Dear friends. . .

It's the people that make the difference. Long after the rigors of travel are forgotten, the friendships will endure.

Pastor Deolo Tonga

For me a life-long friendship was forged with Pastor Deolo Tonga. He served as my translator for each of my teaching sessions and when I preached. But it's not his language ability that impressed me (he knows 6!), it is his spiritual life and dedication.

Besides pastoring, Deolo is director of the HIV/AIDS project run by C.E.C.U. (the Evangelical Free Church of Congo). He directs over 900 volunteers, as well as helping AIDS orphans and widows. It was personal tragedy that brought him to this position. As a young man he lost his father, his 4 (!) mothers, and 6 siblings to AIDS. He had to take over care for younger brothers and sisters when they were run out of their home village as "cursed" with this strange illness. After surviving for several months in the jungle they came to a pastor's home. This wise pastor took the splintered family in, and not only led them to Christ, but instilled into Deolo a love for God's work. (see www.globalfingerprints.org for more info on the incredible orphan ministry taking place in the Ubangi).

When Pastor Deolo has a few spare days he rides his motorcycle to evangelize among the Pygmies. I had a opportunity to meet one of the Pygmy converts training for pastoral ministry in the city of Gemena.

Stu & Deolo preaching

I thank God for he incredible dedication of brothers like Deolo!