"Go and do likewise"

The message at church this morning was based on Luke 10, the good Samaritan. That story ends with two sentences, "The one who had mercy on him." and "Go and do likewise."

What followed that story was a presentation on the plight of the believers in the Congo. This is a country where war and political unrest have ravaged the small villages in the remotest parts of the country. There were schools, churches, libraries and homes - all without roofs. Still, the villagers have not lost their faith. The churches are slowly beginning to fill again on Sunday mornings, and life is coming back to these communities.

But the needs are still great. We saw schoolrooms filled with kids, but no books. Try teaching a class of 80 kids, and all they have are a notebook and pen to write whatever you say. Printed literature is hard to come by. Building supplies are expensive to purchase, and even at that, delivery of materials isn't guaranteed.

That all being said, "Go and do likewise" takes on a new meaning. After spending some time with Mr. Wolcott, the speaker, we've asked to get in contact with people who can help us learn how to equip those schools with books. Pray with and for us that we'll be able to help in some small way to provide some of those needs for those precious children. Others have taken up the challenge of roofing the buildings, but to date, there isn't an organized effort to equip the schools. These kids are anxious to learn. Pray with us for help.