Redeeming Love

Ministries

D. R. CONGO

MISSION TRIP Application and Things to do

CHECKLIST

ENCLOSED APPLICATION FORMS INCLUDE:

1. □ Missions Trip Volunteer Opportunity for D.R. Congo

2. □ Volunteer Team Covenant (Bring to Training Session 1)

3. □ Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities (Bring to Training Session 1)

4. □ International Travel Consent Agreement

5. □ General Information forms

6. □ Emergency Medical and Emergency Contact Information

7. □ Cost of Trip Projections

8. □ Timeline of Things to Complete for D.R. Congo Mission Trip

9. □ About D.R. Congo

10. □ Male and Female Travel Packing Checklist

Timeframe of Upcoming Mission Trip

Departing USA: Thursday, July 20, 2017 Departing D. R. Congo: Sunday, July 30, 2017

Redeeming Love Ministries

Return your Completed Application to:

Redeeming Love Ministries

P.O. Box 25088 – Colorado Springs, Colorado – 80933-5088

719-240-8502

MISSIONS TRIP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY For D.R. CONGO

Qualifications and Commitment of Volunteer Team Member: Are you committed to Christ? Yes □ Not Yet □ No □ Are you committed to a Christian life-style? Yes □ Not Yet □ No □ Will you commit to working as a team member? Yes □ Not Yet □ No □ Will you make a commitment of time? Yes □ Not Yet □ No □ Will you commit to completing assigned team duties? Yes □ Not Yet □ No □ Will you maintain a neat and clean appearance, dressing modestly? Yes □ Not Yet □ No □ Will you respect the culture of the people? Yes □ Not Yet □ No □ Will you pray daily for yourself, RLM Team and D.R. Congo? Yes □ Not Yet □ No □ If you did not answer yes to all questions, please explain: __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Redeeming Love Ministries Statement of Faith We believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. (I John 5:7) We believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the only way to salvation. (Romans 10:9-13) We believe that the Bible is the true word of God and that it was inspired by God. (II Timothy 3:16) We believe as a team that it is of utmost importance to be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:2) We depend on God and His power to supply all our needs and the needs of the orphans that we support and we know He works through people to fulfill that supply. Without Him none of our lives would mean anything and the good works that we purpose to accomplish would be for nothing. But because we have God, and we know that He is our Redeemer, our Supplier, our Father, we can go forth and do His will for His children, especially those who are orphaned. As Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do right, seek justice, defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” Do you agree with the RLM’ Statement of Faith? Yes □ Not Yet □ No □ Briefly tell us what you think about the RLM Statement of Faith: __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Redeeming Love Ministries Possible Scenario: You are asked to preach/teach 30 minutes before church service. What is your response? _____

What will you teach? ________________________________________________________________________________

Volunteer Team Covenant

I understand that I am a Guest and Ambassador in the country of the Democratic Republic of Congo representing God our Father and Jesus, Redeeming Love Ministries (RLM) and the United States of America.

Therefore I AGREE TO: ✓ PRAY CONTINUOUSLY being sensitive and aware of Holy Spirit

guiding me to stay in the perfect will of God for myself, my team members, and all others so that everything I say and do will be to the glory of the Father in Christ Jesus.

✓ BE RESPECTFUL of the culture (i.e. wearing appropriate clothing, eating native foods, etc.) and supportive of RLM mission leadership.

✓ BE RESPONSIBLE by being a team player, helpful and willing to do whatever needs to be done to meet our God-given objectives and purpose for this trip.

✓ MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY in all RLM matters. ✓ BE PROFESSIONAL guarding my words, remembering who I

represent even in relaxed settings. ✓ BE PATIENT and FLEXIBLE with all others and considerate of

schedule changes. ✓ BE GRACIOUS by being THANKFUL for all things. ✓ BE LOVING, FRIENDLY and KIND to everyone. God tells us that

without love we are nothing. I Cor. 13:2 ✓ HAVE FAITH IN GOD. Even when it seems like things may not work

out, I WILL TRUST GOD! (Run 1 Copy, Sign your original and the copy. Keep one and return one to RLM with your Application)

Redeeming Love Ministries

My Signature _____________________________________ Date

VOLUNTEER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (For Training Session 1 ) Below is the actual 2015 RLM Missions Trip Schedule. Although the schedule changes from year to year, the 2015 schedule provides a sample of volunteer roles and responsibilities. See the volunteer role listed under the column

“Team Member” “Friends Team.” Please review it carefully. 1) Tell us if you think this is a schedule that you could easily follow.

