Tithing Cell Phone and Computer Use for the Congo

the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the source of much of the mineral, coltan, which is essential for the production of many of the electronic items that have become so numerous these days, such as cell phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and a long list of others. Illegal mining of coltan by invading militia is one of the many factors involved in the fighting in eastern Congo that still goes on. As a gesture to do something in response to these thoughts Prof. Lowery said that he and his wife had decided to tithe their cell phone and computer use. When the bill for cell phones and internet access arrives they write a check for one tenth of the charges, and send it to the DOM to be placed in an account for the construction of the Bolenge Hospital.

At the recent assembly of the Illinois-Wisconsin region the speaker for Bible study Saturday morning was Dr. Richard Lowery, the interim dean of the Lexington Theological Seminary.  He preceded the Bible study with some remarks about his recent trip to Congo as part of the delegation from Indiana.  As most visitors to Congo these days, he was impressed with the joyous and generous welcome by the Disciple Church, the enthusiasm of their worship services, and the dedicated and competent leadership now guiding the church there.  He referred to the opportunity to be present for the laying of the cornerstone of the first pavilion of the new Bolenge hospital, at which time his wife, Sharon Watkins, US Disciple GMP, spoke.  The great need of the Congo church in many areas was obvious.

He also pointed out that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the source of much of the mineral, coltan, which is essential for the production of many of the electronic items that have become so numerous these days, such as cell phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and a long list of others.   Illegal mining of coltan by invading militia is one of the many factors involved in the fighting in eastern Congo that still goes on.  As a gesture to do something in response to these thoughts Prof. Lowery said that he and his wife had decided to tithe their cell phone and computer use.  When the bill for cell phones and internet access arrives they write a check for one tenth of the charges, and send it to DOM/Global Ministries to be placed in an account for the construction of the Bolenge Hospital.

This idea deserves wider dissemination.  I would suggest that readers of this consider following the same practice, and also  share this idea with the congregation where you worship.  Though these monthly checks would be small, the total result could be significant.

Gene Johnson
Galesburg, Illinois