JUDAH'S TRIBUTE TO THE COMFORTING POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

                        Lilah Faith (16), Jared, Kim, and Judah

You might think my family and I are crazy, but a person can only convince themselves something didn’t happen for so long before they give up. Denial only lasts for so long, but the joy that the Holy Spirit gives is eternal, so crazy that even I can hardly believe how overjoyed I am in every moment.  

There were no stages of grief, there was only healing, love and joy. That is proof that my God is real. He is so sovereign he can use death to bring life and love in places where there should logically be none. No height, no depth, no angel, no demon, can separate me from the love that is in Jesus Christ.

 

This same joy and peace are only found in His arms, nothing you have to earn, and there is nothing you have to do to receive it. The God of our universe died in the worst way possible just for you, just so you could have it. He only wants a relationship with you, so accept the gift freely given!!! No matter what you’ve been through, what you’ve done, or who you’ve hurt, God is waiting with open arms for you.

 

Throughout the entire time Lilah was in the hospital, I never once asked God why, when she was in her last days, I never doubted His plan, and after she had passed, I never raised my voice or cursed Him.

 

The only question I asked myself was “How am I waking up every morning praising Him and having this much peace?”. It was absolutely nothing I could do, it was all Him. We have an advocate with the Father, we have a man who was imprisoned, whipped until his ribs showed through His back, forced to carry a cross that he would be nailed to hours later with a crown of thorns on his head.

 

Whatever you’ve been through, that man went through ten times over, and He didn’t do it for no reason, or curse anyone, in fact, He forgave those who crucified Him. Jesus Christ died for you, even if you would have put Him on that cross. He died so you could have the chance to know Him and accept the gift of eternal life.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 

Romans 10: 9 

 To Listen to Lea's Podcast Click On One of Her Titles to Your Right.

Radio Kahuzi Remains Steadfast

Radio Kahuzi Remains Steadfast 

Broadcasting Daily to a City of 1.3 Million

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025 M23 seized control of our government buildings in downtown Bukavu as Congolese officials fled for their lives, but Radio Kahuzi Staff have remained faithful seven days a week reaching out to the population with a message of God's Love, Peace and Reconciliation.

Your Support is Needed

Rich and Kathy McDonald lack $2,500 in monthly support.

Please consider a regular monthly gift to keep Radio Kahuzi on the air, sharing His Good News.

"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" Romans 10:14

Update from the Frontline

Greetings Friends of BESI / Radio Kahuzi,

Here we are, still in Bukavu writing from a war zone. 

So Much Suffering

Over 650 homes were burned to the ground near the center of Bukavu. People are fleeing for their lives. Terroist attacks are happening near the US Embassy in Kinshasa with TERRORIST ALERTS AND ADVISORIES broadcast yesterday.

Many are faithful listeners of Radio Kahuzi. Please remember them in your prayers.

Our property guardian came to work after being stopped twice at road blocks, and was told by the M23 rebels that they would be searching every house in his neighborhood. They finally allowed him to pass when he told them he worked in our neighborhood, Muhumba.

Kidnappings Continue

Later, his wife called saying the M23 took two young boys they had invited to stay with them as they were in danger. One boy is deaf!

Two days later, our watchman's wife sent word to us that M23 brought back one of the boys. He was badly blistered on his bottom from the beatings. They said they will bring back the other boy after he is released from the hospital…the result of his beatings.

This sends a message not to resist their demands.

M23 rebels said they are going to occupy the homes in Dona’s neighborhood and will defend and make it their last stand before the final signing of the Peace Plan negotiated by the United States between Rwanda and Congo goes into effect. 

They instructed the population to move away from the area. They do not plan to leave Congo quietly.

Please lift up the innocent to His Throne of Grace.

Visitors to Radio Kahuzi...

Leaders came representing NGO’s in North and South Kivu and Maniema. 

On July 18, 2025, I invited the leaders of the Civil Societies of the Eastern Provinces to request a lawsuit against the M23, Rwanda, Uganda, etc. 

Pictured, First, from Kabare and Kalehe; Second & Fourth, from South Kivu and Maniema; (Richard third) the Fifth person represents “Foyer in Peace” and the sixth, represents “Grass Roots Humanitarian Committee”.

