The Beginning

Our Story…

So much has developed since our wedding last summer and we are excited to share with you how the Lord is directing us to a ministry in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.). As some of you already know, Sam had been raising support to join the staff of Live to the Power of Nothing. During the time of our engagement we began to pray about the possibility of being involved in ministry together. We also wanted our wedding day to be an opportunity to express the love of Christ so we asked our guests to donate to a ministry in D.R.C. called the Elikya Project. We were extremely blessed by the response of our guests who helped raise $2,500 to help rebuild widows’ homes.

This past fall we were presented with an offer to work with the Elikya Project alongside some very close friends of ours. This immediately resonated with our hearts and after much prayer we decided this past December to pursue this opportunity. We are currently in the process of applying with ReachGlobal, the International Mission of the Evangelical Free Church, to work with the Elikya Project.

The Ministry…

There is a large population of widows and orphans in D.R.C. due to HIV/AIDS and the political upheaval of the last 15 years. The church in Gemena, D.R.C. is responding to the needs of these neglected and often-mistreated people. They are developing a community where widows can support each other, learn how to farm, and learn new trades to adequately support their families. In this community orphans will have their physical and educational needs met. The orphans will also receive carpentry or masonry training and take basic computer and English literacy classes.

In the D.R.C. we will facilitate short-term teams who will train the Congolese leadership for the Elikya Project. We plan to go to D.R.C. in August 2009 to live for a couple months. This time will be used to orient us with the culture and to further seek God’s direction for this ministry. We will return home to finish raising support and leave again in January 2010 for two years.

Alongside the short-term teams, we will be teaching English, computer literacy classes, and agricultural advances to the Congolese leadership. Through this education the Congolese leadership will be better equipped to teach the widows and orphans. Our hope is that when we leave the Elikya Project, it will be a self-sustaining, flourishing ministry.

Your Role…

We need your help in supporting our ministry to these underprivileged people. Our desire is that you are able to join us by continually praying for us and possibly giving financially towards the advancement of this ministry. We have been conditionally accepted by ReachGlobal to raise financial support, though we are still engaged in the application process. Our application process will be completed in June.

We value your prayers on our behalf concerning our preparation for and completion of this time in the D.R.C. We also desire to speak more in depth with you about our involvement with the Elikya Project…perhaps over coffee or good food. We are blessed to have you in our lives.

Peace and Love,
Sam & Sarah