Africa: a report and an appeal

In recent times we have heard of and are seeing many wonderful things coming out of Africa and the rise of the African people and with the recent visit of True Mother to Senegal it would seem that the continent is going through a true renaissance.

However I would ask you to consider that just as the British winter had a final sting in its tail before the spring sunshine and daffodils emerged so some African countries are also facing a “sting” in the tail of their dark age before the longed for renaissance reaches them. I am thinking in particular of my National Messiah (NM) country of Chad. I don’t know if that mission actually continues but my wife and I still support as we are able since we have never been told the contrary thus still consider ourselves as NM for Chad. Though that’s just a label and whether or not that mission still exists our hearts are set to continue supporting whatever.

It is with this thought that I am writing today. While we rejoice that many of Africa’s nations are going through their joyous rebirth it’s easy to forget that others are still struggling just to survive and I think of Chad in particular: one of the largest of the African nations and sadly, one of the poorest and fighting its own regional brand of terrorism.

Chad’s great longed for dawn of prosperity emerged with the discovery of oil back in the early 2000’s. But this gave way to despair as much of the revenue from the oil was used for weaponry instead of caring for its people and the infrastructure of the country. More revenue, no doubt, went into the deep and corrupt pockets of some and then with the collapse of the price of oil much of the rest went towards repaying international debt and so on - all so concerning.

In this climate I recently had an email from the national leader’s wife - we keep in touch so I am always aware of what is going on though these days, it’s no longer safe for me to go there. It was not a begging letter but she simply expressed how the situation is desperate for many including our own brothers and sisters. Some members are teachers but are no longer receiving regular salaries and when they do it’s often less than they need to support and feed their families and our own FFWPU run school had to close down due to lack of funding. So while we rejoice with the incredible victories of members and some nations throughout Africa we are reminded that many are still struggling to survive indeed, just to feed themselves.

Following the suggestion of one of our London community leaders I was encouraged to appeal for help from our own UK members. I am especially appealing to those who have been blessed materially but anyone whose heart feels moved can help. If you can spare a few thoughts for brothers and sisters facing the dilemma of feeding their families then please help by sending money to me that I can send on to Chad to support our own FFWPU members there who do not have the same good fortune as we Europeans have enjoyed until now.

AFRICA: a report and an appeal by Ron German, NM for CHAD

Some years back I was involved in raising money specifically for the installation of a water well in our own community centre in N’Djamena, the capital. (see photo) Until then they had to make do with water delivered daily and I well remember my daily ration of 1 bucket of water that I had to made do to wash and drink and if I ran out… that was it until the next day delivery. Fortunately with the installation of the well that situation changed but through it I learned the value of not letting the water run while I clean my teeth and not taking a shower lasting more than 3 or 4 minutes, not flushing the toilet every time and so on.

Recently I sent money directly to the national leader’s wife - a good, honest sister - so I know whatever I send gets to where it should go. There are no costs apart from the small amount that pays for the transfer fee as I use Western Union. No amount of money we send will solve all of Chad’s problems and certainly not all of our members’ problems but as the saying goes… every little helps. A while back I found myself apologising to one brother - an assistant leader - that I could not do more for Chad or even visit and his reply moved me so much: “Just for you to help as you do reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten Chad.”

If you would like to help then please send your donation directly to me. A cheque will be fine but through your bank account will be good too. Money gathered will be sent directly by myself. I won’t promise how it will be used - I leave that to the discretion of the local leadership since they know their needs better than me. I do not ask them to account for anything I send - I know the situation and I trust them. Recently I sold a guitar and some other musical equipment to raise money to go to Austria to see True mother. The very next day after selling my items I received the email from Chad and the day after that a brother phoned and as a result of our chat he decided to help and so with what I made and the money from my sales and the money I was sent I was able to make a small difference to some part of Africa where the renaissance is still in its infancy.

You can email me for any details re address, bank account etc. and my email address is rongerman@hotmail.co.uk

May God bless you and your families.