Blogs from Bouar, West, Central African Republic, Africa
Seven Companions on the Road to CAR
Published: April 4th 2008Africa » Central African Republic » West » Bouar
April 4th 2008
From February 15-26, 2008; I embarked in the challenging enterprise of facilitating a leadership travel for three companion synods. Six faithful but season travelers from Texas Louisiana Golf Cost, Western North Dakota and Eastern-North Dakota synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America responded to the “CAR 2,000 Challenge”. The challenge consisted in crossing 2,000 kms (1,000 each way) on dirt road from Douala (Cameroon) to Bouar (West of CAR); defying all odds, security risk and possible harassment at border crossing point to arrive on time at the dedication of both the women center and the newly renovated church in Bouar. To make the challenge more attractive, we also need to fit at least 8 people with their luggage and carry-on(s) in a Toyota Prado; stay healthy while responding to hospitality; visiting most of the Evangelical ... read more
March 21st 2008
I frequently visit the Central African Republic (CAR) to foster the companion relationship between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the CAR (ELC-CAR). Despite the political turmoil, civil conflict and political instability, I cannot find a good excuse for not visiting my companions, friends, brothers, and sisters in the faith. CAR is rich in natural resources and a beautiful country but ravaged by repeated military coups and successive violent civil conflicts. During my travel and encounters with the Central African peoples, I discovered another story which would probably not make the headline news. They are stories of those village girls and boys, who defy all logic to stay alive, educate themselves, protect themselves against HIV infection, and also find creative ways to spread their joy, love and hope where ... read more
