More "Rescue Center" Pictures

The "Rescue Center" For the Ladies of the Congo!

After months of work by lots of great people, we can officially share with you that a home has been purchased for the ladies & children of Jehovah Jireh in the Congo! Lord willing, for years to come, this facility will serve as a "Rescue Center" for abandoned women and their children.

Below are pictures of the Rescue Center. Remember, this is the Congo when you look at the pictures. However, we think this new home for the ladies is better than what we expected. Here's what the home entails based on a report I received from Caleb Bislow...

• A partially walled-in compound (home)
• 2 completed buildings and one almost finished.
• The big building use to be a restaraunt and has three rooms. The building in the back has two rooms as well
• There is a new outhouse (the tall building on the rocks behind the home)
• The floors appear to be cement
• The doors/windows appear to lock
• It is not near the slums or in a congested area making it possible to expand
• It is next to the airport and walking distance from the city center making it a "safe place"
• It would be ok for the women to worship there without neighborhood problems.

Maybe the best news is that there is enough money left over in donations to add electricity to the home, make basic improvements and buy beds. God is good!

2 BIG Announcements

Admittedly, this won't be new news to many of you but since I've not blogged about either I thought I would do so this morning...

(1) THE "CONGO PROJECT" GOAL HAS BEEN MET! We have eclipsed our $10,000 goal for the Congo Project! In fact, we are closing in on $11,500. I had a chance to speak with Caleb Bislow on Monday regarding where the project is now heading since we have raised the funds to purchase the building. We are currently working on making arrangements to get a couple of our connections from Rwanda to Goma, DRC to look for and purchase the building for the ladies and children of Jehovah Jireh. I'm definitely learning patience and "Africa time" as we work to get this building purchased. Please pray that barriers would be removed and logistics would be worked out so that a building will be able to be purchased in Goma, DRC for these ladies and children ASAP.

(2) A NEW ADDITION TO THE THOMPSON FAMILY! Lord willing, sometime around February 6th there will be an addition to the Thompson household. Rachael is 17 weeks pregnant as of today! We are very excited yet would greatly value your prayers as we embark on this journey.

In Memory Of...

I've been waiting until this day to make what I would consider a pretty big announcement. You ask, "Why today?" Today, would have been the first birthday of our daughter Aleigha Grace. Aleigha was stillborn one year ago today. You can read about Aleigha's story here. This announcement is tied to Aleigha and our participation in leading the "Congo Project."

Soon after we told Caleb Bislow that we were ready to take the "plunge" and spearhead the raising of $10,000 to fund a home for the ladies and children of Jehovah Jireh in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Caleb asked us a question were weren't expecting to be asked but that we were sure thrilled to asked.

He asked us if we would be interested in having the building that would eventually be bought for the people of Jehovah Jireh dedicated in memory of Aleigha Grace Thompson. Of course, we didn't have to think two seconds before saying "YES!"

To think that God could continue to take and use the death of our daughter in significant ways and that people around the world would hear about our story, left both Rachael and I literally speechlees. So, Lord willing, upon the purchase of the building that will serve as the home for the ladies and children of Jehovah Jireh in war-torn Congo, it will be dedicated in memory of Aleigha Grace! How awesome is that!

Update on "The Congo Project"

We just passed the $6,100 mark! Among those who have generously given so far, have been students from two separate summer conferences/camps held in June. We seem to be well on our way to raising the full $10,000 by the end of the summer! Praise the Lord! How might God be calling you to get involved?

Ways to Pray for "The Congo Project" - Part Three

I will be posting some simple prayers that we can be praying together on behalf of the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These prayers are courtesy of the website, "Prayer for Peace in Congo."

Prayer for Stability
"Lord in the name of Jesus we ask you for the political, economic, social stability of Congo. Make this nation a stable state, so that your people can serve you in freedom and the joy. Take away from your people oppressions, wars, rapes, murders as well as injustices and oppression. We ask you in the name of the father, son and the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Ezekiel 25:5
"And I will make Rabbah a stable for camels and Ammon a resting place for flocks. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.”

