Update from the field & a prayer of Thanksgiving

Greetings from TransformDRC!  Two of our Board Members, Norm Headlam and Kevin Dial, have just returned from Goma, DRC, and would like to share greetings from the TDRC Team there as well as highlights from their trip.

Monday, Nov 18 2024 – taught systematic theology to women and pastoral leaders and visited Malkia Tailoring School.

We began our week-long systematic theology training class. It was inspiring to see women and pastoral leaders come together, particularly those from the IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps who are already making a difference in their communities. We pray that their enthusiasm and thoughtfulness in this class would lead to transformation not only in their own lives but also in the lives of those they care for. Protect them, guide them, and give them the strength and perseverance they need to continue the important work they are doing.

We were impressed with the Malkia Tailoring School and the 40 students who are currently receiving training in both sewing and business skills, as well as trauma healing. We’re inspired by the vision of this school, which not only provides a valuable skill set but also supports the emotional and spiritual healing of those in need. At the completion of their studies, they will have opportunities to use the sewing machine kits they will receive, enabling them to provide for themselves and their families. Please pray for each student throughout their 9-month curriculum. May they gain confidence, strength, and resilience as they learn both the technical skills of tailoring and the important lessons of managing a business.

Tuesday, Nov 19, 2024 – visited two IDP camps and continued systematic theology class

We were inspired by the resilience and strength of the people in the IDP camps and for the hope that continues to shine through even in the midst of adversity.  There are over 50 IDP camps in and around the Goma area containing an estimated 5 million displaced persons.  We were so encouraged by the water project made possible by our partners at Water Is Basic, and thankful for the life-giving water that is helping to sustain them each day.

Please pray for each man, woman and child as they continue to rebuild their lives. Give them the strength of heart, courage, hope, and perseverance they need to face each day.  Please also pray for the continued success of the water project and for all those who are working to support and sustain it. May it continue to bring relief, health, and hope to all who benefit from it.

Wednesday, Nov 20 - continued our systematic theology course, visited two prisons and toured the new TDRC office.

We were thankful for the opportunity to tour the new TransformDRC office and for the incredible work being done in bringing justice, dignity, and hope to the people of the DRC. We were also humbled by the two prisons we visited, and grateful for the dedication of all those involved in upholding human rights and promoting the rule of law, especially within the prison system.

We pray for strength and perseverance for the Transform DRC Team, who works tirelessly to bring positive change, providing hope, restoration and transformation in the communities they serve.  Give them wisdom, courage, and continued compassion to do this vital work with integrity and love.

Thursday, Nov 21 – continued teaching our systematic theology course, visited 2 large IDP camps in the West and visited an orphanage of children displaced from North Kivu.

We ended the day with a profoundly moving visit to the Global Bright Children Orphanage. This orphanage is home to children who fled from Mushaki in the Masisi territory, about 40 kilometers from Goma. Most of these children have experienced unimaginable loss, having lost their parents during the war. Despite the weight of their circumstances, their joy and resilience shone through as they welcomed us with smiles, laughter, and open hearts.

We brought supplies for the orphanage, including food, firewood for cooking, and shirts donated by Irving Bible Church. These were desperately needed, as the orphanage receives no regular external supply assistance. The food and firewood will help sustain the children and staff for some time, but the scale of their needs remains overwhelming. Access to clean water is also a major concern, as they must work hard to ensure the children have enough to drink and use. TDRC provided water.

We also had a chance to visit the small on-site health clinic, where we met some of the sick children. It was heartbreaking to see them in such conditions, but their resilience and the care provided by the doctor were inspiring. The clinic is modest and not well lit, with minimal resources, yet it serves as a vital lifeline for the children and staff. The doctor, who doubles as their teacher, provides medical care while also teaching English, among other things, to the children to prepare them for brighter futures.

We met the director of the orphanage, who shared the story of how the orphanage came to be and the challenges they face. Most of the children are orphans due to the ongoing war, and the director is committed to providing them with a safe space, education, and care despite limited resources.

The doctor shared with us his vision for the orphanage and invited us to share their story with the world, emphasizing their urgent need for support. The director echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that more people would learn about the orphanage and join in helping to meet their needs.

