Bishop Bickerton's Congo Journal - Day 3
Day 3
Today we arose early for our 90-minute flight to Kamina. Our chartered plane landed safely at the military air strip here where we were ceremoniously welcomed by the military officials.
Boarding our Land Cruisers, we set out for the town of Kamina. The one-hour drive was the most revealing of any on my trips to this continent. The infrastructure is in shambles. What was left of the road was one tiny asphalt strip down the middle used by walkers & bikers, while vehicles traveled on either side through pot holes and mud. The vehicles never made it over 20 mph as we limped along this barren and rural countryside.
Little did we know what we would experience once we arrived in town. Hundreds of people – men and women, laity and clergy, young and old alike -- lined the city street waving and applauding as we drove along. Our motorcade was stopped by a processional band. Young women walking in procession presented us with flowers. What a display of grace and hospitality! This, you see, is the North Katanga Annual Conference, the largest, fastest-growing annual conference in Methodism. They brought more delegates to General Conference in 2004 than any other. No wonder – their joy and hospitality is magnetic.
A motorcycle procession of pastors led us to the city airport where a local choir sang and danced to welcome us once again. In a few moments, the continent-wide superstar singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka arrived in a small plane with two others. No one of such notoriety had ever come here. The welcome was exuberant as she walked among, as she calls, “her people.”
Yvonne, the others bishops and I were whisked away to the regional governor’s office for a ceremonial greeting. We were then transferred to the city square where a podium had been constructed for our presentation. Like yesterday, thousands of people gathered in the city square in a massive gathering to learn and be motivated. People rushed the stage when Yvonne sang. I gave a speech challenging them to “Imagine No Malaria” and pledging our support, prayers were prayed, and everyone (including me) danced on the stage as others danced around it.
It was an amazing experience with people shouting out for nets to save their lives. They were shouting because of one clear fact – we have distributed 15,000 nets here . . . but more than 450,000 people reside in Kamina!
Yvonne and I were whisked away to witness a standing-water removal project that is being dug here. Miles upon miles of canal being dug by hand to remove standing water so that mosquitos cannot breed. Done by hand, mind you, in an act of determination. You see, we’re not just giving a handout. Bishop Ntambo, who inspired the project, is shown below by a canal. These people know the problem, long for the solution, and are working hard to do their part to eliminate it. It was inspiring to say the least. To learn more about the project, click here.
These are people who have almost nothing materially. Their children die from killer diseases, their income ranges from modest to nothing, and the realities facing their short-term existence are grim. But they have hope, hope in a God who promised to never leave them or forsake them and hope in God’s children like us who not only pray for them, but are working hard to raise money and awareness so their lives can be long, sustainable, and productive.
These are people with a joy that is not explainable – it is a joy not based on material things that will pass away, but on eternal promises that bring them peace and hope.
I came to this place to deliver a simple message – “Imagine No Malaria.”
I left receiving an even greater message in return – “You are loved.”
Bishop Tom
By: Bishop Thomas Bickerton On 4/17/2010
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