the New Life Amsar Team;

 

NEW LIFE AMSAR

 We had the privilege of presenting the Jesus film in New Life Amsar, the newest church plant.

It was shown on top of the hill seen in the background of some of the church photos. There was a great attendance. The film can be viewed from both sides of the screen, allowing a larger group to be able to see and hear.

This year Jesus and His disciples spoke Mashi!

Just watching the life of Jesus on earth, created a great hunger to know this wonderful Saviour!

In the face of our shaky global situation, take heart….the God whom we serve gave us Jesus as an anchor for our soul….

So many responded to His call that night we cannot number them!

Jesus is the answer…..He is secure

Merry Christmas everyone!

 

Cristmas Eve.....

the Jesus film was played in Amsar village Jesus & His disciples all spoke Mashi this year!

It was viewed by ≈200+. Following the film, many many remained to commit to following this Jesus! 

Thank you for praying!

what a GREAT Christmas!

 We are thanking God for all He has done here in Bukavu! We had days of fellowship, sharing the Word and praying for the needs. Eric is continuing to lead morning devotions each day, and assists in so many ways. I am very thankful God sent him! Each of us will be preaching in a different church tomorrow. So our days are full and fruitful.

This week coming, we have a full schedule at Amsar, the new church plant. Please pray for us!

2 Corinthians 5:18 "And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to Himself through Jesus Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to Him."

Pray that many will reconcile to Him this week!

All Glory to Him forever!

Worship

We had a wonderful evening of worship. We especially enjoyed the littlest member of the choir!

This was the last evening of our seminar in Bethsaida.

 

update;

Dear Friends of Together Building Africa;

I am so sorry for the long silence.....we did not fall off the planet!

This week Eric has been leading 6:00 am Devotions and prayer time each day, in Bethsaida Church. Following this, Eric and Pastor Raha are visiting church family members to pray for and encourage people struggling under heavy burdens.

Together with Church Leaders and of course, Pastor Raha, I have been teaching a seminar at New Life Bukavu Church. 

Please keep praying for us, God is hearing!

These photos will give you some idea.....

Just thought it was interesting?

 

Swiss Alps, I bleieve?

Amsterdam

and then Rwanda

CONGO TOMORROW!!!

 

 Dear Friends.....this is the last day to finish all the packing required for our trip. Covid has made everything more challenging. It seems there are always a few more documents and online codes to acquire!

Thank you for expressing concern for us re:South Africa outbreak. So far, none of the countries we travel through or to have closed borders etc. Keep praying for a clear path.

God willing, early Monday morning, Eric and I.....

Give me ears to hear Your Spirit

give me feet to follow through

give me hands to touch the hurting 

and the faith to follow You

Give me grace to be a servant

give me mercy for the lost

Give me passion for Your Glory

give me passion for the cross!

(Steve Green - "I will Go")

"All I know is You have called me 

      and that I will follow is all I can say

   I will go where You will send me

and Your fire lights my way"

 It's really just that simple. 

ALL I know is YOU have called me........💝

 2 Timothy 2:2 2 "You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others".

This is the strategy of the Apostle Paul for quickly discipling nations for Jesus Christ.

Together Building Africa offers Pastor Seminars and training in rural areas. These pastors are from some of the 'frontline' areas of this planet, where the needs are beyond what we can fathom, security is non-existent and the risk to just keep on living is substantial!

They and their families have suffered significantly, but they keep on offering their lives for the Kingdom!

For many, it is the only training for ministry they have ever received.

For almost all of them, it will be the only time in their lives someone from the outside comes to affirm, encourage, and bless them.

To God be the glory!

It's the prayers and financial gifts of friends like you that enable us to continue equipping frontline shepherds.

Together, we're lifting leaders and changing nations.

Thank you for carrying the Father's heart that His  Son would be exalted by every tribe, people, and nation!

November 2, 2021

Dear Friends in the D.R. Congo.......we will see you again in

WEEKS!!

2 Timothy 1:4 WE LONG TO SEE YOU AGAIN.....WE WILL BE FILLED WITH JOY WHEN WE ARE TOGETHER AGAIN ♥️

 

Tupene Wazee (Love our Seniors) Project

In Bukavu, the seniors have become a largely neglected population. 

