DR Congo is a confusing place. It should be one of the richest countries in the world, it has vast natural resources yet years of Civil War have led to a humanitarian crisis and appeals for financial support. It seems that its potential wealth is in many ways a curse - with corruption, power struggles and ancient conflicts coming to the fore. Many are dead and many have fled - hence here in frozen Rochdale we have a significant Congolese community some of whom have formed their own church at worship at St. Andrew's on a Sunday afternoon. They are a wonderful vibrant people, who don't say much about the situations they fled or the methods by which they escaped. They appreciate the opportunity to make a new life here and are working hard to make the most of it. Pastor Andre is now a British citizen and much prouder of that status than I am - but then he had to work for it. Those who have been given leave to remain support those whose immigration status is more insecure - helping each other through the asylum/refugee/immigration process; teaching people English and something of the culture; collecting food - which we help with; creating hospitality and reasons to celebrate. 

Lets pray for DR Congo and all its people, those facing the fear of poverty, hunger and civil war; and those who have made new lives in strange foreign places like Rochdale.

"Rejoice during your festival, you and your sons and your daughters, your male and female slaves, as well as the Levites, the strangers, the orphans, and the widows resident in your towns." Deuteronomy 16:14