2011 in Review
An emotional arrival in Kabalo. Feb 2011
In January 2011, Biking Bob
returned to DR Congo and launched the 2nd annual big bike tour of North
Katanga. He and a team of Congolese leaders (DS Rev. Mulongo, DS Rev.
Kora, DS Rev. Masimongo, Boat Captain/Mechanic 'Elephant', Prof. Shabana
Banza and others) biked from Tenke to Mulongo. They then took the maiden voyage on our new boat "Indiana" from Mulongo
to Kabalo.
Along the way, they have had many adventures, collected heartbreaking and inspiring testimonies, led workshops on leadership, assisted in 310 baptism celebrations, witnessed the construction progress on the El Dorado Nursing School and become even more convinced of the importance of providing concrete help to these communities rebuilding after the devastating war. Stories from the trip are posted on our blog: http://friendlyplanetnews.blogspot.com/
Bob returned to the USA in April 2011 in order to spread the word about what he has witnessed and to raise funds to support the work of our leaders on the ground. If you would like to host/organize a Friendly Planet visit to your town, contact us on Facebook. The 1st annual Fondo du Congo (fundraiser for Friendly Planet) was in September 2011.
Emily Johnson joined the team in July and created a candid and moving blog about the journey:. http://emilyindrc.blogspot.com/
Taylor continued to serve as Bob's remote support staff based in Zambia, where she teamed with the non-profit SIFAT in building an appropriate-technology training center with the United Methodists in Lusaka. Taylor's ministry also includes coaching (via visits, Skype, and e-mails) the next generation of Congolese and Zambia UMC leaders as they wrestle with the challenges of being 21st Century globally-minded citizens working in communities where their worldviews are not yet common.
Along the way, they have had many adventures, collected heartbreaking and inspiring testimonies, led workshops on leadership, assisted in 310 baptism celebrations, witnessed the construction progress on the El Dorado Nursing School and become even more convinced of the importance of providing concrete help to these communities rebuilding after the devastating war. Stories from the trip are posted on our blog: http://friendlyplanetnews.blogspot.com/
Bob returned to the USA in April 2011 in order to spread the word about what he has witnessed and to raise funds to support the work of our leaders on the ground. If you would like to host/organize a Friendly Planet visit to your town, contact us on Facebook. The 1st annual Fondo du Congo (fundraiser for Friendly Planet) was in September 2011.
Emily Johnson joined the team in July and created a candid and moving blog about the journey:. http://emilyindrc.blogspot.com/
Taylor continued to serve as Bob's remote support staff based in Zambia, where she teamed with the non-profit SIFAT in building an appropriate-technology training center with the United Methodists in Lusaka. Taylor's ministry also includes coaching (via visits, Skype, and e-mails) the next generation of Congolese and Zambia UMC leaders as they wrestle with the challenges of being 21st Century globally-minded citizens working in communities where their worldviews are not yet common.
