The cost of doing ministry in Africa
By Julie Mad-Bondo
As I reflect on the increasing impact of Julie’s Heart Cry, I want to share some insights about the cost of ministry in the Central African Republic versus the cost of doing ministry in Uganda. I hope this will help shed some light on why expenses, particularly infrastructure and manufacturing goods, are significantly higher in CAR.
I won’t go into too much detail, but I’d like to provide you with some valuable information as the Lord guides you in supporting Julie’s Heart Cry and other ministries in similar regions of Africa.
UGANDA
Uganda – a former British colony in East Africa – is an English-speaking country that is economically advanced with a variety of options and more skilled laborers. Projects can be accomplished quickly and cost-effectively in many cases because of the availability of qualified workers.
Consider this: One U.S. dollar is the equivalent of 3,600 Ugandan shillings vs. 500 CFA francs in the Central African Republic, making the buying power of the U.S. dollar much stronger in Uganda.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
When Julie’s Heart Cry requests funding for projects/ministry in the Central African Republic – a former French colony whose business language is French – we strive to include sweat equity and the most cost-effective options.
Despite our efforts to keep the cost of projects/ministry low in CAR, prices can easily be two to three times more (depending on the project) than in Uganda. The extremely low exchange rate, lack of decent infrastructure, skyrocketing fuel prices, security issues, and lack of skilled workers are all factors in this land-locked country.
For example, one gallon of gas in Uganda this week is between $4.40 and $5 compared to $10 in CAR, which is consistent throughout the year. A bag of cement is $10 in Uganda vs. $21 in the Central African Republic.
YOU ARE A BLESSING
However, even with the high cost of doing ministry, when I look at the impact on the lives of the people we serve, I can't thank the Lord enough for each one of our faithful supporters.
Yes, it would have been easier to minister in regions of Africa where English is spoken, and things are much more manageable and cost-effective. But it is our conviction that we will do what is challenging to bring honor to the Lord.
Thank you for playing a major part in what God has done and is doing in the Central African Republic.