Hello friends,

Here is an update of our work….and current prayer requests,

Bill is currently co-managing a church based relief project in Congo aimed at bringing relief to war-torn areas and assisting over 12 million displaced or impoverished Congolese citizens.With support from USAID and the World Bank, the Christian based "SANRU Project" is currently among the largest health project in Congo and one of a handful that is rendering assistance on both fronts of the war.During 2002, aside from rebuilding hospitals, health clinics and re-establishing primary preventative care programs such as nutrition, vaccination, pre-natal and child health; the project came to the relief of hundreds of thousands of persons displaced from natural disaster (such as the Goma Volcano) and civil unrest(Nyankunde massacre and refugee settings).This has given Bill and his colleagues from the Christian Church in Congo not only a chance to render desperately needed medical care; but to minister and serve in the name of the only one who can bring peace, restore health, and offer everlasting life and eternal peace…Jesus Christ.

Ann is teaching (history and geography) at the American School of Kinshasa (TASOK) where all our American Baptist MKs* attend.She is also involved with the administration of the school, recently spearheading the effort for TASOK's successful five-year re-accreditation as well as curriculum development and staff building.The TASOK board of directors, which she presides, has been given the mandate to reestablish both the school's reputation and fiscal balance after a decade of crisis in Congo including 4 total student and staff evacuations and several closures of the school.Her most refreshing moments are the one-on-one and relationship building with students from over 30 countries and as many language groups.

Our four children:Jasmine (age 16), Eli (age 15), Joel (age 12) and Cassie (age 9) are looking forward to another year in Congo…in fact they have now spent more time in Congo …than in any other place in their lives.

Prayer requests for this New Year.

• For a lasting peace in Congo…not only in a political and civil sense…but true peace and reconciliation which can only come with an awareness and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
• That Bill and Ann will be empowered for ministry on a daily basis and not be worn down by the realities of running institutions and projects in a developing nation (with lack of resources and infrastructure) but encouraged in our knowledge that "he cares for those who trust in Him" Na 1:7
• That we would find time as a family; to set aside the burning issues of the day…and find time and space to reflect on the joy and blessings which God has given us.
• For safety and security as Bill travels in precarious areas, no longer patrolled by the UN…with conviction and not fear…knowing the Lord has called us to be here.
• For our churches and faithful back home. That they would be motivated and encouraged….. realizing their vital part in missions…..and be blessed knowing that their prayer and gifts do more than support the Clemmer family…but respond to needs in the body of Christ… in a real and tangible manner.
• That God will be known and praised though our cooperative efforts…as church and missionaries,partners and friends.

Bill and Ann Clemmer
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo