It might not sound like the most likely source of practical support and change for a rural African region, but the Institut Supérieur Théologique de Bunia (ISTB) is at the heart of some inspiring work.
Bunia – provincial capital of the Ituri province in north eastern DRC – has been the scene of tribal conflict over the past decade. The need for development is significant and, thanks to the work of ISTB staff Mr Way Alege and Dr Katho Bungisha, real progress is being made.
Back in September 2006 – supported by Tearfund – Way and Dr Katho pulled together 55 people from local churches to attend a workshop. Together they explored the heart of the gospel, tracing the links between theology and development, exploring the church’s mandate for addressing the physical and practical needs of those it has contact with. People that attended were trained to encourage local Christians to pilot local initiatives in their villages, drawing in their neighbours to share in the work.
In just a few months – from December 06 to March 07 – the progress that has been made by these groups is remarkable. And obvious… one village has seen people unite to protect a valuable water spring, while those living near Nyakunde have worked to refurbish their primary school. In another village, 10 miles south of Bunia, people have been given seeds and are working to cultivate what looks like being a bumper crop of vegetables this year.
We know that the gospel is good news for all people – the hungry and the wealthy alike. Way, Dr Katho and the ISTB are helping local churches rethink their understanding of just how far that good news can go. Theirs may be small steps, but it is acts of integrity and commitment that make up the everyday miracles we desperately need as we pursue our vision of a world where vulnerable communities are better prepared to cope with the consequences of natural disasters.