The son of ICDI staff member Albert Yahimi was recently shot to death by Séléka troops in the Central African Republic.

(April 26, 2013 - by Ralph Kurtenbach and Harold Goerzen) His radio station is still off the air with plans delayed for his return to help the Central African Republic staff get it up and running. Could the news get any worse for Jim Hocking of Integrated Community Development International?

In fact, it could. On Tuesday, April 23, Hocking's son, Jay, learned via telephone of the death of the son of Albert Yahimi, an ICDI well driller in the town of Bocaranga, a city in the northwestern part of the country.

"We've now had two staff members lose their sons-both shot by Séléka troops-as well as the young nephew of a staff member who became ill and died, most likely due to the fact that the hospitals were closed," said Jay, who serves as communications director for ICDI.
 
Hocking, the agency's executive director, founded the faith-based organization in the African country, a nation the size of France, where he grew up as a son of evangelical missionaries. Independent since 1960, CAR has struggled through a series of civil and military governments. Late last month a coup by Séléka rebels unseated President François Bozizé and placed Michel Djotodia in leadership. He has promised to hold elections in 18 months.

"We [normally] broadcast the gospel in four languages," said Hocking, referring to the country's official languages of French and Sango along with Fulbe and Bayaka. Contrasting the continued off-air status with what influence Radio ICDI could be having, he said, "We can't have any impact without the radio station." Restoring the signal, however, "would add a sense of stability in the country that is in turmoil and help people know things are going a bit better."
 
Engineers from the HCJB Global Technology Center in Elkhart, Ind., have helped Hocking assemble the necessary equipment such as a mixing board, cassette and compact disk decks, three computers and software. Hocking, optimistic about local workers' abilities to help him put the low-power shortwave station back on the air, said, "Our guys have done it before, and I'm confident they can put it together."

Séléka troops continue to cause havoc in the Central African Republic (AFP photo).

As Séléka troops moved on the capital, Bangui, staff at Radio ICDI attempted to safeguard the broadcast equipment ahead of the advance, but wound up losing equipment anyway. In the ensuing weeks, the Central Africans have endured a host of challenges, including two deaths directly related to the fighting and aftermath, and four families' homes and offices being looted and agency vehicle thefts, causing $300,000 in losses. So far donors have given about $100,000 beyond their normal giving to help restore the outreach.

Hocking is kept abreast of events from Warsaw, Ind., where he and his wife, Faye, have lived since 2002 after spending more than 15 years as a family in CAR. "It's been very hard to hear from my friends who are struggling through this and have fear in their voices when things aren't going well," Hocking said. "They want me to come when the time is right."

Edmond Yakanenzi, who coordinated ICDI's orphan program for six years, died of tuberculosis on April 15. He was unable to get the full scope of medical care due to the rebel uprising. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.

Plans had been in place for him to rendezvous with ICDI's Rich Klopp, based in France, for an April 23 trip to Bangui with equipment needed to get Radio ICDI back on the air. Now delayed by a week, the trip is "contingent on things settling down," Hocking said.

Whether or not they go will hinge on the arrival of 1,500 to 2,000 troops from a multinational peacekeeping force from CAR's neighbors. "If the African security forces arrive we'll be OK," he explained.

The term "OK" is relative as hostage taking has entered the post-coup scenario in CAR. Conscious of risks he may confront, Hocking balances the concerns with his desire to join workers.

"The national staff members have been risking their lives in many ways," he said. "The least I can do is encourage them and hear their stories and be a part of what they are going through. We want to show solidarity so the national staff won't bear all the risk."

ICDI's personnel at Bangui, Berberati and other locations haven't endured any kidnappings yet, but Hocking describes staffing levels as minimal. "We just have enough people onsite to maintain a presence," he said. Twenty-five to 30 percent of staff members have fled their homes, living in lean-tos or shacks out in the bush where Séléka troops won't find them.

A vehicle with a "camouflage" paint job by Séléka troops was returned to ICDI, but it wasn't in running condition.

"None of our staff has moved to another country," he continued. "But more than 50,000 refugees have left CAR." He urged Christ-followers to pray for his team to persevere amid the difficulties.

"Pray for protection for their families and for the government of CAR to establish a base of operations and to be a functioning government," he implored. "It's hard. It's a country I love and grew up in. The Lord is getting us through, and we must seek His face."

In other developments, one of the six vehicles stolen from ICDI has been retrieved, but it no longer runs. Three other vehicles haven't been seen; two others are back at the ICDI compound, but under the control of the new government. "The Séléka won't let us use them. They have the keys," Hocking said.
 
"I really want to thank everyone for their prayers," he added. "We do see the results and we see our staff continuing to be sustained through difficult times. I hope people see the value of that."

Source: HCJB Global