In 1834, Edward Mote, an English cabinetmaker and hymnist, began writing a new hymn with the words “My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus' blood and righteousness.” That same day Mote visited a friend and his wife, who was very ill. Mote had his unfinished hymn in his pocket, so he shared it with the couple to bring them healing and comfort.

Like Mote, it has been my privilege and duty to share the unfinished song in my pocket to provide hope, healing and “Caring for Congo.” The song that God has called me to sing wherever I go -- whether in the remote villages of the Nsona MPangu or in the halls of Lincoln center – tells the heartwarming story of work begun 25 years ago.

This work about which I sing has a name – “Santé Rurale » in French, “Rural Health” in English, or simply SANRU. This program began in 1981 as a project between USAID and the Ministry of Health. Those partners selected the Protestant Church of Congo, which I represent tonight, to implement that vast project. This unique collaboration became the catalyst for building Congo’s decentralized health zone system.

The foundations of the health zone system were built so strong that they survived a decade of civil war and political turmoil in my country. On that foundation lays the hope for the health of the people of DR Congo.

Today, the SANRU team is assisting the Ministry of Health to rebuild Congo’s health system of 515 health zones. We are supporting 75 health zones and providing health care for more than nine million people

Today, 80% of Congolese children in these health zones receive Vitamin A and are vaccinated against childhood diseases, a dramatic improvement from 27% four years ago… . . . my hope is built on nothing less.

Today we are reducing deaths from malaria through the distribution of hundreds of thousands of insecticide-treated bednets. However, we need millions more. . . my hope is built on nothing less.

Today we are fighting AIDS by speaking out, screening, testing, treating, counseling, proclaiming, shouting, imploring. . . the disease must be stopped . . . my hope is built on nothing less.

Today thousands of health workers and community volunteers are trained and equipped to provide preventive and curative health care in the most remote rural areas. . . . . . my hope is built on nothing less.

There is still much work to be done, but hope sustains me.

My hope is built on the strength of the SANRU team and the excellent collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Faith-Based Organizations and international donors such as USAID, The World Bank and The Global Fund. We all share the vision of church and state working together as global partners in public health.

My hope is built on the partnership between the Protestant Church of Congo and Interchurch Medical Assistance – a marriage made in heaven. I.M.A. with its member agencies and corporate partners have helped to under gird our work.

But most of all, my hope is built on Congolese parents who faithfully take their children to be vaccinated; on women who seek prenatal care to protect their unborn; and on couples who practice child spacing to protect both the mothers and the newborn … who walk hours to seek such care.

I am but one man standing before you today to be recognized as a global health hero. But I turn around and see thousands of Congolese heroes behind me, linking arms and hands with a vast network of partners around the globe that are Caring for Congo. For myself and for those thousands of heroes working without recognition, I say thank you. Above all, I would like to give thanks to my Lord and continue to seek His guidance for all that we are planning for the future.