2) What would be the most difficult part for you? 3) What would be the easiest part for you to do?

Example Congo Trip Schedule Approximately two weeks

DATE ACTIVITY TEAM MEMBER

First week of June

Meet at Julie’s Home Communion and Prayer Begin Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling Leave for Denver 7:30 pm (From Julie’s Home)

Friends Team

First week of June

Depart Denver Colorado Arrive Washington DC

FriendsTeam

First week of June

Depart Washington DC

Friends Team

First week of June

-Arrive Kigali, Rwanda -Taxi to Hotel in Kilgali - Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling -Night at Hotel

Friends Team

Upon arrival, second week of June

- Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling -Leave hotel approximately 7:00am -Bus ride to Congo Border (Kamembe) -Taxi to Missionary Compound (Bukavu) -Friends Team to Rest in Bukavu Compound -Julie to meet with RLM Congo Team

Friends Team

Day 1

- Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling -Youth Conference 8am -10am in Bukavu (Day 1) -Friends to Meet the RLM Congo Team Purpose: Updates/Progress Report from RLM Congo Team/Discuss children/ food distribution/ medical/ school education tuition/ Spiritual progress/What has worked and what has not worked.

Friends Team Julie = Lead RLM Meeting Angique to take notes on RLM form

Day 2

- Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling -Youth Conference 8am -10am in Bukavu (Day 2)

Friends Team

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-Purchase Food and other items to take to Village -Visit Bank

Day 3

- Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling -Meeting with Church Community Leaders in Bukavu (Sharing the Vision of God) -Packing cars to travel -Travel to village of Ludwindja 12 noon -In Village-Prepare for week (for children)

Friends Team

Day 4

- Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling -Meet the children and teachers at elementary school in Ludwindja - 10am Prepare message for Sunday

Friends Team

Day 5

- Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling -8:00 am Preach in church in Ludwindja 5-7pm JESUS Movie at church Invitation to receive Jesus and Follow-up Prayer

Friends Team

Day 6

- Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling -6am Share message at church service -11am- 2pm Vacation Bible School (VBS)- Day 1

Friends Team

Day 7

- Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling -11am-2 pm Vacation Bible School (VBS)- Day 2 -Home Visits

Friends Team

Day 8

- Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling -11am-2 pm Vacation Bible School (VBS)- Day 3 -Meeting with Church and School Leaders in Ludwindja (Sharing the Vision of God) -Home Visits

Friends Team

Day 9

- Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling -Distribution of Food and Gifts at school for parents, children, teachers, and community

Friends Team

Day 10

- Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling -Leave for Bukavu 10am -Return to Missionary Compound

Friends Team

Day 11

- Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling -Visits in City -Meet with RLM Board

Friends Team

Day 12

- Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling -Attend 8am Church Service in Bukava - Travel to Kilgali (Bus or plane) 12 noon -Stay at Hotel in Kilgali

Friends Team

Day 13 -Prayer and Daily Devotion-Jesus Calling Leave Kilgali on Ethiopean Airlines at 4:15pm

Friends Team

Mid June Arrive Washington DC 8:10am Leave Washington DC 12:30pm Arrive Denver 2:28pm

Friends Team

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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CONSENT AGREEMENT

THIS DOCUMENT MUST BE READ AND SIGNED BY THE PARTICIPANT IN ANY PROJECT APPROVED FOR OVERSEAS TRAVEL AND PARTICIPANT’S SPOUSE, IF SPOUSE WILL ACCOMPANY PARTICIPANT FOR ANY PART OF THE PROGRAM. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS DOCUMENT IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY. BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, I AM AGREEIG TO RELEASE REDEEMNG LOVE MINISTRIES AND THEIR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS FROM LIABILITY. I HAVE THEREFORE BEEN ADVISED TO READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING IT.

