I have been informed that this last Wednesday our two men, Pastor Mike Njoroge and brother Joshua Muturi were arrested on accusations that they were from the hated Banyamlenge tribe. The Banyamlenge migrated to the Congo from Rwanda years ago and have been involved in a lot of the atrocities that have been going on in the Eastern Congo. They are especially hated and despised in the Uvira area where the church is located. The people in Uvira would not take kindly to having any of them move into their midst. The remembrance of the rape, murder, and war are still fresh in most peoples minds.

After being arrested they were intensely interrogated and then put on some kind of trial. Fortunately they were found not guilty. Some of the details are sketchy at this time because of the difficulty in communication. I believe part of the reason for them being found innocent was because we took the time to visit the government offices when we were surveying the area and was able to meet most of the officials, explaining to them who we were, and what we were doing. We took great efforts to do things legally and openly.

Being declared not guilty of the accusation is a blessing but often times in areas like Eastern Congo just the accusation is enough to do great damage, especially in the early stages of getting started. This has the potential of being a big threat to the young church. Great pressure will be put on the young Christians to stay away. Potential visitors will be "told" to visit elsewhere.

These accusations make it somewhat dangerous for our men as there are some who could use this as an excuse to do physical harm. Many would look the other way especially if it is believed that they are Banyamlenge. There will be some who will believe it regardless of the declaration of innocence because it is being spread by their "pastors". I understand that those behind the accusations are extremely upset that their plan has not worked.

I will be leaving Monday to travel to Kenya to teach in the Bible College and preach the missions conference at Grace Bible Baptist Church. It was already planned that the men would participate in our missions conference so I will be able to speak to them directly and get a better idea of the potential problems this will bring.

Please continue to pray for Pastor Mike and bro. Joshua , the Bible Baptist Church of Uvira, and our churches in Kenya as God uses them to reach the people of the Congo with the gospel. Also pray for me as I travel to Kenya and for Wendy and the kids as the remain in the states. I will be gone for approximately two weeks.

As always thank you for your prayer.