Fascinating Update from the CAR

Yesterday we were introduced to Francois & Claire Ngoumape. Francois is heavily involved in ministry in the CAR (Central African Republic). We were told that there are 2,400 Grace Brethren churches in the CAR with 900 trained pastors to serve those churches. They have a combined membership of approximately 350,000 and 30 new churches are being planted a month - that is 1 church a day!

There are currently 150 pastors who are in training in the Bible Institute program which obviously is not enough to support the current growth of the church in CAR. They are in need of three things: 1) More teachers and the plan is to partner with pastors & teachers who will go over to teach a 2 week module; 2) More facilities and the plan is to build a school complex in Bangui; 3) More people to send which means raising up men and support for them to go through school. It takes three scholarships of $40.00 a month (total of $120 a month) or provide the support of the students. They have no means by which to support themselves and the churches are unable to support very many as the average annual income is $300. This is a good project for a Sunday School class as is helping to provide funds to build the buildings on the property.

There is also danger involved because of bandit activity in which individuals are kidnapped and held for ransom. In the past couple of years, 5 Grace Brethren pastors have been kidnapped and killed. In fact, Francois calls Nov 18, 2007 his death day because he was kidnapped by bandits and the hostages are normally beaten and then killed with or without a ransom being paid. On this particular day, the bandits did try and kill him but the one wielding the sword kept hitting his motorcyle, and when he was shot at they shot the motorcycle and not him. On the final attempt, as he stood up, Francois said it was as if an invisible hand pushed him backwards just as the bandit shot at him. Those who had followed him, thought he was dead. There were about 1,000 who eventually gathered around, and needless to say, there was a tremendous time of praise and testimony to God's glory. God chose to spare Francois's life.

God used this event in Francois's life to give a sense of urgency to training others and so the plan mentioned above was prayerfully developed. It was also noted that 2002 was a critical year where missionaries had to flee the country because of rebel activity which resulted in changing the strategy for missions in CAR. One final note, it was observed that in much of the world, President Bush is despised, and there is the feeling that with President Barack Obama, it will make the work of missionaries easier (which is intended to be an observation, not a political statement for or against any individual).

Francois and Claire sang an acapella praise duet and here is a partial recording in mp3 format (click and wait for your media player to load). I understand the song has the idea that "He Will Answer our Prayer" but for a fuller translation, you can contact Karen Hardcastle.

Please remember to pray for our African brothers and sister in the CAR, the Chad, etc., who are in danger, but seeking to reach their communities for Christ.