Congo Family Reunited at Last

By WN Staff

David Ramazani, his wife Francisca and 4-year-old daughter Sylvia are together again in Cape Town after almost three years of enforced separation.

After finishing Matric in the Congo, David had planned to study medicine. However, the sudden arrival of a violent war put a stop to his plans, causing him to be separated from Francisca and Sylvia. He fled to Lake Tanganyika where he met up with Michael, also a refugee, and the two have been close friends ever since. From there they ferried across to Tanzania, then on to Malawi, where they managed to catch a bus to Blantyre. It was here that they came into contact with the Worldwide Church of God. The local pastor and members gave them much assistance and encouragement, but they felt that South Africa should be their final destination.

From Blantyre they went by truck to Mozambique, and then to Johannesburg, where David met up with some friends. But there was a compulsion to keep going – to reach the end of the line – the city at the foot of the continent. After arriving here by train, they managed to find accommodation, but have been surviving on casual work and street vending. Remembering the kindness and support of the WCG in Malawi, they contacted Johan and Colleen Kruger who pastor the Tableview Christian Church, and have been attending services regularly for the past six months.

Meanwhile Francisca, who had remained with her family in the Congo was anxious to join David. She and Sylvia got as far as Zimbabwe where they remained in a refugee camp for about two years. David sent money whenever he could, and finally these two boarded a truck and traveled to Johannesburg. After spending two weeks with a friend, mother and daughter traveled by train for the last leg of their long journey. An excited call from David to the Krugers confirmed their safe arrival on Wednesday 21 st July. Sunday 25 th saw the family attending services together for the first time, the smiles never leaving their faces.

. Your prayers for Michael's family to join him in Cape Town, as well as for some regular employment for them both would be much appreciated .

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