Ending Extreme Poverty in the Congo

Churches and Schools

 
Churches and schools are two of the most visible and influential institutions in a community.  The same is true in even rural Congolese village.

They play a big part in shaping the future of children.

There Whites Are Brighter and Whiter

Pearl white robes really standout in the Congo.  Maybe, it is just the background of dirt, sand, and dust that makes them standout.  Or maybe, it is bright and colorful Congolese fabrics that makes them standout.

It is equally astonishing how white stay white in the Congo.  No modern detergents or washing machines.  No plastic bags for protection.

That's some of the things I think about during those long church services in the sweltering heat when I can understand most of what is being said.

Congolese Women's Education and Religious Leadership

 
You will not find too many women taking part in worship services in the Congo.  It is not a case of male-domination or for religious reasons.  It is the result of the high illiteracy among women and girls.  As the literacy increases, the number of women participating in church increases, too.

Learning to read and to write will help women to become fully integrated in their churches and in society.  Bibles are only produced in major trade languages and international languages.  Therefore, girls and women must attend secondary schools.

Only a hand full of women attend seminaries in the protestant religion. 

Church is a Time of Learning for Children

 

You know that going to church should be a time of learning.  You learn scriptures and the stories of the Bible like the Easter story.

As I sat and watched this familar story, I thought about the learning experience for the Congolese children.  I have never seen a colt or donkey in the Congo.  Domestic animals are plenty much non-existent.  So it was a real learning experience for these children. 

What should be the Church's priority?

What should be the Church's priority? "Homosexuality of bishops", "The Information and Communication Technology", or "poverty, corruption and hunger"?

I totally agree with this columnist.  It appears that the conservative Anglican leaders think that information and communication technology (ICT) is a new religion is challenging all churches.  Specifically, it identified the Internet, mobile phones, iPods, and video games.

"A columnist in the Ugandan Sunday Monitor thought the sight of African bishops breathing fire and taking a hardline against homosexuality was comical, to say the least. He wondered whether their priority should be what is happening far away in Europe and North America, or the poverty, corruption and hunger which are wasting the lives of millions of Africans."

I am not sure the Internet, mobile phones, iPods, and video games are a threat to the church in the Congo.  Poverty, corruption and hunger are the big threats to the church and society in the Congo.