Have a Big Heart

Becky Powell, Hearts for the Congo, inc. Board Treasurer 9/15/2026

After meeting Bisoke at New Wineskins in 2022, and listening to his stories, the questions I kept asking myself were: 

  • How does Bisoke keep going?

  • How does he persist in doing the hard work God has given him to do?

  • How does he continue to have faith in God’s goodness in the midst of so much suffering?

If you know Bisoke, you know that his answer will probably be “Only Jesus”. Only Jesus is responsible for giving us persistence in tragedy and the gift of unwavering faith. This is a lesson that I have been learning since meeting Bisoke, a lesson I know in my heart and mind, but I see in the faithfulness of Bisoke’s ministry to his people. 

Rev. Bisoke Balikenga Bernard with Becky Powell at Fort Worth, TX Botanical Garden, March, 2023

Bisoke is pastor to his people in their difficult circumstances, and also a pastor to everyone he meets. He and I were talking on the phone one day and I decided to ask him for his advice concerning a personal situation. At first, I hesitated to ask for his help because my problems are so insignificant compared to the problems he deals with every day. This is not a life and death situation -- how could I possibly impose upon him? But I was hurting, and I needed help, so I asked. Honestly, the answer he gave me was not what I wanted to hear.  He told me to “have a big heart.” In any other situation I could have a big heart, but not in this one. I didn’t want to; it was too hard and hurt too much. In that moment I saw the great gift God has given Bisoke: a heart for those who are suffering and a deep faith that encourages us to keep going and strive to have a big heart that mirrors Jesus’ heart and His great love for us. 

I think of this conversation we had every day, and I am always trying to remember to have a big heart. So many people have come together with Hearts for the Congo to support Bisoke’s work. Our Board of Directors is overwhelmed by the dedicated donors who help Bisoke share the heart of Jesus with those in desperate need. Thank you for your BIG HEARTS!