Perhaps you’ve wondered why little has been written about Bukavu since our arrival home to the states earlier this year? Certainly not because nothing has been happening in Congo! With a complete governmental changeover from the top down, that includes everyone, everything. What that means is every person in every office is new and must learn a new job. Consequently, everything slows down and prices go up.
There was a major volcanic eruption just north of Bukavu that sent several 100,000 refugees running to Bukavu. Some were able to return to Goma but many homes were destroyed by lava so they had nothing to go back to. You may have helped us buy food and give it to refugees – Thank You!
In spite of our not being in Congo, all our programs for the Bukavu prison continued without interruption! But the word of our feeding program has gotten out and other smaller prisons outside of Bukavu desperately want our help with food, as well. How does one say “no” when men and women, even young teenage boys, are literally dying of starvation? We stretched our monies as far as they would go last month and somehow covered all that was asked. But it is clear that we need more donations to cover all those costs each month.
Wonderful News!! The dream of opening a school for underprivileged children has begun! More than 50 children started school at Tracy’s Heart last week that otherwise may have had little to no schooling whatsoever. We are overjoyed to see this happening! Rejoice with us and pray for the work and the funds to keep it all going.
Such needed ongoing work could never have been accomplished with our incredibly wonderful and committed co-workers! I will never cease to give them the credit they deserve and their contribution to The Kingdom of God! They work tirelessly, whether we are there or not, communicating with us over every decision, whether small or large, and doing so while under tremendous stress, difficulties, government hassles, horrible roads, dangers, and often sickness. (Though very little of that has been due to Covid)
What is also clear is that those in the prisons that receive our food supplies, (or shirts, or dishes to hold the food) are astonished that someone they don’t know, from somewhere they know little about, cares enough to keep them from starving. We are a faith-based organization so we openly teach about God’s love. Our co-workers show up bringing huge sacks of food to give sustenance to keep them alive for a month at a time. That first cooked meal they are served is a clear manifestation of love! In this desperately poor and violent country, many have never experienced love. Some have led terrible lives in paramilitary organizations, others have done nothing wrong at all, have never seen a judge or know what their sentence is or why. Suffice it to say, many many lives are being changed entirely and often for eternity.
Then in July, I had total knee replacement surgery. I thought it would be a cinch and I’d be up and running, or at least walking well, long before now. I was wrong. I won’t dwell on how things went for me, only say I was not able to focus on much more than survival, pain pills, and therapy, plus finding a way to sleep at night. Ray took very good care of me, many kind people helped with food since he doesn’t cook. I am still in therapy and getting better in increments.
Consequently, we are presently applying for our visas to return, hopefully, and with God’s help sometime in November. Several things hinge on that so I will update the leaving date as needed.
There may be more news coming. One of my personal dreams of ministry is to help change the direction and lives of the minors, as they are called when imprisoned: they are street boys, orphans, and homeless. Aged 12-17, they are welcome nowhere so are often picked up by the police. There is much research to do on what and how to help and we will be actively working on this after we arrive. Stay tuned!
None of this would ever be possible without your caring prayers and donations! There are no words that express our gratitude adequately. Perhaps if you could see the faces of the hungry recipients, it would help. Being able to give out hope is an incredible experience.
Under His Wings,
Jayn
Heart for Central Africa – Ray and Jayn Harkema
The donation page on buildingbukavu.org
For checks, please make them out to “Heart for Central Africa”
Send to: HFCA ℅ the Harkemas, PO Box 355, Middleville, MI 49333
FaceBook: Building Bukavu (our personal brand but under HFCA Mission Board)
The mission is a 201(c)3 organization
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.” Prov. 11:25