This has caused a rise in diabetes, high blood pressure, lung infections, pneumonia, increased stress….

Economically they are unable to support themselves or care for their failing health.

Neglect and abandonment have caused serious loneliness.

The Objectives of Tupene Wazee

To encourage a social and cultural integration to fight against social isolation

To see their dignity restored through programs that will restore their productivity (musical therapy, garden therapy, art therapy)

Provide a healthy meal to share together twice a week

Encourage exercise, physical activities, tips on diet and healthy self-care. 

To stimulate their abilities and increase their connectivity within the community by encouraging multi-generational activities such as storytelling for children. They carry the history of Congo.

Vision

We have purchased some sewing machines and plan to have sewing activities that will help sustain the program.

Impact

We have received many reports of increased strength and health, as well as the great joy that comes from having social interaction with others!

This has become a safe place where they gather to receive care and understanding.

All of this has become possible thanks to the support received.

With a heart of gratitude, we thank our sponsors for their support and their compassionate hearts!

Because of you, these courageous widows receive a meal rich in nutrition every time they meet. 

Thank you and beyond thank you! 

 I was just reading this report from the U.N. today. It reveals the horrifying situation of Congo. My heart aches that "the world is tuning out"!

However, it also fills my heart with amazement that YOU, our TBA supporters have stepped forward! You have responded, prayed, encouraged, and let us know that you have not tuned out! We feel humbled and blessed by your willingness to stay involved, doing what you can.

Only God can reward you sufficiently. I pray He will do so! Thank you, faithful friends!

“A UN report released earlier this year described some of the violence as potential crimes against humanity. The international community has promised itself to never turn a blind eye to violence and suffering of such scale. And yet when it comes to the DRC, the world is increasingly tuning out. This needs to change. 

The DRC is the biggest humanitarian crisis in Africa and is home to the largest number of internally displaced people on the continent…..(and yet) Donors are pulling back.

Some 15.6 million people need humanitarian assistance, while 5 million people total are displaced within the country’s borders. The DRC’s crises are overlapping and exacerbating one another. Food insecurity and a lack of development contribute to violence, which makes it more difficult for aid and development actors to operate in areas where people are in desperate need.

While humanitarian and peacekeeping operations have failed in the past, tuning out now is not the answer. 

We cannot turn our backs on the enormity of this suffering. Disengagement risks an even further downward spiral.

as we prepare to return;

From a book by David Shibley.....'A Force in the Earth'.......

A century ago a battered battalion of weary soldiers was being pushed back toward imminent defeat. With men falling on every side, the general ordered the bugler to sound the retreat. But there was no bugler; he had just been killed. Anxiously the general inquired if anyone could blow the bugle. One young recruit responded yes. 

"Well sound the retreat," the general ordered.

"Sir," the new bugler responded, "I don't know how to blow the retreat. I only know how to blow the charge."

"Then blow the charge!"

And with the blowing of the charge, the troops were energized, the tide was turned, and victory rose out of sure defeat.

The Holy Spirit is enlivening the church to produce a force in the earth that does not know how to blow the retreat. While some may think circumstances call for retreat, we only know how to blow the charge. The battle is hot. The global situation is less than favourable. But the Spirit of God is commanding us to advance. Victory is inevitable. 

"For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea" Isaiah 11:9

Here am I Lord, send me! 

A survivor story from Goma's Nyiragongo volcano, as recorded by Pator Raha;

Catherine Nabintu was 35 years old, recovering at home from a C-section 3 days earlier when the unthinkable happened! The volcano suddenly exploded.

She sat weak and terrified, holding her wee infant as ir was announced that people must evacuate the city immediately. They heard that the lava was rapidly consuming people and homes. It was the beginning of a frantic evacuation.

She says  “there was nowhere to run to, nobody to turn to for help except God alone”.

She had been keeping her children in the house so they would not get lost in the massive crowd as they were trying to escape the terror. Everyone was running and no one knew where to go. She testifies “It was a chaos, everyone ran to save his own life”

When the lava began to flow behind her house, she seized her 3 children and left her house empty-handed with no money, no food, and no time to plan.