I. RELEASE OF LIABILITY

I understand that participating in overseas programs in cooperation with Redeeming Love Ministries is a privilege. In consideration for that privilege, I am signing this Release of Liability form on behalf of myself *and my child or dependent(s) as participants in the program.* I understand and acknowledge that there are certain risks and dangers associated with international programs and travel, including, by way of example, airplane and vehicle accidents, hijacking, kidnapping, piracy, terrorism, criminal activities, radioactive or other hazardous materials, illness, inadequate medical care and death. In addition, I understand that there may be other risks involved of which I may not be presently aware. By signing this International Travel Consent Agreement, I *expressly assume, for myself and my child or dependent(s) accompanying me,* these risks, whether such risks are known or unknown at this time. I further release Redeeming Love Ministries and their officers, directors, employees and agents from any claim that I or my child or dependent(s) may have against them as a result of physical injury incurred during our participation in the overseas programs and travel related thereto. This Release of Liability shall include (without limitation) any claims that I or my child or dependent(s) may have against Redeeming Love Ministries or their officers, directors, employees, and agents for their negligent acts or omissions. This Release of Liability is also intended to cover all claims that members of my family or my estate, heirs, representatives or assigns may have against Redeeming Love Ministries or their officers, directors, employees, or agents.

II. Certificate of Health Insurance and Medical Release I understand that preventive medical treatments (such as vaccinations) and medicines may be necessary for traveling and residing in some foreign countries. I agree that it is my personal responsibility to (i) seek advice from my physician to determine what, if any, treatments and medicines are recommended, (ii) procure them, and (iii) use them at my own risk.

Redeeming Love Ministries

I hereby certify that, if I and/or my child or dependent(s) accompanying me are not covered by health insurance provided by Redeeming Love Ministries, I/we are covered by a personal or group insurance plan, the policy name and number of which I have listed in this document, for hospitalization and medical expenses during our stay abroad. I attest that I am not, or my child or dependent(s) is not, currently being treated for any injury, condition, or disability and have no past injuries/conditions that may put me or my child or dependent at risk of further injury by the work to be performed. In case I or my child or dependent(s) accompanying me is in need of any necessary medical treatment to protect my/his/her health and welfare during my/his/her stay abroad, and if there is no family member available to consent to the administering of medical treatment, I further authorize any authorized agent or employee of Redeeming Love Ministries to consent to the administering of any necessary medical and/or surgical treatment to protect my/his/her health and welfare.

III. VOLUNTEER RELEASE I understand and agree that the services to be performed by myself or by my child or dependent(s), for whom I am legally responsible are for charitable service outside the control of Redeeming Love Ministries and I am not, or my child or dependent is not, an employee of Redeeming Love Ministries. *This Release Agreement in entirety shall be effective and binding upon Redeeming Love Ministries and me, members of my family, my estate, heirs, representatives, and assigns. I have read these Releases and fully understand their terms. I affirm that I am over 21 years of age and sign the releases voluntarily.* _____________________________________ _____________ _______________________ ___________ Participant’s Signature Date Participant’s Name Date of Birth (Please Print) _____________________________________________________ ___________________________________ Name of Health/Medical Insurance Co. Policy/Group Number and I.D. Number _____________________________________ _____________ _______________________ ___________ Spouse’s Signature Date Spouse’s Name Date of Birth (Please Print) _____________________________________________________ ___________________________________ (If different) Health/Medical Insurance Co. Policy/Group Number and I.D. Number Name of Dependent Children Traveling With Us: _________________________________________________

Consent to Participation of Minor: By my signature below, I understand and agree to the provisions set forth in this INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CONSENT AGREEMENT and hereby authorize the participation of my child or dependent participating in the overseas program. ___________________________________ ___________ __________________________________________

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Signature of Parent or Guardian Date Parent/Guardian Name (Please Print) _______________________________________________ _________________________________________ Dependent Child’s Health/Medical Insurance Co. Policy Name/Group Number and I.D. Number

GENERAL INFORMATION Name (as stated on passport): __________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

City/State: ____________________________________________________ Zip Code: ______________

Phone: Cell _______________________ Home ___________________ Work _____________________ Fax _______________________ Email Address: _____________________________________________

Employer: ______________________________________________________________________________

Occupation: ____________________________________________________________________________

Date of Birth: _______________ Place of Birth: ____________________________________________ Country of Citizenship, if not USA _______________________________________________________

Passport Number: ____________________________ Country of Issue: _________________________

Passport Expiration Date: ________________ Visa Expiration Date (if applicable): ____________

Nearest Municipal or International Airports to your home: _______________________________

□ I plan on using miles, do not book a ticket for me!

