Western
Jurisdiction
United Methodist Volunteers
In Mission
Congo Camps
They worked for 3 weeks in makeshift, wood-frame structures covered with little more than sheets of blue plastic.
They treated between 150 and 200 people daily who were suffering from a variety of ailments which included malaria, parasites, inflammatory diseases, and malnutrition.
They came voluntarily, at their own expense, and worked tirelessly.
But when it was over, the trio of Windsor residents - Dr. Robert Bradley, his wife, Marilyn, and local businesswoman Cathy Broida - admitted they would repeat their medical mission to the refugee camps outside Lubumbashi, in the southern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in a heartbeat.
"It was a wonderful experience," Broida said. "You go to give but I felt they gave me a lot more than I gave them. I felt so loved."
The mission was sponsored by the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, the missionary arm of the Methodist church, in conjunction with the local Methodist church in Lubumbashi. The medical team consisted of a five-person team from Colorado and a five-person team from Washington and Idaho.
The mission began May 15 and ended June 6.
The country, formerly the Belgian Congo and Zaire, has been at war with a number of neighboring countries for years. Although some fighting continues in the northern part of the country, refugees flee to the southern part in and around Lubumbashi.
Marilyn Bradley said the province around Lubumbashi is now home to more than 400,000 refugees. Most are in dire need of medical attention.
"There were 11 camps and our expectations were to do what we could," she said. "We knew for that many people we could only do so much. The problems here are huge. But our goal was to show them that somebody cared."
Broida said she's convinced that their goal was achieved.
"When we finally got there and opened the gates to the guest house, there were about a dozen or so of (Congolese from the local Methodist church) in full traditional dress to greet us. The welcomes were so intense," Broida said. "Everywhere we went, we were greeted like that. Even the little kids would sing us songs.
"I felt so full of love and acceptance."
Dr. Robert Bradley said the trip likely would not have occured if it had not been for the local Methodist church which helped clear the way for them.
"We were blessed by being cared for, protected, and welcomed by members of the local Methodist church," he said. "Since the country is still at war, it was the only way we could have worked safely."
"I'll say this, we never felt personally in danger."
While all three have distinct memories of the refugee camp problems, it's the kindness of the people they will remember the most, they say.
"The lasting memory I will have will be of the relationships we made with the Congolese - the interpreters, the nurses, the doctors, the members of the church," Dr. Bradley said. "I'll also remember the singing, dancing, the greetings, and the farewell dinner in our honor."
Before returning home, the medical missionaries left money and supplies so the refugee camp medical work could continue.
Thursday, June 20, 2002, Windsor Beacon