“Could you imagine with me that situation so critical? In my eyes, it was the end of the world! Total chaos! I had no idea if I left my house open or not? Did it matter? I didn’t know what would happen next. Everybody was traumatized, behaving in a deranged fashion! It was the end of the world to my own eyes!”

They walked for the next 6 hours with no destination. They became overwhelmed, exhausted, and so so tired, making it impossible to think.

They eventually arrived in Bukavu, 181km from Goma. She had no relatives there and knew no one. Here is her story, “Miracles still happen, even today!

I was not there long before I met with Wezesha’s team (Pastor Raha and our team) doing identification of volcano’s victims. I registered for food aid distribution. 

We had prayed to God for His miracle to get food. It is very hard to describe the hardship we endured…. for one week we had no food, just boiling water, and surviving on anything I could get from good people.

I received food aid with great joy and satisfaction, flour, rice, oil, sugar, salt, and bread!

Thank you very much, Canadian people!”

Because of all of you, our faithful supporters!

TOGETHER Building Africa

 

Church Plant update

 this is the church today....

they are prepared to begin serving the community.....

                                                    ...... just needing benches and latrines

Please pray for this new work.

In other news, Eric & I have secured tickets to return at the end of November!! Thank You Lord!

Excited to see our precious family again!

Church Plant

 Pastor Raha, the one on the left, is standing in front of the newest Church Plant in the eastern region of the D.R. Congo.

The people of the region have had no church in their area for 7 years! 

They are so welcoming for this New Life church coming close enough to reach their children and community!

The Amsterdam Declaration:

"We pledge ourselves to work so that all persons on earth may have the opportunity to hear the Gospel in the language they understand, near where they live. We further pledge to establish healthy, reproducing, indigenous churches among every people, in every place, that will seek to bring to spiritual maturity those who respond to the Gospel message."

Forgive me for the long silence. We have had a few issues with our last distribution. 

All was resolved last week and 1,040 people received one month’s food aid for their families!

We are so thankful to God for making this possible!

Perhaps we will have stories to share in the next few weeks?

For now, here are the photos of people receiving food supplies….

People waiting to take food aid home. You have never met them, and yet it is your provision sitting at their feet, going home to feed their families!

There have been 1,040 people identified for aid. They bring in a small group at a time, the others remain outside the gates. It took two days to distribute everything.

Together Building Africa and all its supporters want to send our deepest appreciation to Pastor Raha, first of all, for his powerful leadership, and all the skills he has to organize something of this magnitude!!

He formed a capable team, located a place for distribution, obtained all the supplies, and had everything guarded safely. Thank you Pastor Raha, may God reward you!

For all the team who worked together to make this happen, TBA sends its thanks and applause for your excellent support. You were being the hands of Jesus to the people He loves! 

Philippians 2:13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire 

           and the power to do what pleases Him.

We send our love, and thanks to our brothers and sisters in the Congo!

It has been the privilege of Together Buiding Africa to help widows survive and gain dignity. Our program operates under the able leadership of Mapendo, the one whose vision motivated us to respond to this great need.

The senior widows are often invisible and excluded in society, leading to serious economic hardship. The program is called Tupende Wazee (Swahili for 'loving our seniors'). Since its inception, these women have been fed and cared for, found friendship, and become visible. They testify to restored health and strength. 

These are the faces of the lives you have changed!

Thanks to our supporters!!

 

 Dear Friends;

We have been able to send further aid for food and water. 

Added to the crushing urgency of keeping people alive, our team members are dealing with the loss of family members, resulting in a delay in organizing the distribution. However, we expect to hear reports in a few days. 

The suffering and needs of thousands of displaced people and their children are beyond what we can imagine! This remains a staggering humanitarian crisis!

They continue to need our prayers!

 

June 24, update

 Here is the latest report from Pastor Raha Muzibao, in Bukavu, D.R. Congo;

Many people from Goma fled 180km south to Bukavu seeking safety and shelter.

Their situation remains critical. Millions of displaced people are starving, face hunger and hardship. 

There are thousands of families living in unfinished buildings with their children without food, drinking water and their life condition deteriorates daily.