Ways to Pray for the Congo - Part Two

I will be posting some simple prayers that we can be praying together on behalf of the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These prayers are courtesy of the website, "Prayer for Peace in Congo."

Pray for reconciliation
Example of how to prayer: "Christ you died to reconcile the world with God, by the work of the cross you brought theforgiveness of sin and you also have erased iniquity in the world. By the spreading of your blood you have brought reconciliation between man with God and also between men and men. We raise our voices to you lord by asking for your favor for the reconciliation of sons and the daughters of Congo. Eternal God purifies our hearts, cleans our mind as well as our spirits and let your love reign among sons of the Congo. We ask for personnel interests, clannish or tribal divisions to be done away with and ask for the unity of the Holy Spirit to reign within this nation."

Ways to Pray for the Congo - Part One

I will be posting some simple prayers that we can be praying together on behalf of the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These prayers are courtesy of the website, "Prayer for Peace in Congo."

"PRAYER FOR PEACE"
"Lord God creator of the heaven and the earth, we raise our voices to you because you always answer our prayer. Together in agreement we ask your favor for the people of Congo in praying for peace within this nation. Moved away the sword of destruction in this country, bring peace as well as reconciliation between your sons and daughters. We also pray in favour of abandon children, for the woman violates, the families who are breaking apart, so for the vulnerable person. Defend your people oh God, give peace and calm to this country thus your people will be happy and serve you with joy in peace."

Ways to Pray for "The Congo Project"

SPECIFIC WAYS TO PRAY FOR THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN OF “JEHOVAH JIREH"

1. Pray that Enock (the Rwandan Pastor who Caleb Bislow and Derry Prenkert connected with on their trip) would be able to locate a “home” in the Congo for the ladies and children of “Jehovah Jireh” (JJ) and that all obstacles to doing so would be removed.

2. Pray that the women and children of JJ would literally experience God being their provider now in this great moment of need.

3. Pray that locating a “home” for this abandoned group would happen quickly and that all needed monies to purchase the building would be raised by the time a building (aka “home”) for the women of JJ has been found.

4. Pray that God would send his “Comforter”, the Holy Spirit, to minister to the women of JJ

5. Pray that these abandoned would be surrounded by the angels of God and experience his supernatural physical and spiritual protection against their enemies and the enemies of God.

6. Pray that as they sleep in that dilapidated place they must call “home” for now, that they would sense the presence of God in a supernatural way and would experience his “shalom” peace and his rest.

7. Pray for physical healing for these women as most of them have experienced violent sexual abuse that has left them in need of medical care that they presently aren’t receiving.

8. Pray that the Lord would protect these women and children from further rape or abuse.

9. Pray that God would raise up Christian professionals who can provide aftercare for these women as well as other women in the Congo who have been the victims of sexual abuse and violence.

10. Pray that these abandoned women and children of Jehovah Jireh would not lose heart and would know that help is on the way.

Congo Project Pictures

Here are more pictures of the women of Jehovah Jireh and their current living conditions...



And thanks to Caleb Bislow for his recent link love here and here!

Haley & The Congo Project

Each night before Haley goes to bed we decide on someone to pray for or something to pray about. For a long time, it seemed like we were always praying for someone who was sick or dying. When we finally no longer had anyone to pray for in that category, I decided I wanted to start us focusing on things we are “thankful for” that God has given to us. You know, instead of always asking for something, start saying "thank you" for what we have already been given.

So, tonight as Haley & I got to the point of thanking God for what we are thankful for (and wow, it seemed like the night from “hell” leading up to it), I decided to tell her about the girls and boys of The Congo Project. I started out by saying, “Haley, did you know that there are some boys and girls who don’t have a bed to sleep in at night like you do.”

From there, something unexpected happened. Haley began to recite for me what she knew some boys and girls don’t have that she does have…

Haley - “Yeah dad, and some boys and girls don’t have blankets.”
Me – “You’re right, Haley!”

