Lubudi

Lubudi District 2008

How do I begin to tell you about the Lubudi District? How about with a picture of Lubudi's new "dream team." Pictured above with my dad is an amazing team of pastors and spouses recently appointed by Bishop Ntambo to serve in the town of Lubudi. (fyi: the pastor on the far left will be a delegate at the April 2008 General Conference in Texas. Hopefully, he will visit us in Indiana for a couple weeks afterwards)

Above & below: The only well-constructed sanctuary in the Lubudi District. A few years ago, this parish began to have two challenges: the sanctuary was becoming too small and many of its members and potential members now lived on the other side of town and faced a long walk to church. So, they asked some of the members to "seed" a new parish across town. This new parish is growing quickly but faces a frustration--they have no sanctuary yet, making worship during the rainy season quite challenging! In the meantime, a member family has volunteered to hault construction on their house and let the congregation meet in their future living room. But not everyone can fit inside!!! Working with local authorities, they have obtained a parcel of land for constructing the new sanctuary and parsonage. Would your congregation like to purchase the bags of cement and tin roofing?

Worship service in Lubudi

(interior photos by Kayembe Herggie)

below: infant dedication

below: I've made digital recordings of the sermons Dad gave on this trip.

The first was so well received that the congregation across town held a special mid-week service

in order for others to have a chance to hear it.

above: Us with Lubudi parish's clergy family (in front of the only well-constructed

parsonage in the district); below: Us with DS Kalenga Nsenpe Kalubika and his family.

They shared that even they are struggling to find ways to pay their children's school fees.

below: taking a tour of the unfinished home recently purchased for housing and office space for

the District Superintendent. The Kamina Project has promised to help raise the funds to finish this project.

above & below: Members of the new Lubudi parish (who cram into a member's living room each week!)

I've posted on youtube a short clip of these kids singing, and I have digital audio

recordings of most of the choirs we heard (can send copies upon request)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cq1quYV40iQ

Above &below: United Methodist chapel in Lubudi district (the pastor is holding the book & child)

Most of our chapel in North Katanga look similar to this. Perhaps your congregation would like to

partner with with one of these small rural congregations.

In these rural areas, pastors are truly community pastors, providing leadership in all areas of community development. below: A blind United Methodist woman who attends the above chapel. The congregation struggles to assist her and others in need of support.

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