We are so thankful for the assistance from local and international organizations as well as our Congolese government, but the reality is that the needs are so immense, beyond human imagination! 

These displaced people and their children are facing a great humanitarian crisis due to severe hunger and lack of proper sanitation.

——————-

Suzan’s testimony

My name is Suzan, I am 43, a mother of 6 children, a widow my husband died in civil war in North Kivu.

May 22, 2021 as the radio announced that Nyiragongo volcano erupted, people must immediately leave their homes and evacuate the areas.

I didn’t know what would happen to me and my family. I was out of my mind with fear. I left my poor home carried out with me my 6 children. We left empty-handed.

Imagine, following thousands of people running away to save their lives. One day of walking, and we were very exhausted out of energy. A miracle took place as I saw an old lorry headed to Bukavu. I took courage and jumped in together with the children. It’s all that I can remember. We sat down..... there were no benches, just an empty lorry.

 I arrived in Bukavu with my 6 children and other displaced people. I now have nowhere to go, I am staying in an unfinished building without beds, chairs, and other basic necessities

It is true that the volcano eruption brought a lot of discomfort and loss of any hope (especially in going back to Goma…. to nothing! Our houses are now unrecognizable and in a stone shape.)

The love that people have shown is overwhelming but the question remains on how to survive in a new environment with no job and nothing to stand on, children in need, and many other necessities. 

Unimaginable suffering! All we can do is ask for help from people with charitable hearts who are willing to assist. 

We believe that it is only if we hold hands and pray that we the affected community of Goma can find hope again and be able to move forward. But before that happens we need you to walk with us and hold our hands. 

Raha Muzibao 

Wezesha Foundation DRC

update June 17.....

This report is from Pastor Raha, Bukau, DRC

Together Building Africa has quickly responded positively to the need working together with Wezesha Foundation (a micro-finance program) to assist thousands of displaced families who have reached the city of Bukavu. Pastor Raha Muzibao and the team worked urgently on the following; 

1. Identification of displaced people: more than 400 hundred needy families children included were identified for immediate basic needs such as food, water, and bedsheets 
2. Registration of needy families; the most vulnerable families were registered and given a green card in order to access food distribution the next day
3. Procurement of food: it was supplied locally by local sellers  
4. Distributions: Our distributions were conducted on the church’s ground just in front. Distributions events were open to the public for transparency and fair distribution to all. 155 families got food packages. According to displaced testimonies, our food packages were so enough to feed a family for a month. 
5. Beneficiaries: 155 families, 1240 indirect beneficiaries received food with great success. 

The situation remains so bad and overwhelming, Goma’s displace families still present an urgent humanitarian need. So many individuals are needing food, water, shelter, and medical supplies.

displaced people lined up to receive aid;

June 15, report.....

 Reports coming from Congo;

• the situation remains overwhelmingly urgent
• So many needing food, water, shelter
• The packages given by TBA contain enough food for a family for a month
• They say that there is nowhere else to receive this kind of provision
• The people are crying with thanksgiving for these sustainable supplies 
• They are also expressing how amazed they are to see Canada responding! They don’t feel forgotten, when help has reached them “from so far away”!
• Those distributing say that serving these brothers and sisters has touched their hearts.
• Word from the victims …. “What else can we call a miracle than that of a brother coming through with help when you least expect it and need it the most?!?”
• “Truly people are in need, and a hand of compassion is a miracle to them!”
• “There is no equal to what TBA and donors have done! This is truly the love of God!”

We were sent this testimony of a surviving mother;

She was just home from the hospital recovering from a c-section. Three days later, the volcano erupted. Her home was right next to the volcano. She and her children ran away from Goma hoping to find safety in Sake, a village 24km from Goma. She was not able to make the trip, so she walked back to Goma. 

Her next attempt was to go to the Goma port, but they failed to find a boat with any room. She went back to the city. The next day, she made the journey again, again without success, and they returned to the city.

On the third trip to the port, she was able to board a boat together with the family and the newborn.

They made it to Bukavu, where our people identified them among the most urgently in need, and provided them with a life-sustaining package.

June 10, 2021

 the report from DRC is that "the need in Bukavu region is HUGE!"

Although we have not yet reached our campaign target, the urgency of the need prompted us to send half of the funds raised, to D.R.Congo last week!