Church Affiliation: _____________________________ City/State: _____________________________

Pastor: _______________________ Phone #: ____________ Email: ______________________________

We would like to learn more about you. Please answer the following questions.

1) Did you make a commitment to follow Christ? YES □ NO □ If yes, when: ________________________________________

2) Tell us about your faith and your current relationship with Christ. ___________________________________________________________________________________

Redeeming Love Ministries

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________

3) Why do you want to be a part of this mission team? ________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

4) What will you contribute as a member of the mission team? _________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

5) What is your greatest strength? ____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

6) What is your greatest weakness? ___________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

References Please provide the names and contact information of two references:

Name Profession Telephone Number

Email Address

1)

2)

Ministry

Please list any foreign languages you speak fluently: ______________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

Have you traveled internationally? YES □ NO □ If yes, please fill out the following information:

When: ______________________________ Where: __________________________________________________________

Purpose (Business/ Mission/Personal): ___________________________________________________

Do you have specific skills or experience? Please check whatever applies:

Redeeming Love Ministries

□ Construction □ Medical □ Elder Care □ Children □ Youth

□ Evangelism □ Teaching □ Preaching □ Administration □ Music

□ Bible Studies □ Business

□ Other: ___________________________________________________________________

I have read and understand the above information. My signature indicates that the

provided information is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.

By signing this General Information form I make a commitment, if accepted, to serve the team and the objectives of this mission’s trip, and:

1) I understand that the process for acceptance includes a personal interview by phone with the mission team leader or someone from RLM and is dependent on references, good health and timely receipt of the required forms.

2) To make myself available for all training sessions. 3) To prepare myself spiritually.

4) To be responsible to raise all of the required funds and pay my expenses on the mission trip.

5) To conduct myself in a manner that will honor God, RLM and the USA.

Signature: __________________________________________________________________________

Date: ____________________________________

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EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION

Name: _________________________________________________________________________________

Date of Birth: ________________ Place of Birth: ___________________________________________

Street Address: _________________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________ State: _________________ Zip Code: ______________

Country: _______________________________

Phone: Cell _____________________ Home ______________________ Work _____________________

Do you have any medical problems we need to be aware of that could be an issue on the

trip? YES □ NO □

If you answered YES, please describe in detail your current illnesses/conditions: _________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Current Medications: ____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Family Doctor Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone Number: _________________________Emergency #: _______________________________

Blood Type/RH Factor: ____________________ Date of last physical exam: ___________________

Allergies Please describe specific allergies you have:

Food: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Insects: _________________________________________________________________________________

Medicine: _______________________________________________________________________________

Environmental Factors: _________________________________________________________________

Other: __________________________________________________________________________________

Health Insurance: For Health Insurance information see the International Travel Consent

Agreement.

I affirm that all information given on this Emergency Medical Information form is accurate and true. No information has been withheld concerning my medical history.

Redeeming Love Ministries

_____________________________________________________________ ____________________ Signature Date

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

For

Print on the line the name/s of the person/s for whom the emergency contact information is for

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, PLEASE NOTIFY: (Please Print)

1) _______________________________________________________________ Name/ Relationship Address __________________________________ Home Phone ( ) ________________________ __________________________________ Work Phone ( ) ________________________ Cell Phone ( ) ________________________

2) _______________________________________________________________ Name/ Relationship Address __________________________________ Home Phone ( ) ________________________

__________________________________ Work Phone ( ) ________________________ Cell Phone ( ) ________________________

3) _______________________________________________________________ Name/ Relationship Address __________________________________ Home Phone ( ) ________________________

__________________________________ Work Phone ( ) ________________________ Cell Phone ( ) ________________________

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COST OF TRIP PROJECTIONS

The information provided in our Cost of Trip Projections are estimates (which may

be higher or lower) due to changing fares for air travel, ground transportation, food costs, how much you choose to give charitably, etc.*