Haley – “And some don’t have mommies and daddies.”
Me – “Yeah”

Haley - “And bedrooms.”
Me – “Yep”

Pause

Haley – “And Toys.”
Me – Speechless.

(NOTE: Earlier in the day, I had an email conversation with Caleb Bislow about what we would do with any monies given beyond the $10,000 that it would take to buy the building for the ladies and children of The Congo Project. He had mentioned that a first need would probably be beds. That conversation was actually in the back of my mind when I started to talking to Haley about being thankful for having a nice, warm bed to sleep in at night.)

This back and forth conversation with Haley, felt very much like a holy moment. I was in awe of what was coming out of my 3 year-old daughter’s mouth. As the saying goes, "Out of the mouths of babes..."

I couldn't help but think that God had just used Haley to outline the next phase of The Congo Project. So, in the coming days watch for more details to come about Phase II of the Congo Project after Phase I (raising the $10,000 to buy a building they can call “home”) has been completed.

Book An Uppercase Living Party & Help the Congo Project

Anyone who books an Uppercase Living Party with Rachael this summer will have all the commission she makes from their party go towards "The Congo Project". So, not only are you providing something of value to your friends but you're also giving towards a great cause! Also, every person who places an order before July 12, is eligible to receive a 2nd free sticker for each one they purchase! Orders can be placed during a party or individually.

If you are interested in booking a party or ordering stickers, you can email Rachael at rthompson@goshenschools.org.

Want to Know What Haley Thinks About You NOT Giving To "THE CONGO PROJECT"?

The Story of Eastern Congo: "War Against Women"

This video captures the brutality and savagery of what's taking place in eastern Congo. Even though this 60 Minutes report is from 2008, the story of war and widespread rape against women continues today in the eastern DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo).



You can watch the entire 12 minutes of this story here.

Long-Term Potential of "The Congo Project"

("The Congo Project" is a project led by Jason (me) and Rachael (my wife) Thompson to raise $10,000 to buy a building that will serve as a “rescue center” for 15 abandoned women & their 18 children in eastern Congo (DRC). Click here to read more about the project.)

While the need is urgent and very real in eastern Congo, you may be wondering what the long range need for such a building would be. Wondering myself, I did a little asking and a little research and here's what I found out…

The ministry potential of having a building like this is endless. While the ultimate goal is to bring these 15 women to a point of complete restoration so that they can become self-sustaining once again, as Caleb Bislow told me, “As long as there is conflict in the Congo, there will be a need for this building.”

According to one article I read, the prevalence of rape & other sexual violence in eastern Congo is described as the worst in the world! No wonder why Caleb described it as, "simply the ugliest place I have been."

Caleb also told me that there are thousands of more women, like those of “Jehovah Jireh”, who are waiting to be rescued. Thus, this building will have the potential to be used for years
to come as a “safe haven” and “rescue center” for the thousands of abandoned women (and their children) of the DRC.

FYI - You can now join "The Congo Project" Fan Page on Facebook and help spread the word!

See How Rachael's Getting Involved with the "Congo Project"!

Rachael's come up with a creative way to give extra money to the "Congo Project". Read her blog post about it here.

Official Name: "The Congo Project"

We haven't even raised a penny yet and I feel like I've already experienced Ephesians 2:20 first hand... "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."

What would lead me to say this? Watch for an upcoming story that has left Rachael and I speechless!

The official name we are giving to the raising of the approximately $10,000 that will be needed to buy a building for these abandoned women and children in the Congo is... "THE CONGO PROJECT"

Below is the donation form that we will be using for those who want to join us in making financial donations to get this building bought. If you click on it below, you'll be given a larger view of it that you can print out and mail in along with your check or you can send me an email (jasonthompson@nmc1.org) and I can email you a PDF version of the donation form.