Distribution began yesterday. We are told that TBA is the only organization providing sustainable relief for the recipients and their families! (ie: each pile represents food for an entire family). In front are some of the workers who have made this possible.

We also received a recording of the news broadcast on the radio, giving public appreciation to Together Building Africa, Canada, for making food possible, saying it has been a big help!

This is all made possible through YOUR support! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

In order to respond to the cry for help, this campaign continues!  

Report......

 Already, salt, cooking oil, bread, rice, and maize flour have been purchased. 

Tomorrow is a big day! Distribution Day!!

We are still responding as God enables us.

most of all......

update re:crisis

 We are still working toward our goal of $25,000.CAD to deliver food and water for survival. TBA was able to send a portion of that already.

Currently, on the ground, the team is identifying the most desperate and planning for effective distribution. We should be getting pictures and perhaps some videos, soon.

Thank you to all who have responded with compassion. You are hope builders!

I feel so thankful that we serve a God who sees and rewards!! Our thanks feels too inadequate, may you encounter His! God bless each one of you!

updates

"We are assisting the immediate needs of displace people, but it is not enough. We demand urgent support of other humanitarian organizations to assist people" (Magali Roudaut, MSF head of mission in DRC. MSF is 'Doctors without borders)

Hundreds of thousands of people are displaced.

UNICEF found 530 children who were separated from their families.

RED CROSS received 735 requests for help in finding missing children (news agency AFP reports)

Half a million are without water.....cholera poses a great threat creating an urgent need to provide safe drinking water.

Donations received through TBA, will be used to reach the survivors and provide FOOD and WATER. May God help us!

If you wish to donate, please enter your address so we can send year-end tax receipts. Donations over $20. will be receipted.

Donations link >>>>>

we have upgraded this blog to include a donate button. We are initiating a project to provide food and water for the refugees from the tragedy in Goma, DRC.

update

 The word on the ground in DRC is that the report of 200 tremors is incorrect, the people have counted 400! This raises the POSSIBILITY of a rift in the bottom of Lake Kivu that would release the methane gas 'bubble' that is under pressure there. If that were to happen.......

The chaos is continuing as they try to reunite children who have been separated during the crush of evacuation, and meet the basic needs of the refugees.

TBA is currently preparing the groundwork for responding adequately to the needs. Our focus will be food and water. We have direct contact with survivours who are being gathered in refugee camps. We are able to deliver supplies directly to the ones in need. (We thank God for providing this safe path! For such a time as this!) Now we need to organize this side.

We will keep you updated here as we try to prepare a rapid response. The situation is catastrophic and the needs are urgent!

Please keep us in your prayers?

Goma

 Apparently, the lava is still on the move. The situation is getting worse daily. There is an evacuation notice in effect. The streets are tightly crowded with those evacuating as quickly as possible. The city is home to nearly 1.5 million people.

More than 200 small and medium earthquakes have since caused cracks in buildings and streets in Goma. 

Together Building Africa has been able to get support to the orphanage we assist. We pray that it will get them through this time!

We have never used this blog to ask for support, but today, we MUST ask.....would you help us help them?

PLEASE pray....God believes in prayer even when we don't! He is faithful!!  🙏

small update;

 Pastor Raha is contacting people on the ground in Goma and we are considering our best response for the orphans at this time. 

Please continue to pray for guidance and wisdom!

Today's Update;

 Here is the latest update from the orphanage;

"the volcanic eruption was 4 km from the orphanage, we took the children and workers leaving all in the orphanage and in the rain, unfortunately the bandits entered the orphanage and stole 7 mattresses, 4 beds, solar panel and television from the children and take rice, corn flour, beans and others, this time the volcano situation has returned in half calm as for the damage of the volcano more than 1000 households are in streets without man, food, clothes so it is a natural disaster. Thank God in CM everyone is healthy

we have made 40km there and back with our workers and children, for the moment the earthquake is disturbing the city, the government has just requires ecveryone to sleep outside their house, Pray for us"

(I can't imagine 40km in the rain with 100 children! I passed on the information that we are praying and YOU are also praying for them. This brings great comfort!)

Thank you!!!!