|
A Message from the Smiths
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
— Isaiah 43:19
Thanks to your participation, we have made significant strides on the ground. Together we have successfully accomplished the following:
The Cibanda-Lwako camp in Kalehe Territory, South Kivu, shelters 130 children orphaned by the flooding and landslides that struck the region. Three initiatives launched this reporting period aim to build food self-sufficiency, psychosocial recovery, and sustainable income for the children.
Pig Farming
● Construction of the pigsty and a recycled-metal-sheet security fence is complete, built on the recommendation of Danny Magadju's wife and a veterinarian friend to keep outside visitors from the animals.
● A small delegation of children, accompanied by their teacher and the Camp Secretary, visited the piglets; limited pigsty capacity restricted the group size, but the visit strengthened the children's sense of ownership.
Fish Farming – Cidorho Pond
● The fish pond, located roughly 900 meters from camp in the Cidorho Valley, is 100% complete and watertight — vegetation cleared, excavation and compaction finished, leak-tested, and the main water canal opened.
● A small nursery pond for fingerlings has also been built. Stocking is planned as soon as funds are available for fingerlings and feed.
Education Launch
● Classes in Kihavu, Kiswahili, French, and English officially began July 1, 2026, with all 130 children enrolled.
● Children gather first at the “Space of Joy” playground before moving to office space loaned by local authorities two days per week.
● The teacher, a choir member at Bethele Church, used an oral teaching approach well suited to the children's circumstances; enthusiasm was high from day one.
● Remaining needs: a permanent classroom, paper and basic school supplies, and a means (MP3 player, small computer, or USB/SD storage) to play recorded Kihavu-language Bible lessons on the life of Jesus.
● Urgent proposal on the table: a simple wooden classroom, 15m x 8m with a corrugated metal roof, as an affordable, weatherproof solution.
Your partnership strengthens our ministry and brings hope to our orphaned children during their greatest time of need.
Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement, and your steadfast support of Richard & Kathy and the entire BESI / Radio Kahuzi family.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Until we see Him Face to Face in the Heavenlies,
Keep Looking UP!
Harold D. Smith, and our
BESI Board of Directors
| 