July 27th should bring clarification with the two signatures of D R Congo and Rwanda’s President.

Hopefully, it will also include the President of Uganda as he isusing M23 types to control areas in North Kivu.

They came to give me copies of their dossier to be given to OCHA / the head UN Agency. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is the UN's head agency responsible for coordinating humanitarian responses during emergencies, who also heads OCHA, is Thomas Fletcher.

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF BESI / RADIO KAHUZI

Barbara Smith, Secretary 

Harold Smith, President of BESI / Radio Kahuzi

Greetings in His Precious Name,

Please help us encourage Kathy on her upcoming birthday, July 26th. Kathy has spent most of her life in Africa, except for high school and college, so her heart is very much with the African people and their suffering is her suffering.

Of the recent events, Kathy said, "Praise the Lord for the signatures to end the violence, but when will it end?"

Only when the Prince of Peace Appears in the Heavens to catch us away. Praise the Lord for Paul's revelation to the churches.

Photo: Taken in 1985 a year before their dream of 

BESI / Radio Kahuzi became a reality.

Feza Arrives at Work

32 Years of Faithful Service

Our Team is so faithful even in the face of danger.

Feza arrives at Radio Kahuzi to share her faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and to encourage our loyal listeners while they endure yet another time of uncertainty and fear.

Your prayers and financial support are critical to keep Radio Kahuzi broadcasting the Gospel each and every day.

Please consider a birthday gift to Kathy and become a monthly donor for their ministry. Your gifts, large or small are truly appreciated at this critical time. So many of our Kahuzi families are in and out of the hospital with expenses that are beyond our budget. $5,000 is urgently needed.

Thank you to all who have followed and prayed for our ministry with BESI / Radio Kahuzi.

Keep Looking Up!

Harold and Barbara Smith

JULY 4TH ...HAPPY 33RD ANNIVERSARY BESI / RADIO KAHUZI!

 

Kathy and Richard McDonald were ready to return to Bukavu, D. R Congo (formerly Zaire) with a new "FM Transmitter in a Suitcase" to broadcast the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

President Mobutu signed the first free radio license. This opened the way for other radios, TV and free elections.

  

Here, Richard moves out of the crowd and extends his hand to shake the President's hand and to ask, "Excuse me, Mr. President, but we have two telecommunications projects that are being delayed in Kinshasa." President Mobutu turned and called the director of his office and introduced him to Richard saying, "Take care of this gentleman's questions." Richard walked with him behind the President and set up a rendezvous to discuss his projects. (Mama Mobutu is in the foreground shaking hands and greeting the people while bodyguards keep watch.) 

The permit for Radio Kahuzi was signed on July 4, 1991, by both the Minister of State for Information and Press and the Minister of State for Agriculture. Their letters agree to the technical papers proposing several of each: FM, medium wave, and shortwave broadcasting transmitters for Christian programming, as well as for agricultural and other rural development broadcasting, including health, hygiene, and nutrition. They classify it as a Program of Priority Public Investments, allowing customs exemptions for importations of equipment, etc.

Richard shared, "As we revisit the events of July 4, 1991, Kathy and I are very thankful to have lived several zenith events where we have experienced the Holy Spirit's intervention. Despite our frequent incapacity and simplicity as we live through this Age of Grace, we realize we are nearing the End Times and the conclusion of the Holy Spirit's work here on this earth. We are very grateful to be a part of that work during these tumultuous times."

To God be all the Glory for the things He has done!

 RADIO KAHUZI TRANSLATED VIDEO APRIL 2025

The female journalist’s voice:

“Just a few days after being nominated by US President Donald Trump as his principal advisor in charge of African affairs, Mr. MASSAD BOULOS chose the Democratic Republic of Congo as his first destination for a diplomatic mission that will also lead him to some East African countries.

Along with Mrs. CORINA SANDERS, Deputy State Secretary in charge of African Affairs, and Mr. DAN DUNHAM, Director of the National Security Council of Africa, the Principal Counselor in charge of African Affairs did have a long and fruitful discussion with his Excellency President FÉLIX ANTOINE TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO. They did have an open dialogue on things to come and views on political economy. Among the discussed topics, they talked about the economic partnership between the US and DRC and, of course, security.