ACTIVITY

PROJECTED COST*

AIRFARE

$2,300

HOTELS

$400

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

$ 300

FOOD

$300

VISA/FEES

$274

TRAVEL INSURANCE

$ 400

MISCELLANEOUS FEES

(i.e. Letter of Invitation, departure fees, etc,)

$ 120

CHARITABLE GIVING

$300

TOTAL

$4,394

INCLUDED: Economy Airfare, accommodations, meals/water, transportation, travel insurance (if possible), visa. NOT INCLUDED: Travel to departing airport, tips, and spending money, immunization & malaria medication, passport.

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TIME LINE

OF THINGS TO COMPLETE

FOR D.R. CONGO MISSION TRIP

DEADLINE FOR COMPLETION

ITINERARY □ Receive Itinerary of travel and activities for Congo from RLM

Early February

Application Must Include the following forms and fee for Letter of Invitation:

□ Missions Trip Volunteer Opportunity for D.R. Congo

□ Volunteer Team Covenant (2 signed copies-return one & keep one copy)

□ International Travel Consent Agreement

□ General Information

□ Emergency Medical Information

□ Emergency Contact Information

□ Include twenty dollar ($20.) fee for Letter of Invitation

Mid February

Passport □ You can apply on-line at:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/where-to-

apply.html □ Assure your passport is for international travel and current

□ Unless expedited, it takes 4 to 6 weeks.

□ (Take a clear copy of 3 pictures of your passport – keep 2 for self in different

locations of your travel items and 1 for mission team leader)

Late February

AIRFARE □ Best fare for economy seats on international flight through a travel agent

□ Travel Insurance may be offered for purchase

Early March

Letter of Invitation □ RLM to provide letter prior to visa application

Late March

Medical □ Medically fit and doctor approved for international travel

□ Yellow Fever Vaccine Documentation (Important: Keep Copies of

International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever) □ Malaria Prevention Documentation

□ Immunizations up-to-date

Late March

VISA □ Apply online or print application at: https://ambardcusa.org/consular-

services/#visas

□Mail 1 copy of International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever with visa

application

□Mail 1 copy of Letter of Invitation with visa application

□ Cost for visa = $175 Embassy fee + $99 service fee = $274

□ Mail Original passport and two standard passport 2 X2 photos white background

□ Copy of flight itinerary with your name showing

Early April- Mid

May

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Departure June

ABOUT D. R. CONGO

Democratic Republic of Congo History, Language and Culture History of Democratic Republic of Congo

The Belgian Congo was created in 1885, essentially as the personal property of the

Belgian monarch, King Leopold II. He provided only the minimum infrastructure necessary to support the extraction of the country's vast mineral wealth and killed an

estimated 10 million Congolese, setting a pattern which has dominated this troubled

country ever since.

By the end of WWII, the Belgian Congo had become one of the many African colonies

whose occupiers were concerned simply to dispose of with minimum fuss and maximum

commercial advantage.

The Belgian Congo was duly granted independence, with little preparation, in 1960. With

the support of the Americans and Belgians – and through the exploitation of the

country's myriad factional, tribal and regional disputes – the new government, headed by the visionary Patrice Lumumba, was deposed after just six months in an army coup

led by Colonel Joseph Mobutu. Lumumba was executed.

Four years later, Mobutu took over as head of state and established the regime, which

ruled Zaire, as the country was renamed, for the next three decades.

In the 30 years up to his demise, Mobutu Sese Seko (his adopted title) reduced the

country to the point where it barely functioned as a nation state. The military campaign that finally brought down the Mobutu regime was triggered by the genocide in

neighbouring Rwanda.

The genocide had been brought to an end by the intervention of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), a Tutsi-led force based in Uganda. The Hutu genocide perpetrators had

mostly fled into north eastern Zaire. The RPF pursued them, but their incursion took on a different aspect and a momentum of its own as other groups, including many long-

term exiled opponents of Mobutu, coalesced around the RPF.

