We’re back in Eastern Africa, but we’re in neighboring Burundi rather than in DR Congo (DRC). We are not back in the DRC due to a couple of big problems.

Problem One: the airport that we use in the Bukavu area of the DRC to then fly up to Minembwe is still closed due to renovation. This airport was originally slated to reopen on June 16, then on July 1, then on July 15, then August 15. Now the word is “soon.”

Problem Two: this is the way more important issue, and it is very sensitive to the point that someone’s life and liberty hangs in the balance. Our Congolese co-worker, Lazare, has been detained by the DRC government since June 28. Lazare’s detention seems to be political, and although the allegations have now been further investigated by the DRC government, and have been found untrue, the government has not yet released Lazare. Lazare has still not been allowed ANY visitors up to this point, and he has only been allowed one phone call to his wife. There are people from many different governments and organizations, both upfront and behind the scenes, trying to help secure Lazare’s release and/or at least get him some aid.

Before any of this had happened, Christianity Today had planned to write an article about Lazare’s work in Minembwe, but they altered it to reflect his current situation and then published this article (click photo).