BACK HOME !!

 We made the decision to leave Goma ahead of schedule due to the increasing tensions there.  On Nov 2 we left Congo and were able to spend 10 days in Kigali, Rwanda, taking time to catch our breath and decompress from our rather stressful situation and uncertainty there in Goma. We spent our time with old friends and World Venture missionaries,  Gary and Barb Bennett. Together with Gary & Barb we were able to spend 2 days visiting the Akagera National Game Park. What a wonderful time seeing all the beautiful roaming animals like giraffes, bushbuck, hippos, zebras, impalas, topies and warthogs, not to mentions so many colorful birds!

We were still in Kigali when my sister Sue and her husband, Bob Cullen, flew into Kigali on their way back to Kabale, Uganda, where they've ministered for nearly 30 years. So glad we could see them.

Today the view out our window is in stark contrast to those we've been enjoying the past couple of months.   Snowy flurries and 32 degrees. Brrrrr!

Mid 70's 

Brrrrrrrr!!!

This morning we received an alert email from the 'U Embassy in Kinshasa, DR Congo warning us of the deteriorating situation in Goma.  We are relieved that we are not still there but safely home, but we're very concerned for our dear Congolese brothers and sisters who have to deal with these troubles and uncertain times. Please be praying for safety and peace for our Congolese friends!!!

Thank you so much for your prayers for us during our time in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Judd & Sandi Kile

Here is today's alert from the Embassy: 

“Security Alert: From the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, DRC (15 NOV 22) 

Location: Eastern DRC and Border Regions, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 

Event: Clashes between the March 23 Movement armed group and the Congolese military are occurring in the East of the country, mostly recently in the town of Kibumba, approximately 20 kms northeast of the provincial capital of Goma, North Kivu.  Due to the proximity of fighting to Goma, there is the possibility for escalating violence, and U.S. citizens are reminded that our Travel Advisory guidance remains at a Level 4: Do Not Travel to North Kivu Province. 

Further combatant advances could occur with little warning, and roads to the airport and border risk being closed should the fighting approach Goma.  Some non-governmental organizations in Goma have instructed their staff to shelter in place or to leave the city. “

Winding Down !

 In light of the current unrest in Goma (North Kivu Province), we felt it prudent to leave Congo before the recent unrest closed the Congo/Rwanda border.  The email warnings we received from the American Embassy, along with the unrest we heard last weekend outside the walls of our compound, confirmed the need to pull out earlier than planned.  Yesterday morning (Nov. 2) a very experienced chauffeur picked us up at our compound, drove us across the city to the border, and his experience at helping expatriates (like us) cross the border really made for a smooth exit from Congo and entry into Rwanda. Our return flight is about one week away, so we're able to relax and regroup here before we leave Africa. We're very blessed to be able to stay with long-time friends, Gary & Barb Bennett, in their home in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. This morning we were privileged to join their missionary team for the weekly prayer time and to hear about each of their individual ministries and prayer requests.

Before we left Goma, Judd was able to safely get to the print shop and wrap up some loose ends there.  He was also able to say proper goodbyes to the workers there, being able to wind up our work at Imprimerie Siloam. We were able to present certificates of completion of the P4A system training to the four men who will be carrying on the work there.  It was a pleasure to work alongside these guys and see significant progress in their abilities as the time went along.  Please pray for this print system to be used to continue to get Scriptures and Christian literature to the believers in this area.

The evening before we left, we were visited by a group of African pastors and leaders, thanking us for coming and bringing back to that region the printed literature to help the believers.  These leaders were from the Baptist Association of Churches, the same organization my parents and others of their generation served for many years.  These pastors shared a real appreciation for those dear servants who were faithful to the call of God on their lives. 

As soon as we crossed into Rwanda, we were able to meet & greet some of the dear people who had a part in ministering to us when we were here many years ago.  What a good visit with Pastor Leonard, Ephraim, and Anastasia. These were friends that were also a part of my parents' ministry in the 70's and early 80's.