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The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has been in the Congo for over 100 years since 1899. Our church in the DRC, the Community of the Disciples of Christ in the Congo, is a strong and vibrant witness in the face of suffering and violence. In the past ten years, more than 6 million people have been killed in conflict and war over the Congo’s natural resources. These are our brothers and sisters. They are suffering. We have a Christian obligation to walk in solidarity with them and minister with them in this time of crisis.
At the 2013 General Assembly in Orlando, the Christian Church adopted “The Congo Initiative,” an 18-month emphasis on our relationship with the Congo and the struggles they face. One way our church is going to participate in the Congo Initiative is through Kids Connect, our summer Sunday School program for children. Obviously, we will not focus on the on-going brutality with the children, but we can introduce them to the fact that we are connected to these people—they are part of our family. And they need our help. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians, “Where one part of the body of Christ suffers, we all suffer.”
Throughout the summer, our children ages 3 through just-completed 8th grade will “Journey to the Congo”. (High School youth will serve as student helpers.) We will gather in our very own Congolese village, also known as the Parish Hall. We will learn about our brothers and sisters in the Christian Church of the Congo as we hear stories about friendship, hospitality, generosity, and healing. The summer will be filled with Bible lessons, crafts, music, and even some Congolese food.
One special focus will be to raise enough money to provide one well for a village in the Congo. The children will bring their nickels, dimes, and quarters, and you can contribute too. The total cost of a well is $1500. It’s a big goal, but together we can do it! If you would like to make a contribution, please write “Congo Initiative” on your check or offering envelope.
My hope is that not only will our children learn more about the Congo this summer, but that they will also become catalysts for our entire church family to become aware of the issues facing our brothers and sisters in the Congo. As scripture says, “And a little child will lead them…” If you would like to know more about the Congo Initiative, please visit www.globalministries.org/congo-initiative. And come up to the Parish Hall some Sunday morning this summer to visit with us in our Congolese village. I am sure the kids would love to welcome you!
