Evangelism rallies, energetic music and dancing all day; witnessing, altar calls with a dozen respondents. Praying is loud, through tears or joy. You can feel the enthusiasm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was heartily welcomed by the Mennonite Brethren church in DR Congo to celebrate their 100th anniversary in August 2024. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The multiday event was held in a big new church built across from the MWC member church\u2019s headquarters in Kikwit, Kwilu province, an eight-hour drive over 500 kms from Kinshasa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the distances did not deter: people gathered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some 2 500 people packed the large church to celebrate the anniversary of CEFMC (Communaut\u00e9 des \u00c9glises de Fr\u00e8res Mennonites au Congo) in 5 hours of worship service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bishop Daniel Onashuyaka Lunge of the ecumenical \u00c9glise du Christ au Congo (ECC) gave a sermon on unity \u2013 an ever-present challenge for church communions around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
CEFMC, an MWC member church, has its challenges but also many gifts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The leaders of CEFMC wants to see the church become self-supporting but also to create healthy partnerships. They pray for pastors and evangelists to spread the message. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are dealing with trauma from colonialism and a culture of mistrust resulting from systemic corruption in government systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The need for qualified leadership in the church is acutely felt; not only for education but also to practice countercultural servant leadership that is not tempted toward corruption, tribal divisions and ego-driven displays of power. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The vast geography of the resource-rich country creates both riches and hardships. Protracted violence, especially from armed rebels in the East, sends displaced people to all corners of the country and beyond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I presented Antoine Kimbila and CEFMC with a plaque of commemoration on behalf of the global family. To remind them they are part of this large global family who shares their joys and struggles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And they have a lot of gifts to share with our family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The emotional vibrancy<\/strong> of their connection to Jesus is a gift. Even through an hours-long church service, their faith is palpable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their practice of community<\/strong> is a gift. Church members welcome displaced people from the East with open arms. They listen and share strategies for trauma healing. They offer food and even take refugees into their own homes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"2024](\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/53949585059_647746faf3_z.jpg\")
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