How often have you wondered what it might be like to go to a far-off place, meet people of a much different culture, and share with them the good news of Christ our Lord? Several years ago, I was afforded just such an experience. As most of you know, I travel to the democratic Republic of Congo every other year with my mission partner, Pastor Stéphane Kalonji. My first experience was so profound that I have made this mission a key part of my ministry of the gospel. Now, following months of preparation, it is finally time to make this trip again.
On Monday, July 8th Pastor Kalonji and I will begin our travels. I will depart from Columbia in the early morning hours and head to Houston, Texas. There, Pastor Kalonji and I will fly to Paris, France and finally to Kinshasa, the capitol city of the Congo, DRC. My total travel time will be just about thirty-six hours with twenty-one in the air. Certainly, it is a long trip and there is no doubt that we will be very tired when we finally reach our destination.
The next morning, the hardships of life in Congo will be immediately upon us. There is no gradual acclamation, no settling in; the conditions are what they are. Food, clean water, and electricity are all scarce. The extreme conditions of poverty and hunger are just the way of life. Yet, as we meet with pastors from the Lutheran Church in Kinshasa on our first morning there, the joy of mission in Christ’s name will be brought to the forefront instantly. I am looking forward to seeing my friends again and sharing this important work with them. Pastors Tombisa, Ngoma, Ahkim and Epaphras share a close bond of friendship with Pastor Kalonji and I.
Our schedule will see us travel to several cities in the Bas-Congo Province (western region). As we visit various congregations, we will lead seminars for pastors and church leaders, have Bible studies with women’s groups and feed large numbers of orphaned children. We will provide Bibles for pastors who do not have one of their own, and if possible, Bibles for families as well.
Pastors and lay leaders travel great distances to attend these seminars and the women’s groups come from all around. Considering the difficulty of travel in such a place, I am always quite taken by their response. Most have no place to stay, so they cook over charcoal fires and sleep on the concrete floor of the church building. Even in these conditions, the joy of being a child of God is made clear by their continual singing of thankful songs of praise.
Of course, we cannot do this work on our own. I am so thankful that St. Jacob’s has recognized and supported this mission. Through faith, many have been moved by the Holy Spirit to contribute funds, assist with projects and pray for the Congo Mission. It goes without saying that, as I address the people of Congo, I will bring to them greetings and prayers from all of you here. I may be the one on the ground, but you, my church family, will be with me in spirit at every moment.
Just as I am looking forward to making this trip again, I am also looking forward to returning and sharing with you the joys of a job well done in the name of Christ our Lord. The peace of the Lord be with you always, and may God bless those to whom we share our faith and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory,
now and forever.
Pastor David Nuottila
