Do you wish you knew exactly what the Presbyterian Church does in the Democratic Republic of Congo? This is for you!
Do you wish you knew exactly what the Presbyterian Church does in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
…Or who makes up the Congo Mission Network?
…Or what the Congolese and U.S. partners accomplish together?
Here’s an easy way to find out. Please watch this video:
“Congo 101,” compiled by Jeff Boyd and Jimmy Shafe, explains the structure of Presbyterian churches in Congo, where they are, and what their focus is. In Congo, churches provide not just congregational care but significant support to government schools (two thirds of Congolese schools are run by churches) and hospitals and medical clinics, like IMCK.
The video explains the global partnerships that have evolved between the U.S. and Congo around the Presbyterian faith since about 1885, leading to the institution of universities, medical training programs, agricultural help, nutrition programs, and more. It shows the vital role of U.S. churches.
It also spotlights current mission co-workers in Congo, who now include Inge and Larry Sthreshley, Jeff and Christi Boyd, and José LaMont Jones and his wife, Eveline.
“Congo 101” also shows a compelling picture of Congo. The country is about the size of the U.S. east of the Mississippi, with a population of 90 million people, of whom about half are under the age of 18. Nearly a fifth are under the age of 5. Three quarters of the population live on just $1.90 a day.
Jimmy Shafe is director of Congo Leadership Initiative. Jeff Boyd is PC(USA) regional liaison for Central Africa.