Laurent Kabila was adopted as leader of this newly-formed anti-Mobutu coalition. By the

autumn of 1996, the Alliance des Forces Démocratiques pour la Liberation du Congo-

Zaire (AFDL) had completed their takeover.

Once in power, however, Kabila proved incapable of ruling the country, which was

renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo. Years of bloody civil war followed and

culminated in the assassination of Kabila by one of his bodyguards in 2001.

He was succeeded by his son Joseph, who won disputed UN-guided general elections in

2006 and 2011. During Joseph Kabila’s tenure, episodes of extreme rebel-led violence

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have continued to erupt sporadically in various regions, while Kabila’s own human rights

record has grown increasingly dubious.

LANGUAGES OF THE D. R. CONGO

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a multilingual country where an estimated total of 242 languages are spoken. Ethnologue lists 215 living languages.[1] The official

language, inherited from the colonial period, is French. Four indigenous languages have

the status of national language: Kituba (called "Kikongo"), Lingala, Swahili and Tshiluba.

When the country was a Belgian colony, it had already instituted teaching and use of the four national languages in primary schools, making it one of the few African nations to

have had literacy in local languages during the European colonial period. During the colonial period both Dutch and French were the official languages but French was by far

the most important.

CULTURE

Nearly two-thirds of the population live in villages in rural areas scattered around the country. Most of these villages rely on subsistence farming to grow food for their families

and to sell crops for cash. There are also still indigenous groups such as the Mbuti and Efe groups that live a nomadic lifestyle in forests. These groups survive by fishing,

hunting wild animals, gathering fruits, plants and fungi and trading with local farmers. The farmland that is cultivated produces various crops like sweet potatoes, plantains,

pumpkins, yams, maize, rice, tomatoes, cassava, taro and wide varieties of peas and nuts. It is common for Congolese meals to consist of a starchy ingredient with

vegetables and meat in the form of a stew. The starch is usually a mash made of cassava or corn flour called fufu or ugali. The starchy mash is usually rolled into balls

and dipped into the spicy stew. A type of fermented bread called kwanga which is made from cassava, is commercially produced throughout the country. The most common

vegetables are green vegetables such as cassava leaves which is similar to spinach or

mushrooms. Many meals are vegetarian due to the high price of meat rather than beliefs or preference and goat is the most commonly consumed meat. Fish are plentiful along

the Congo River and various lakes; the fish are baked, boiled, smoked or fried and often sold in markets ready-to-eat baked in banana leaves. Edible insects such as

grasshoppers are eaten as part of the culture.

LOCATION

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as DR Congo, DRC, DROC, East

Congo, Congo-Kinshasa, or simply the Congo is a country located in Central

Africa. Wikipedia

Capital: Kinshasa Population: 67.51 million (2013) World Bank

Currency: Congolese franc President: Joseph Kabila

Prime minister: Augustin Matata Ponyo

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Did you know?

• Although it’s one of the world’s poorest countries, the DRC boasts a space program. • Kinshasa and Brazzaville, just on the other side of the Congo River in the neighbouring

Republic of Congo, are the closest capital cities in the world.

• The DRC covers a land area larger than the combined territories of Spain, France,

Germany, Sweden, and Norway.

Religion:

In general, the Congolese are considered to be a fairly religious nation. On the eastern

side of the country slave routes from Arab trade spread Islam which has resulted in significant Muslim populations and many mosques. The Catholic Church remains strong

today because of the arrival of Portuguese missionaries in the region many centuries ago. Almost half the population are Roman Catholics. Other Christian denominations

have been increasing in population such as the local Kimbanguist Church which now has around 6 million followers. The Baptist-based church was founded by a Congolese

preacher called Simon Kimbangu in the 1920s. His preaching was based on pacifism and the equality of races and still provides inspiration for millions of his followers today.

Many Congolese combine Christianity with traditional animist practices which include

beliefs in the ancestral spirits. Beliefs in witchcraft and ‘evil spirits’ are still prevalent and children are believed to have close connections with the spirit world; this can sometimes

lead them to be accused of sorcery and to be cast out of families.

Roman Catholic 50%, Islam 10%, Protestant 20%, indigenous beliefs 10% and

Kimbanguist 10%.

