongside other Christians, from all over the world, all working together to serve the most vulnerable. To me, it sounded like an amazing opportunity to part of a unique community, living with like minded people.
Its therefore pretty ironic that this community has started to become one of the greatest challenges about being here in the DR Congo. Maybe i was naive, I would prefer to think that i was hopeful and optimistic. I have been surprised by some of the dysfunctionality that exists in our team here, and im talking specifically about the international team.
Of course, with our colleagues from the Congo, there are huge cultural differences which sometimes make it difficult to work together. I did not expect so many problems between a group of people who come mostly from Europe and North America.
Life in the field is intense, there is no doubt about that. People grow tired and weary, especially those who have been here for a longer period. Stress levels can be high emergencies can develop pretty quickly. We definately find ourselves under spiritual attack , we are working on the front line after all, soldiers for God. In Bunia, where I have been based for the last 3 weeks, there is a very heavy spiritual feeling. No doubt the results of many years of war and conflict and the terrible things that have been done here. There are all sorts of reasons that contribute to this level of dysfunctionality we are experiencing at the moment. Not that i think any of these are good excuses.
Christ says in Hebrews that we are a Royal Priesthood, that we stand out. Im not sure that we have been doing that as a team here recently. By my own admission I have pretty high expectations of myself and the people around me. Perhaps there is a lesson for me in all of this, to display the same grace God has extened to me, to show that grace and love to the people around me, I can be pretty impatient at the best of times .
Maybe its a lesson that we are all human, we all have weakness and people do from time to time disappoint us. Through the ups and downs Im being stretched and challenged thats for sure, and that can only be a good thing....
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Prison Break
In my role as acting country director for the Medair programme, I am based in Bunia, the location of our main support base in the Congo. Bunia has been badly affected by ethnic conflict in recent years. Even today, there is a huge MONUC (United Nations) presence in town. The war that raged has all but ended, but there is still banditry and general lawlessness in town. I can hear gunshots most nights, especially fom the local Prison.
The conditions of the prisons in the Congo is quite frankly dreadful and to be quite honest, a complete affront to human dignity. Conditions are so bad that prisoners will reguarly risk their lives trying to escape, the exchange of gunfire that follows can be heard almost every night at the Medair compund.
The statement below comes from a recent UN report on social justice in the DR Congo. For Goma, read Bunia. The condition of the prison here is rumored to be equally as apalling.
`My interlocutors, including the Minister of Justice, who is responsible for the penitentiary system, unanimously agreed that prison conditions are atrocious. I visited the Central Prison of Goma and spoke with detainees there. In a prison built to hold 150, over 800 prisoners live in squalor. They receive one inadequate meal per day from the prison authorities, and rely essentially on food brought by their families. Because internal control of the prison is entirely left to the inmates, the stronger prisoners take the lion’s share of the provided food. The weaker prisoners and those without family nearby gradually become emaciated, and especially vulnerable to disease. Not surprisingly, many die in prison.
The number of prisons and prisoners in the Congo is unknown. Totally inadequate records of prisoners are kept and many are left rotting in prison even after their sentence has been served. The great majority of prisoners have never been tried before a judge. In essence, the prison system seems to be a depository for the enemies of the state and for those too poor to buy their way out of the justice system. The abominable conditions, together with corruption and minimal state control, mean that escapes are common, thus adding further to impunity`
How can anybody be expected to live in such a way. Some of these prisoners have not even been proved guilty, they are awaiting trial. The prsion sytem is just one of numerous problems this country has to overcome as they try to rebuild after years of conflict. But nobody should have their dignity stripped away like this?
The conditions of the prisons in the Congo is quite frankly dreadful and to be quite honest, a complete affront to human dignity. Conditions are so bad that prisoners will reguarly risk their lives trying to escape, the exchange of gunfire that follows can be heard almost every night at the Medair compund.
The statement below comes from a recent UN report on social justice in the DR Congo. For Goma, read Bunia. The condition of the prison here is rumored to be equally as apalling.
`My interlocutors, including the Minister of Justice, who is responsible for the penitentiary system, unanimously agreed that prison conditions are atrocious. I visited the Central Prison of Goma and spoke with detainees there. In a prison built to hold 150, over 800 prisoners live in squalor. They receive one inadequate meal per day from the prison authorities, and rely essentially on food brought by their families. Because internal control of the prison is entirely left to the inmates, the stronger prisoners take the lion’s share of the provided food. The weaker prisoners and those without family nearby gradually become emaciated, and especially vulnerable to disease. Not surprisingly, many die in prison.
The number of prisons and prisoners in the Congo is unknown. Totally inadequate records of prisoners are kept and many are left rotting in prison even after their sentence has been served. The great majority of prisoners have never been tried before a judge. In essence, the prison system seems to be a depository for the enemies of the state and for those too poor to buy their way out of the justice system. The abominable conditions, together with corruption and minimal state control, mean that escapes are common, thus adding further to impunity`
How can anybody be expected to live in such a way. Some of these prisoners have not even been proved guilty, they are awaiting trial. The prsion sytem is just one of numerous problems this country has to overcome as they try to rebuild after years of conflict. But nobody should have their dignity stripped away like this?
Saturday, 31 October 2009
The adventure continues
So the adventure continues. I have to say I was a bit surprised this week when Medair asked me to take over as the acting Country Director of the Congo programme. OK its only for 2 weeks but is still a big deal. You have to be fleixbile in this line work, no doubt about that. My move to Dungu has been put back by two weeks. Anyway, i was greatly blessed to recieve this message from Lynn, one of the pastors at my church back home in Manchester. Enjoy!
I am part of the “Fellowship of the unashamed”
I have Holy Spirit Power.
The die has been cast.
I’ve stepped over the line.
The decision has been made.
I am a disciple of His.
I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I am finished and done with low-living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colourless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, miserly giving and dwarfed goals!
I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity
I don’t have to be right, first, top, recognised, praised, regarded or rewarded.
I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer and labour by power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won’t give up, shut up, let up or burn up till I have preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up and stayed up for the cause of Christ
I am a disciple of Jesus, I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know and work till He stops.
And when He comes to get His own. He’ll have no problems recognising me. My colours will be clear
I am part of the “Fellowship of the unashamed”
I have Holy Spirit Power.
The die has been cast.
I’ve stepped over the line.
The decision has been made.
I am a disciple of His.
I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I am finished and done with low-living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colourless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, miserly giving and dwarfed goals!
I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity
I don’t have to be right, first, top, recognised, praised, regarded or rewarded.
I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer and labour by power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won’t give up, shut up, let up or burn up till I have preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up and stayed up for the cause of Christ
I am a disciple of Jesus, I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know and work till He stops.
And when He comes to get His own. He’ll have no problems recognising me. My colours will be clear
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Switzerland
So last week i was back in Europe for the first time in 5 months. I was attending the Medair logistics conference in Lac Neuchatel, close to lausanne. It was a great week, a fantastic opportunity to co-ordinate with the people who work in the other Medair country programmes, to generate ideas, see where we can do better and to plan for the future. Some photos from the week below.
The beautiful Geneva
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