Addressing himself to the presidential press in French, President TRUMP’s principal counselor of African affairs was very clear and pragmatic over the two topics, saying that the US and DRC are very determined to fortify and strengthen their strategic, mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Mr. Massad Boulos speaking:

“I appreciate the opportunity of meeting President Tshisekedi today. We did talk about several topics, including the development of business relationships between the US and DRC. You heard about a minerals agreement. We did have fair knowledge of the DRC proposal, and we are happy to announce that the president and I agreed on a way forward for its elaboration.

I am so excited to collaborate with the president and all his staff through the purpose of pursuing and establishing a deeper relationship for the benefit of American and Congolese people. 

Stimulate American private sector investment in the DRC, especially in the mining sector, is a common target that leads to the prosperity of our two countries. 

Of course, we need a more business-friendly, suitable environment to achieve this goal. 

Be assured that American companies operate in complete transparency and will stimulate the local economy. 

This is about an investment of several billion of dollars, this is about creating jobs for thousands of people, this is about the transfer of knowledge and investing in the country’s infrastructure, but there will not be economic prosperity without security. 

Security is a must for a prosperous economy.

So we also talked about the conflict in the eastern part of the DRC. The US is strongly motivated to end that conflict, and we are discussing about the next steps with our Congolese partners. 

We wish a lasting and durable peace that sustains territorial integrity and sovereignty and lays the foundation for a thriving and flourishing regional economy. 

This relationship presents a huge potential, and we appreciate the opportunity to pave the way forward with our counterparts here in Kinshasa.”

The female journalist's voice:

“A clear engagement of the US to DRC and the support for the regional process can stop the unjust war.

 After Kinshasa, Massad Boulos will go to Kolwezi before continuing his tour in some East African countries.”

M23 Rebels Capture Goma and Bukavu

 

Dear Friends of BESI / Radio Kahuzi,

You may have heard or read about M23 rebels takeover of Goma and Bukavu on February 16th. We have been living under “house arrest” since then only venturing out to make a quick trip to the market to get food once a week. 

That fist week, Danny, our photojournalist, and his family suffered the loss of his younger brother and others defending their village near Goma, 100 miles north of Radio Kahuzi. Also, Feza’s husband, Primo, lost his brother-in-law around the same time defending his family.

The M23 advanced to Katana and the DRC soldiers that were guarding the Kavumu Airport  outside Bukavu, evacuated and retreated to town. The head of the Catholic Archdiocese told General Pacifique Masunzu, who commanded a key military defense zone in South Kivu at the Congolese military base in Bukavu to take his military out of Bukavu to make their defense away from the population centers; however, M23 has been in full command of Bukavu since February 25th.

We appreciate your prayers as we live through another time of stress. Our Radio Kahuzi FM is off and on air, depending on which staff member feels safe enough to get to work. No one dares to venture out after 6 pm or before 6 am, our equatorial sunrise and sunset. This reminds us of the same situation several years ago when we awoke at 6 am with a sniper standing in our street firing three meters from our bedroom windows toward the houses and MONUSCO forces, who were launching mortars in the other direction with their backs in our direction.

We went on the air Tuesday, February 25 after deciding to register with the new government on Monday. They said they will provide name tags / cards for our journalists so that they can do reporting. We do what we can to keep moving ahead. Banks / ATM service is spotty requiring three or four stops to find cash to pay our staff and bills that don’t stop coming. 

Each morning there are bodies found around the city of those who ventured out after dark or for some other reason. Adults lock themselves in to avoid being caught and dragged into the ranks of the M23. Young people are being kidnapped and taken away to be trained to serve in their military. There is lots of silent stress. Our day and nighttime guards travel long distances to keep a watch for us. Lambert is now off to take the cure for malaria. Our water has been off for several days and nights. Our taxi driver shared that all movement after dark is outlawed except for taxi and they must be off the road by 7 pm and cannot travel on some avenues unless they have a passenger going home. A friend and businessman sent a worker to bring an evening meal, but he never returned…possible kidnapping. 

