Friends,
Thank you very much for your prayers and encouragement! I am back from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The conference held at UCBC (Christian Bilingual University of Congo) in Eastern Congo was successful--we believe beyond doubt that God was at work!
SUMMARY OF THE CONFERENCE:
UCBC hosted a conference facilitated by Christian lawyers from DRC, USA, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Burundi to work with approximately 50 DRC lawyers, judges, and government officials from North Kivu province.
Establishing justice for the people of Congo is critical to the transformation of DRC in its early years of democracy. The four day conference addressed strategies for dealing with rule of law issues ranging from land reform and sexual violence to integrity and independence of the DRC judicial system. It resulted in a number of “firsts” for UCBC and DRC. It was the first time that international justice organizations such as Advocates International/Advocates Africa, International Justice Mission, and African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministry (ALARM) had come to Beni or to UCBC. The conference resolutions called for the formation of Christian lawyer groups for the first time in the cities of Beni, Bunia, and Butembo. Finally, in a significant vote of confidence and trust in UCBC, the delegates resolved that UCBC be the facilitating institution to coordinate the new city groups (including how they may connect in the future with each other and with NGOs in the Eastern Congo region). The city groups will be local fellowships of lawyers and judges which will provide not only encouragement and discipleship within the local group, but also a forum for addressing rule of law issues at the grass roots level.
On the final day of the conference, the lawyers from each of the six nations planted trees at UCBC to symbolize the unity of the lawyers in seeking justice for DRC. They also participated in a servant-leadership work project by buying the materials and providing the labor to paint one of the large student classrooms within UCBC. A palpable spirit of hope and commitment to employing Christian principles in the legal process in DRC built throughout the conference. Please pray that these seeds planted in the July 2010 conference will continue to grow and by God’s continuing grace produce the justice God intends for the people of Congo!
LASTING IMPRESSIONS:
First, despite very challenging difficulties and obstacles, the attendees expressed their desire and intention to grow in the Lord and to work together toward significant improvements in their legal and justice systems. Success will not be easy or quick, but there is hope.
Second, UCBC is a shining light of hope in a part of the world that hasn't had a lot of hope. We were privileged to interact with a number of students at UCBC. Many of us commented on the hope in the eyes of these bright, joyful, and committed students. UCBC is a unique and special university in my view. The vision of Dr. David Kasali and the University is to train up men and women with a solid biblical foundation, academic excellence, and a heart for their communities. More information is available at http://www.congoinitiative.org/view.cfm?page_id=108 .
Thank you again, very much, for praying for our conference and for our safety and success. Your encouragement and prayers have supported me throughout this time!
John
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