Amidst the challenges, there were moments of hope and creativity. The staff of TDRC planted a garden on the volcanic land surrounding the orphanage, and while we were there, they were harvesting cabbage. This garden not only provides food for the children but also serves as a sustainable source of nutrition for the animals they care for. They also cultivate potatoes and other plants specifically for the animals, maximizing every resource available to them.

Visiting the Global Bright Children Orphanage was both inspiring and sobering. The children’s smiles, laughter, and joy were a testament to their resilience, but their circumstances are a stark reminder of the ongoing needs and challenges they face daily. Please pray for these children that they may continue to find joy, love, and hope in the care they receive. Pray for the staff, including the director and the doctor, who work tirelessly to provide for the children’s needs despite limited resources. Pray for provision—food, clean water, medical supplies, and educational materials—to sustain and uplift this community. Additionally, please pray for TDRC, whose work and resources are vital in supporting this orphanage and many other vulnerable communities in the area. May their efforts continue to bear fruit and provide hope to those in need. Finally, pray that the story of this orphanage reaches the hearts of those who can help, bringing lasting change and support to this remarkable place.

Friday, November 22 - taught Christian Hope, celebrated TDRC 1-yr birthday and exchanged gifts and left for airport at 1pm for flight back

On Friday, November 22, in Goma, we concluded our systematic theology training with a profound session on Christian hope. The theme touched the hearts of everyone present as several students shared the impact the training has had on them. At the end of the session, Theo’s message to the group highlighted a profound point about the Lord’s Prayer, specifically the line, “Give us this day our daily bread.” For these pastors, he shared how this is not just a phrase or theological concept but a lived reality—a reflection of their daily struggle to provide for their families and communities amidst immense challenges. This point deeply resonated with Kevin and me, offering a humbling perspective on the immediacy and significance of those words in their context. Theo’s message left a lasting impression, bringing the session to a reflective and heartfelt close. Please pray for these participants as they return to their communities, that they may carry the hope and truths they have learned. Pray that this training will strengthen their resolve, deepen their faith, and empower them to serve their congregations and communities with wisdom and compassion. Pray especially for those ministering in IDP camps, that they may be lights of hope and strength to those in desperate need. May the seeds planted during this training bear much fruit in their ministries and lives.

After the conclusion of our teaching on Friday, we transitioned to a moment of celebration. We began with singing and expressions of gratitude from the class, which were incredibly moving. As part of this celebration, we took time to honor the 11 pastors from IDP camps who completed the training. We gathered as a group as Kevin laid hands on the 11 pastors while the entire class prayed for them. It was a deeply moving moment of unity as we lifted these pastors who bring hope and guidance to their communities despite immense difficulties.

We also had the joy of celebrating TransformDRC’s first year! As a surprise, we brought a cake to mark this milestone, and it turned into a wonderful celebration with singing, dancing, and heartfelt gratitude. TDRC’s work in the Congo has been transformative, and it was a privilege to celebrate their impact alongside the them. Please continue to pray for the TransformDRC team and mission as they continue their incredible work in the Congo, that their efforts will be blessed and multiplied as they bring hope and transformation to so many.

May God continue to bless all those who support this mission, and may their partnership bear much fruit in the lives of those you serve. Thank you for the difference you're making, and may the journey ahead be full of hope and transformation!

Prayer of Thanksgiving for Supporters of TransformDRC:

Gracious and Loving Father,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the many supporters who have stood by us throughout this first year of TransformDRC. We thank You for their generosity, faithfulness, and willingness to be a part of this vital mission. It is through their prayers, contributions, and encouragement that we are able to make a difference in the lives of so many in the DRC.

Lord, we acknowledge that none of this would be possible without You and without the partnership of these faithful individuals, organizations, and communities. As we look ahead to the future, we pray for continued strength, wisdom, and resources to support this mission. 

We trust that, with Your guidance, the work of TransformDRC will grow and bear fruit in ways beyond what we could ever ask or imagine. May Your kingdom be advanced through every act of service, every prayer, and every act of love.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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This December 3rd, we’re celebrating Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving, and we invite you to be part of something special with TransformDRC. Your support helps drive meaningful change in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Would you consider making a gift to support our mission on Giving Tuesday? Your donation will directly contribute to the positive transformation we’re working toward.

DONATE HERE if you're already feeling the spirit of giving!

Thank you for making an impact. Together, we can transform lives!