We are thankful for the Lord’s leading and His Appointed Times as He gives us several million new generation military and displaced civilians moving into our war zone and under our FM antennas’ outreach in their several different heart languages, and access to all those He chooses for us to bear witness and share our testimony! Please pray that the Lord will continue to help us ALL to be ready when opportunities arise to share our testimony to His Glory and Honor, Let us all remain faithful In the Lord’s work!

Keep Looking Up! 

We are looking for His Soon Appearing in the Heavenlies!

Richard and Kathy McDonald

LILAH FAITH BECK HOME WITH JESUS

LILAH FAITH BECK

BORN NOVEMBER 23, 2008

PASSED INTO HIS ARMS ON

FEBURARY 25, 2025

Our sweet Lilah Faith Beck is at home with Jesus.

Safe in the arms of Jesus,

Safe on His Gentle breast;

There by His love o’ershaded,

Sweetly, my soul shall rest.

Lilah is so loved and missed by her family

Jared, Kimberly and Judah Beck

And her Grandparents

HAROLD & BARBARA SMITH & 

JOHN & PAULINE BECK & FAMILIES

radiokahuzi@sbcglobal.net

JUDAH’S TRIBUTE TO LILAH

For those of you who don’t know, my sister Lilah was diagnosed with bone cancer last year. She went through six months of chemo and was so ready to get her hair back and go back to a normal life. But she got an infection in her lungs about a month ago and passed this afternoon. I couldn’t have asked for a better sister.

I’ve never seen Christ more exemplified in a person than her. She never doubted, complained and never gave up during this last year of pain, worry and adversity.

She truly loved God and walked in suffering just as He did 2,000 years ago. Even in the middle of some of the worst pain imaginable, throwing up 50+ times a day, she was still radiating the love of the Father like I’ve never seen before in that hospital room. I’m going to miss her for the rest of my life, but I’ve never been more confident that her name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Even though my family and friends are devastated, we know she is truly happier where she is.

Please don’t see what happens in your life as horrible and something to hold resentment against God, but instead remember the best thing we can do in this life is to suffer as Christ suffered, and my sister was truly a living, breathing picture of Christ these last months and past days. She never stopped being herself even today before she passed.

God loves you even when it doesn’t seem like it, and I hope her story can be a testimony of faithfulness, dedication, and rejoicing in suffering. Even though she’s gone, she impacted so many people while she was living, and her unending love and faithfulness will continue to change people’s lives after she’s passed.

Jesus lived with us, suffered with us, and died with our sins so we may live, and Lilah knew that. Lilah said she never regretted giving her life to Christ and never questioned God’s plan, even sitting dying on a hospital bed. If you feel like God is distant from you, please know He’s always there even in the worst circumstances. He loves you and all he wants is a relationship with you.

Please pray and rededicate your life to the One and Only True God.

I love you so much Lilah and will never stop loving you. Judah

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY ON MAY 2

 

He is not here, He has Risen Indeed!

 

He is not here, He has Risen Indeed!

 

Ephesians 1: 19 - 22 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

What do you think about when you think about Easter. Of course, we know Easter is completely a man-made teaching. It is purely religion. It has nothing whatsoever to do with Christianity. The word, Easter, does not appear in the Bible in the original text. It appears once in the King James Version and it does not mean the Easter that we talk about today. But we can think about it because the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ is a reality.  

1/ This morning I want you, every time you think of Easter, to think of two things. 

#1 Salvation from sin, 

#2 Power in your Christian life. 

2/ Jesus Christ did not die and rise from the dead just so that one day we may dwell in Heaven. Christianity is far more than that. He, through His death, burial and resurrection has provided for us power for every-day living. Many Christians use the excuse—I’m only just a sinner saved by grace, and what can I do about everyday life? I still have these appetites, I’m still just a normal person—I want you to recognize something. Someone who is saved is not a normal person. God has given to that believer something that the rest of the world knows nothing about, nothing that religion can ever provide for anyone.

          To read the rest of the story...

           Resurrection Power

 

RADIO KAHUZI PODCAST

 

Radio Kahuzi

@radiokahuzi

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http://www.radiokahuzi.com RADIO KAHUZI PODCAST 31 years ago, Radio Kahuzi aired its first non-government, free broadcast on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1992. This opened the way for hundreds of radios opening the Democratic Republic of Congo to freedom of the press and media.