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Philo Bidimbu and her translator, Timothy Chapman, on the steps of the US Capitol Building
Last Friday Philo sent us an e-mail. She was waiting for the plane that would take her home to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Physically she was spent, achy with a minor flu, ready to be back home. She remarked on the gulf that separates life in the US and life in Congo. Still, she said, Congolese and Americans each have something important to share with the other.
During the month, Philo criss-crossed the country. She shared the stories of Congolese farm families whose lives have changed because of the efforts of the Foods Resource Bank network of supporters and missionary farmers in North America. ACDI Lusekele, through a small project called Micro-DEVRU, has introduced traditional farmers to disease-resistant manioc, new high-yielding peanut and cowpea varieties and high-yielding oil palms. Two hundred twenty eight different farmer's groups have opened a door to stable livelihoods and a better future for their children.
Two weeks ago Philo (seen above with translator Timothy Chapman) were in Washington to give testimony to a House sub-committee. This was a rare opportunity for an African woman who works everyday with semi-subsistence farmers to comment on how US foreign aid is spent in Africa, in Congo. Maybe that rare perspective can be the catalyst that shifts the thinking and practice of all those incredibly bright people in Washington. Imagine using power and wealth to help African peasant farmers to end famine, to create opportunity and to nourish hope.
If you don't know about Foods Resource Bank, check out their website: http://www.foodsresourcebank.org/. FRB has a remarkable talent for multiplying missions dollars to make a lasting difference in the world. It brings together North American farmers with a heart for the world and Christians with a vision for creating food security and new economic opportunity for marginalized farmers in impoverished countries. We appreciate that more than many people because FRB has given the team at ACDI Lusekele the means to be the hands and feet of Jesus in rural Congo.
During the month, Philo criss-crossed the country. She shared the stories of Congolese farm families whose lives have changed because of the efforts of the Foods Resource Bank network of supporters and missionary farmers in North America. ACDI Lusekele, through a small project called Micro-DEVRU, has introduced traditional farmers to disease-resistant manioc, new high-yielding peanut and cowpea varieties and high-yielding oil palms. Two hundred twenty eight different farmer's groups have opened a door to stable livelihoods and a better future for their children.
Two weeks ago Philo (seen above with translator Timothy Chapman) were in Washington to give testimony to a House sub-committee. This was a rare opportunity for an African woman who works everyday with semi-subsistence farmers to comment on how US foreign aid is spent in Africa, in Congo. Maybe that rare perspective can be the catalyst that shifts the thinking and practice of all those incredibly bright people in Washington. Imagine using power and wealth to help African peasant farmers to end famine, to create opportunity and to nourish hope.
If you don't know about Foods Resource Bank, check out their website: http://www.foodsresourcebank.org/. FRB has a remarkable talent for multiplying missions dollars to make a lasting difference in the world. It brings together North American farmers with a heart for the world and Christians with a vision for creating food security and new economic opportunity for marginalized farmers in impoverished countries. We appreciate that more than many people because FRB has given the team at ACDI Lusekele the means to be the hands and feet of Jesus in rural Congo.