In the coming weeks I will be introducing a number of people, some of whom we are helping with food as well as some of our co-workers doing the actual work of delivering the food. It is said we cannot truly know a person until we have walked in their shoes. Therefore, we often make assumptions, even form prejudices, based on personal experience or mere physical looks, dress or hair color. It has been my experience that assumptions are so often wrong.
When we have the opportunity to know someone, where they come from or what they have experienced, it colors and changes how we see them. That can be helpful and good or it can the other way, as well. One of the things about living in Congo I most enjoy is meeting people and getting to know them and their history. Most come from very different life experiences than mine.
I begin with Ezechiel. (It is pronounced like Ezekiel, the Bible prophet.) This is his story as told to a friend in Congo, translated or interpreted through 3 languages. Occasionally, I will put exact words in quotes, though in English. BTW you might be surprised to know that most Congolese people speak a minimum of 3 languages, often more, with or without a formal education.
Ezechiel was born in 1954 in a small remote village in upper North Kivu Province, DRC (Congo). Life in the village was very difficult. Without towns or stores nearby and travel other than on foot did not exist, clothing was not available. So they wore leaves. Because the village is in a forested mountainous region, the cold and other difficulties due to lack of clothing existed. (Sometimes certain kinds of beads worn around the waist were used as currency) Where he is from coins and paper money did not exist. Ezecheil had heard of school and he badly wanted to learn and study. But school was too far away and cost actual money that they did not have.
Life was simple: it revolved around the quest for food. His father was a huntsman, hunting game with bow and arrows. When successful in bringing down animals, the whole family, including distant relatives, would feast on the meat. The women would hunt the forest for edible vegetables, roots, herbs and greens of many sorts. As a young boy he would go into the forest with his mother learning what was safe to eat and what could cure certain illnesses. No hospitals and clinics were available so they relied solely on treating sickness with natural remedies found in the forest. As he got older he would hunt with the teams of huntsmen. Sometimes his knowledge of herbs and fauna was called upon when a man from the hunting team was hurt by an animal.
Then white people started coming to their village to establish a medical clinic. From that time on coins would begin to circulate. Later more white people came to the village looking for strong men to help with their homes or businesses. He found a job being a gardener at a clinic and began earning money to help meet his needs. Because he had a job he was able to pay the *bride price and marry a woman of his choosing. In time they had 8 children. However, the job didn’t last (and for reasons I can only guess at — wars, independence, white men having to leave the country, more wars) feeding, clothing and schooling his children was very difficult.
“Now I am old,” he said. “Eating comes by chance (We would say luck) and even finding clothing is difficult.” His children are all grown and married but are also very poor and unable to help him. (There was no story of how or why he moved to Bukavu. For many it is the lure of finding a job and a better life, but that is rarely found) “There is no one to help but the Christians who have compassion.” His need is for food to keep his body strong. “Because I am old already, death (without food) will come quickly.”
As you can see our countries, our circumstances, our histories are very different. Even the way we think or view life can be different. I often wonder how people keep going and make it through life when there are so many difficulties. But for those who believe in Jesus and trust in God, no matter the church or denomination, they are strong and resilient people. They continue to have joy amidst the worst of circumstances and look forward to heaven.
Ezechiel is one who receives food through us and Tracy’s Heart, each time enough to last a week or more. Of course, we hope to continue as we are able. It is our desire to bring comfort, hope, and a sense of being cared for – by the Lord and by us – along with the food.
Under His Wings, Jayn
“Whoever brings blessing shall be enriched, and one who waters shall himself also be watered.” Prov. 11:25 ESV
Heart For Central Africa, Terre Haute, IN Tracy’s Heart Foundation and Building Bukavu
Jayn’s Blog: buildingbukavu.org
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EMAIL: buildingbukavu4him@gmail.com
EMAIL: jayn.a.harkema@gmail.com
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