Congo Mission Update
Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” Our Lord then used Abraham as an example of faith. Abraham believed God’s promise and longed to see the fulfillment of it. Those who criticized Jesus neither listened to God’s words, nor did they believe in the Son of God standing before them, because in their view, Abraham was dead. The crowd scoffed since they didn’t understand, and they refused to believe what Jesus was saying.
We, however, know it’s true. Those who keep God’s Word and believe Jesus is Lord and Savior, even though they die, will live forever in God’s heavenly kingdom. As a Lenten discipline, strive to remain in God’s Word. Read Scripture daily and share the Good News of Jesus Christ, even in the face of ridicule. Remain in the Word, speak the truth, and give God the glory due His name.
Pastor Stephane Kalonji and I have met several times in the last few months by way of zoom.com to plan for the ministry we will accomplish on our Mission trip to Kinshasa and Mbuji-Mayi in July. The struggles in life for the people of Congo are real and harsh. Addressing hunger as best we can continues to be a priority, as does reuniting mothers with newly born babies with their families. Of course, the chief endeavor is always sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people who so dearly want to grow in faith.
Our teaching seminar this year will address a central concern for a Lutheran Church in Mbuji-Mayi. This particular congregation suffered two tragic losses in just the last few months. First, the wife of their pastor passed away. She was a woman who cared much for the congregation and served as a pillar in the community. Soon afterward, the pastor passed away causing even greater grief among the people.
Pastor Kalonji and I will spend time with the congregation in worship and prayer. We will also be offering them a one day theological look into the Resurrection of the Body. It is our hope that grief will be overcome by the joy of experiencing God’s eternal love.
I’m looking forward to this trip as it is filled with opportunities to share the Gospel and God’s love with a community that receives very little in the way of fellowship and compassion among the global Lutheran community. Thank you for your ongoing support and for your prayers. God bless you all as we minister to those who are so far away, yet close in spirit.
