A cry from the Congo rings through the air, who will hear it. Thassende Lulonga, president of Vision for African nationals, hopes the churches and people of America will respond to the plea from the Congolese held captive in refugee camps in Tanzania. Vision for African Nationals is a non-profit organization that focuses on relief for these Christian Congo refugees. Lulonga and over 500 American students travel cross country to raise funds for a 65 foot receptacle containing much needed books, clothes, food, medicine and water. The 65 foot container will cost $3000-$3500 for customs and shipping charges.
Even though Lulonga is in this country and has been able to send smaller 6 foot containers it has not been enough. He has a closet of supplies that is slowly growing. He has talked to churches and schools and sent letters to senators and the president, though a reply has not come yet. Sadly, Lulonga says “people would rather turn their heads and forget about the problem. I pray every day and night for my people. I hope I will be able to find a way to supply them with these basic necessities.”
Lulonga’s ultimate goal is to bring his family here to the US. He has visited them only once because a round trip ticket costs about the same as the 65 foot package. Through sponsorship Lulonga’s family can come to America sooner. While they remain in the Congo, his family relies on God. Their faith in God keeps them strong and keeps hope alive. Although Lulonga is in America he is not far removed from the carnage. The Red Cross delivered a note informing him that seven of his brothers had been killed. He keeps graphic pictures of the atrocities like piles of bodies thrown into a pit covered with a large tarp, bodies slain and left to decay in the sun and refugees surviving without vital organs as reminders of the daily scenes in the camps.
The soldiers cover up the shootings by censoring any information that is released. “Therefore not many Christians in the US are aware of what is going on. The truth is, is that people are being killed every day.” According to Lulonga the camps are not suitable for many occupants. At least 100,000 Congolese are housed in camps in the Western Region of Kigoma with more than 500 refugees arriving daily. This service over population makes survival a daily challenge.
There is a new site for the refugees in Karago, 40 miles south of Kigoma near Lake Tanganyika but during the rainy season the region becomes a lake, making access virtually impossible. Building a bridge is a must says Jean-Francois Durieux of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It has 3.4 million dollars left which will assist the 750,000 refugees for two more weeks.
Vision for African Nationals wants “to give a voice to the voiceless.” Lulonga realizes that many people tune out this news and turn the channel when they see commercials for sponsoring a child. “It’s easy to do that, when it’s not your family.” Lulonga will continue his crusade to help his family and people. He prays that others will contribute to the cause in any way they can. All contributions and donations are tax deductible and can be sent to: PO Box 1523, Dayton OH 45401.
