After much thought and prayer, Ray and I have decided to continue to feed and support ministry to the main prison in Bukavu, DRC, as well as a smaller one further away. Food for prisoners is not supported by the government. We have learned many inmates in the Bukavu prison are from areas far away. So even though friends or family are now allowed to bring food in to an inmate (If they have enough to share!) most are too far away. So, they get no food. Occasionally, a local church may bring food to the prison but it is never for many people.
Consequently, I am doing what I rarely do, asking for help in making this work a continuing reality. We believe we are called here and though living in Congo is not by any means easy, we are content, even happy to do so. We live in Congo voluntarily, meaning we take no donation money for our living expenses, no salary, relying only on our retirement to take care of rent, power, internet, food, gas, etc., and some coworkers’ salaries both here and at home. Beyond that, we are not equipped to do more financially. That is where we must “live by faith,” believing that God will provide. He does that through people. Now that we want to expand the program, we think it’s time to let people know that our needs have changed. Would you like to be just one person away from literally saving someone’s life and introducing them to true hope for a new and better one? We provide food, God provides the Hope.
The ladies of Tracy’s Heart also make a special palatable porridge, heavy in vitamins, protein, and carbs for the several hundred inmates relegated to the infirmary because of serious diseases. This has been extremely beneficial to those too sick to eat regular Congo food.
Whether it be a monthly promise of any amount or a one-time gift, it all helps tremendously! (Though how much we would love to have regular monthly donations we can count on!). There is no overhead or percentage taken by our mission board nor by us. All funds donated go directly to the work here in Congo. For the prison feeding program we now know it needs a minimum of $2000 a month for 1500 to 1900+ people. January was a difficult month with so many unexpected expenses due to returning to Congo. (We actually had to get a loan from the rice and bean wholesaler!)
Besides adding another prison to our mission, we have learned there are other urgent needs as well as food. Pain relievers, antibiotics, Malaria or Typhoid Fever medicine is desperately needed, clothing, too, once in a while. As seen in the recent prison video, many have no dishes to put their portion of rice and beans in. Neither dishes nor clothing are provided by the prison. While there recently, I saw men holding out cheap plastic bags for their portion and several who held out the bottom of their shirts to put the food in. Now and then a medically trained person must perform a procedure, too. You can imagine the many needs in a place that provides nothing.
Maybe several people or an organization would like to take that on? We estimate $100 – $150 a month given specifically to handle all these other urgent needs would go a long way.
Would you prayerfully consider this opportunity to help people locked in a world that is violent and impoverished beyond comprehension? The people and the needs are real and the suffering we see is often nearly unbearable. We covet your prayers in this matter and especially for the men, women, and boys incarcerated, many times for no good reason. Our mission is to see hearts and minds changed, and lives altered for the better.
Finally, I would like to tell you that many inmates HAVE turned their lives around because of seeing the love given to all, regardless of tribe, religious preference or crime. Whether they stay incarcerated or are released, we see and hear evidence that MANY continue to trust God and discontinue any life of crime they may have participated in previously. This is a win-win program. It is sometimes true of the guards themselves as well as soldiers working at the prison!
Thank you for your interest and prayers.
Under His Wings, Ray and Jayn Harkema, Building Bukavu
DONATE: on website building bukavu.org, top of page click on DONATE, then scroll down to button at bottom, *you can use Paypal OR a credit or debit card.
Checks to: HFCA or Building Bukavu ℅ Harkemas, PO Box 355, Middleville, MI 49333
Email: buildingbukavu4him@gmail.com or jayn.a.harkema@gmail.com
“The generous man will be prosperous,
And he who waters will himself be watered.” Prov 11:25