Lyn Lusi will be the recipient of US$1 million when she receives her award at a ceremony on 2 November. Lyn is an inspiring leader. We had the privilege of interviewing Lyn during the production of Love in Action – HEAL Africa.

Read more about this exciting prize, and Lyn Lusi here.

Ginny Stein shooting for ABC in Goma, DR Congo

During our trip to Goma, DR Congo we travelled with multi-award winning ABC journalist Ginny Stein. Last night the ABC broadcasted Ginny’s story about the results of a rape trial in Fizi, DR Congo, where more than 50 women were raped and villages were pillaged. Colonel Kibibi and 8 other Congolese soldiers were sentenced to fines and to serve time in jail. Justice was served during this historic trial where the most senior military figure to date was held accountable for his actions.

Let’s hope and pray that this may send a clear signal to the people of Congo that people will no longer be able to get away with these kinds of barbaric actions. During our time in Congo we learnt of many stories of where people had fallen victim to the lawlessness and brutality of the local military.

Congratulations Ginny for a great story. Travel safe.

Read Ginny’s the whole story posted on the ABC website. Watch each of the 3 ABC news reports here. Congo Rape Trial, Women of Fizi and Court Judgement.

During our trip we will be writing a daily blog to keep you up-to-date with our travels. Be sure to sign up and check the blog for the latest news.

Thank you to everyone who is supporting us in prayer. We had a wonderful response this week at both The Way (Jim’s church) and Grace Church (Stu’s church). It was such a blessing to pray with our Congolese brothers and sisters (in Christ). We are all looking forward with great expectation to see what God is going to do with us and how the story will unfold as we learn and make new acquaintances in Goma.

Lastly, here is a photograph that was taken of Jim and I with some Congolese friends living in Hobart that was taken during the service at The Way this Sunday.

For 2011, Stu & I are launching Love in Action v2.0. “What’s that all about?” I hear you cry…

Well, as many of you know, both our families made a move to Tasmania in mid-2010 & now we’re settled in Hobart, we’re aiming to build up Love in Action.

So, what can you expect to see?

More Stories: In Feb we head to DR Congo to profile (& produce a 2nd photo-story book) the amazing work of HEAL Africa (http://www.healafrica.org/). We expect to be inspired, challenged and stirred – and we hope you’ll join with us as we share stories of this journey.

More Insight: We’ll be on the hunt for nuggets of wisdom on topics such as social justice, culture – insights into beauty, hope and truth amid the challenges of today’s world.

More Jesus: For me & Stu, Jesus drives all that we do. And with Him in mind, our work with Love in Action is aiming to show why with Jesus life is good – a life that matters now & a life that lasts forever.

Alongside all this, we want to hear from you. Your comments, ideas and encouragement are welcomed.

This is just the first instalment of news about our involvement with CNEC PI. As we continue our research phase prior to travelling early next year to D.R Congo, we will be asking partners to contribute, comment and provide feedback to our questions. If you’ve had any involvement with HEAL Africa we’d love to hear from you.

Love in Action : HEAL Africa will be produced by Stu Harris Photography and will use the services of visual storyteller Stu Harris, Christian communicator Jim Collins, researcher Lynn Darwall (CNEC) and graphic designer Alix Morse.