"People ask why we do it," write Liz and Tom Ryder, United Methodist missionaries who recently began their second term in Zaire, which has just become the Democratic Republic of the Congo, not without danger and bloodshed. "The answer is simple. It is a rare privilege to be part of this new country despite its growing pains. Doing what God wants us to do at this time in our lives is peace in itself. ... Our Congolese friends agree that the change of government is good. They see opportunities for an improved lifestyle and remain cautiously optimistic about the future of the Congo."
Elizabeth and Thomas Ryder, who celebrated their thirty-second wedding anniversary on assignment, are Mission Medical Coordinator and Conference Financial Administrator, respectively. Belonging to the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference, she is a former college professor of nursing and he is a retired navy officer. The two describe their new life and work as "exhilarating and rewarding." After more than 13 years as volunteers for an Appalachian project, they became United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (VIMs). On a VIM trip to Africa, they decided God was calling them to full-time service. They felt that God had been preparing them for mission work throughout their professional lives, but never did they think that they would end up in the part of the world where they find themselves today.
"God does have some really interesting ideas," Liz and Tom conclude. "We have discovered that the world is not as nice as we'd like it to be. We have seen poverty that destroys the joy of life. We have experienced war up close and mourned with our friends who have lost loved ones. Living in a culture different from our own, we have experienced its traditions; and have worshiped God in different and innovative ways. We have learned to appreciate our way of life in the West-- hot water, communications, good roads, and electricity most of the time. We've learned to appreciate not to whine when things go wrong but rather to thank God if there is no 'crisis of the day.' We accept gratefully the plan of God to oversee the running of this universe."
The Ryders report that government officials of the new Congo have expressed a desire for the church to continue its role of providing structure, moral guidance, and stability. They wish to see continuation of health care programs, agricultural initiatives, and schools-- all services associated with the church.
As this committed couple enter their second term of work and witness
among the people of Central Africa, they request your prayers for peace
and prosperity in the Congo.
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