Photography: A permit is required. Even then, local authorities are likely to be

sensitive. Avoid official areas, airports and riverbanks.

4/12

Congo weather and climate

The climate across the Congo is basically the same wherever you go, hot and humid, with only slight differences between

the northern and southern regions of the country. From October to May the south of the Congo gets a bit less rain than

the north, and it tends to have a shorter dry period in the middle of the year. Generally, there are four seasons, which are

alternating dry and rainy:

• a short dry season from January to February

• a short rainy season from March to Apr

• a long dry season from May to September

• a long rainy season from October to December

The climate in Congo’s central areas, where Odzala National Park is located, feature a remarkably pronounced dry

season from June/July to August. These are also the coolest months with average temperatures of about 22.5°C. The

highest temperatures (up to 31°C) are reached in March and April and the most rainfall can usually be expected in

October.

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hus we regard the best time to visit the Congo as when it’s most likely to be dry: June, July or August, or possibly January

or February.

Passports:

To enter Congo, a passport valid for at least six months is required by all nationals

referred to in the chart above.

Visas:

A visa is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above to enter Congo.

A yellow fever certificate, onward ticket, sufficient funds and letter of invitation are

required.

Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa

requirements for Congo.

Democratic Republic of Congo Health Care and Vaccinations

Title Special precautions

Diphtheria Yes

Hepatitis A Yes

Malaria Yes

Rabies Sometimes

Tetanus Yes

Typhoid Yes

Yellow Fever Yes*

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travellers over one

year of age.

Government expenditure on health is low and the quality of hospitals is poor. It is advisable to take specific personal medicines as well as supplies such as syringes and drip needles, as medical facilities are available only in larger centres. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment in full for health services. Health insurance is essential and it is advisable to include cover for emergency air evacuation.

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Food and drink:

All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is

unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat

well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks:

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Hepatitis B and E are present and meningococcal meningitis may occur. There is a very

high risk of diarrhoeal diseases, the dysenteries and various parasitic worm infections. Ebola outbreaks have occurred. Avoid tick bites which spread African tick typhus. Wear

shoes to avoid soil-borne parasites. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination

before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Money & duty free for Democratic Republic of Congo

Exchange rates:

Franc Congolais C$1 = CDF871.84

€1 = CDF1216.25 £1 = CDF1448.6

US$1 = CDF1169.5

Currency & Money

Currency information:

Franc Congolais (CDF) = 100 centimes. Owing to the precarious nature of the economy,

the denominations of the currency are subject to rapid change.

Credit cards:

The use of MasterCard and Visa is limited to Kinshasa's major hotels. Credit cards

cannot be used to obtain cash advances at banks.

Travellers cheques:

Not recommended. Commission fees are very high, and traveller's cheques are not

accepted outside Kinshasa.

Banking hours:

Redeeming Love Ministries

Mon-Fri 0800-1130.

Currency restriction:

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is

limited to US$10,000 and the export of foreign currency is unlimited.

Travel to Democratic Republic of Congo Flying to Democratic Republic of Congo

Airlines serving the Democratic Republic of Congo include Brussels Airlines

(www.brusselsairlines.com), Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com), Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com), Royal Air Maroc (www.royalairmaroc.com), South

African Airways (www.flysaa.com) and Turkish Airlines (www.turkishairlines.com).

Flight times:

From London - 12 hours (including stopover); New York - 19 hours (including stopover).

Departure tax:

US$50.

FCO Travel Advice for Travel to DRC

• The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to eastern and north eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

• The only exception to this is the town of Bukavu, to which the FCO advise against all but essential travel, and to avoid travelling around alone and at night.

We have received reports of unrest in Lubumbashi. Keep a low profile

Redeeming Love Ministries

Trainings

Application Review Date (Prior to Training 1): ________________

Date of Training 1: __________________________

Training 1 Topics: (Prayer to have the team God selects)

1) Volunteer Team Covenant 2) Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities

3) Review Itinerary 4) Questions and Answers

Date of Training 2: __________________________

Training 2 Topics:

(Prayer to stay in God’s perfect will) 1) Our specific responsibilities from the Itinerary

2) Travel Information-Things to Know about D.R. Congo (packing, weather, culture, meals, etc.)

3) Questions and Answers