Story number 2 for 9 Feb 2001

(Congo)–Elsewhere, Congo’s President Joseph Kabila says he is ready for peace – but only on his terms. Kabila promised he would implement an often-violated 1999 cease-fire agreement, although he warned that he would do what he deemed best for the Central African nation. Missions groups caught in the crossfire of the civil war have expressed interest in the matter. Grace Ministries International’s Sam Vinton. “I have some optimism that he would do something, but frankly, I don’t think that he is really calling the shots. I still believe that it’s the people who surrounded his father. For the sake of the people, we keep hoping that he will at least be willing to talk to the rest of the political leaders as well as the rebel leaders.” Vinton adds that in many ways, the leadership changes could be helpful for evangelistic outreach. “I’m hopeful that if something like a peace movement goes forward, that would certainly open up to where we could hold more big outdoor meetings, which right now, is difficult to do.”