Update on Housing Project for Abandoned Women in Congo

Having emailed back and forth with Caleb Bislow a number of times in the last few days, I thought I'd give you an update. Caleb's main contact for this project is going to go to the Congo this week to look at some potential homes for the women. He will be attempting to locate a potential building to purchase and working to nail down an exact price that we can purchase the building for.

I'm also waiting to hear a few other details from Caleb that he is actively seeking answers to before unleashing this venture full steam ahead. Stay tuned to this blog for further updates, as it will serve as "ground zero" on all points of communication as we work to raise the needed $10,000 for these abandoned women in the Congo.

In the above picture... (excerpt from Derry Prenkert's Blog)

3 of these women were raped by rebel armies while going out to collect wood.

3 of these women were abandoned by their husbands and families because they were raped.

1 was raped by 5 men at once.

1 is 6 months pregnant.

2 of these women run a ministry called Jehovah Jireh.

2 of these women are seeking to provide housing, healing and hope to 15 women who are tragic victims of the D.R.C.'s continual conflict.

Let the Adventure Begin! Who Is God Calling to Join Us?

Every night in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), fifteen women and their eighteen children huddle together in a small rented room partially made of tarps. The conflict in their country has forced all of them to homelessness. Most of them have been abandoned by their husbands and their society because they were raped by multiple rebels. As a result of the rape some are pregnant, others have HIV, and all of them carry haunting memories of the past.

This home/church of theirs is called, "Jehovah Jireh". It is run by two visionary women who rent this small room for $30/month. They don’t have beds, the tin roof leaks on them, there is no bathroom, the noise from the mill next door is deafening. It’s as bad as it gets.

Two of my friends and ministry colleagues, Caleb Bislow & Derry Prenkert had the opportunity to witness these conditions and hear the heart-breaking stories of these women first hand, on a trip they recently made to the DRC in April. Upon returning, they shared (here and here) how the experience of meeting these women, seeing their plight and hearing their stories had “wrecked” them to the point that they couldn’t sit by and do “nothing”.

After first hearing the story of the ladies and children of “Jehovah Jireh” in this video (Note: the video states the cost to buy a building is $2,000 but later it was learned the amount would be much higher at $10,000), I was immediately moved and knew too, that doing nothing wasn’t an option. The feeling I had was so intense that it’s one I’ve only had a few times in my life but it’s one that I’ve become familiar with. It’s the feeling of knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God is calling ME. It’s the feeling of knowing that I know, that I know, that I know that I’m being “called”.

Initially, I thought our role would be to give some money and be done with it. However, in hindsight, that was way too easy. Since then, it’s become quite apparent to me (and to Rachael as I shared what the Lord had laid on my heart) that we are to do more than give and be done with it.

Caleb said on his blog, “I am praying that God will put it on the heart of a person, a group, or a church to assist them with a new building.” I believe God has answered that prayer and that Rachael and I are the answers to his prayer. Not because we want it, but because we feel “called” to it. And when you sense God calling you, you have 2 choices: (1) Listen and obey or (2) Blow it off and do nothing, which really is disobedience.

For Rachael and I, there was only one choice. So, we have said “yes” to the Lord’s call and are stepping out, in faith, to see how God wants to use us to be the conduit by which he blesses these women and children. We are trusting God’s promise that, “When God calls, God provides”.

In the coming days, Rachael and I are going to be looking for individuals, couples and/or families that also feel “called” to do something about the plight of these women and children. We aren’t looking for people to join us out of guilt or out of obligation to the relationship they have with us.

In fact, we feel strongly that we don’t want anyone to give even as much as a penny who doesn’t feel the Lord clearly “calling” them to give. We believe that just as the Lord has called us and has “put it on our hearts”, that He will do the same to others as well.

We are committed to raising the needed $10,000 to buy a building for these women and children. We now wait for the Lord to provide. Let the adventure begin!

If you sense God “calling” you to join the cause, please don’t hesitate to email me at jasonthompson@nmc1.org and we’ll get you involved!