Missionaries

Butoto & Adria (Hinrichs) Mahinduzi

Butoto & Adria (Hinrichs) Mahinduzi

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Jambo! Thank you for being interested in partnering with me as I serve in beautiful Democratic Republic of the Congo! I serve children and families affected by disability in Beni, North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I work alongside friends and colleagues in Congo Initiative, a Congolese founded and run organization that’s motto is “etre transformé pour transformer”, or “being transformed to transform”. Congo Initiative (CI) develops transformational leaders within the context of a transformational, intentionally international community, through education (a Christian university + two primary schools), renewing Christian vocation (church renewal + a justice initiative), holistic family development (women’s empowerment programs + a counseling center), and governance and economic development (entrepreneurial business programs + land conflict resolution).

I work in the two primary schools, which benefit different populations, and in the counseling center, training teachers, parents, caregivers, counselors and community members how to better equip + encourage children with disabilities and their families.

DRC spans across central Africa, bordering East African countries and reaching all the way to the Atlantic Ocean on the western side of the continent. It has majestic, glacier-capped peaks that rise above tropical rainforests, is rich in minerals and gemstones, and is dotted with lakes and rivers that make it so fertile and green. In all of Congo’s natural beauty and potential there is much suffering and turmoil, due to Congo’s complex history of colonialism and dictatorship, turbulent socio-political climate, ongoing civil wars and conflicts, and now the Ebola Virus and Covid-19. Congo’s greatest strength is in its people, who have audacious hope, faith and courage that calls to life a vivacious culture full of color, laughter, music and dance. In Eastern DRC we speak a mix of Swahili and French, and the staple foods are beans, cooked bananas, cabbage, green leafy vegetables and tropical fruit. Karibu! Welcome!

I grew up in Southern California and have lived in Kenya and in Jinja, Uganda since 2017, where I was also serving families and children with special needs. Thank you for joining me on this winding journey in meaningful friendship, faithful prayer, and your generous financial contributions. I consider it a privilege and a responsibility to do life in this place, with these people, alongside all of you. I’m blessed to say, “tuko pamoja”, or, “we are together”. Thank you!

 

Prayer Requests:

  • Humility, wisdom and initiative as I learn a new culture, speak a learned language and become accustomed to life in Eastern DR Congo.
  • For God’s peace to reign and His unity and reconciliation to come in this country.
  • For the children, parents, caregivers, teachers, counselors and community members I serve, that Jesus’ presence would fill their hearts with joy and strength.

Stay in Touch:
Email1adria.hinrichs@gmail.com