You may remember that we were proposing a reconstruction project in the outdoor work area at Tracy’s Heart. There was also a huge need for a larger classroom area and the next step in the dream was to have a street level shop where the wamama (ladies) who had graduated could sell custom made clothing, and other gift-type goods. Long time supporters of Tracy’s were happy to help it expand to give more marginalized women in Congo hopeful futures. Building products like wood, majanja (corrugated metal for roofing), sand, stones, cement, etc. were ordered. It looked like both projects would soon get off the ground.
But unexpected legal issues cropped up making the plans an impossibility. It was a crucial and tense week as we pondered and prayed what to do. The future of Tracy’s was at stake. The Prison ministry and feeding program is under the auspices of Tracy’s Heart, too, and it needed a safe space to store the many large sacks of sorghum, rice, beans, etc, away from critters, plus an outdoor kitchen to cook it all every week. What were we to do?
Soon after, Tracy’s staff and the Prison staff came together to pray. It was there that we received direction. The conclusion the Lord brought to us rather unexpectedly: we were to look elsewhere for more adequate facilities and move the entire mission out! Our part was to have faith in God that this is His mission and He would make a way where there seemed to be no way. Armed with a list of all the requirements we could hope for to expand the work, it became Byabeca’s job to locate possible houses to look at. Rental property prices are very high here, and buying even higher, we did not know what she would find. To be truthful, we couldn’t imagine how this could happen nor how long it would take. Even the dream of starting a school for severely underprivileged children was included in our “dream it” list. That way children of the ladies who would go through future Tracy’s programs would have the opportunity to begin school, too.
It is no exaggeration to say within 2 days Ray was asked to drive us to look at 3 places. Brenda did not feel good at all but the prospect of finding a place so quickly so astonished us that no one wanted to miss out on the viewings. All 3 places had possibilities but one stood out completely with its possibilities, not to mention its beauty, cleanliness, and amazing yard. It met every line on the “dream it” list,and more! But what would be its rental price? After a few days the owner, who knew of Tracy’s Heart and the work that we do, as well as hearing good things about the people who work there, was thrilled to think we might be his renters. He agreed on only $200 more a month than we had been paying! Our heads were spinning with the speed at which our prayers had been answered. Indeed, God is in the Blessing business and within a week we had moved in.
“Now to Him Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be the Glory……” Eph 3:20 NKJV
The yard, which had been beautiful in the past, was way overgrown and bushes and trees of all kinds, many rather exotic, abound, but everything needed major trimming or removing. But as I may have mentioned before, one of our zamus (night watchmen) is really a gardener and loves that work. He was brought in to begin the clean up and now works several days a week at the new Tracy’s Heart. Included with the property is a garage on street level which will soon become the longed for shop where some of our graduating ladies will work. We have already turned a corner of the yard into an outdoor kitchen where the prison food continues to be made.
The much anticipated graduation of the present class of ladies is now scheduled and it will be a big event. Those that learned to sew, make patterns, and tailor clothing are working on their final examination: a complete outfit for themselves, each one out of the same fabric, with a fashion show at the ceremony. It had been delayed because of Covid plus the shortage of space for guests. Invitations are going out, (hand delivered as there is no mail service here) and some very special guests will be joining us. Yes, the excitement is building!
Under His Wings, Jayn
In the U.S.- Heart for Central Africa Mission, a 401(c)3 organization
In Congo – Tracys Heart Foundation.org and Building Bukavu.org
DONATIONS – donate button found on buildingbukavu.org, Credit or debit card or PayPal
Snail Mail – HFCA ℅ the Harkemas, PO Box 355, Middleville, MI 49333
Email: jayn.a.harkema@gmail.com