After several months of waiting, the patience of our provincial representative finally bore fruit.  Pastor Jean Ilunga Numbi received an office vehicle so that he could better travel around the territory of Katanga.  Provided by churches in Canada, the keys were given to the representative in an informal presentation last December 25th.  The presentation had a note of humour in it as he was asked if he knew to whom this vehicle belonged.  After declaring his ignorance in the matter, he learnt that he himself was the owner.
 
It was with surprise and above all with great joy that Pastor Ilunga took possession of the 4X4.  All the documents concerning the vehicle were also paid for by the Canadian churches.  There was nothing left for the representative to do but to familiarize himself with the rules of the road and to begin traveling the length and breadth of the province of Katanga.  We believe that this tool will be very useful for his work. 
 
May God protect you, Pastor Ilunga, and be careful.
 

                             The Handing Over of the Keys to the Provincial Representative                                       Ordination Ceremony
 
 
Our first year in the Democratic Republic of Congo was very full and we will have much to share with you this May and June when we spend time in Canada.  We were quite busy at the beginning of this year with the launching of the new programs at the Bible college [Institut Superieur de Theologie Evangelique du Katanga (ISTEK)].  We also took part in a provincial assembly where sixteen pastors were ordained.  During this gathering we distributed Bibles as part of our 'One Hundred Bibles for the Bibleless' project.  There were large smiles that day.  Thank you to our Canadian partners who contributed to this blessing.
 

                                             Presentation of Swahili Bibles to heads of the districts of Bukama, Moba, Kalemie, Manono, and Malemba