World Of Witness - Democratic Republic of Congo

Ministry

Mennonite ministry in Congo began with the arrival of Lawrence and Rose Haigh in 1911. This work of evangelism was initiated by two North American Mennonite groups: the Central Conference of Mennonites and the Defenseless Mennonite Church in Illinois. The initial team was later joined by Mennonites from other denominations. These first mission workers believed that they could accomplish more by working together than they could separately. This inter- Mennonite effort led to the start of some of the fastest growing churches in the Mennonite world community. Today, it is estimated that one in five Mennonites live in Congo. Together, with Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM) and Mennonite Mission Network (Mennonite Church USA), Mennonite Church Canada Witness continues to support the evangelistic, peace, educational, and development ministries of Mennonite conferences in Congo.

Celebrations

• Increased cooperation between various Mennonite denominations in Congo.
• Leaders are being trained at the Christian University in Kinshasa and in other local Bible institutes.
• Political and social conditions are showing small signs of improvement.
• North American and European Mennonite churches and individuals have helped equip Congolese church leaders with electronic tools for communication, locally and internationally.
• In the spirit of unity that characterized Congo’s first mission work, Mennonite Church Canada Witness still works in partnership with Mennonite Mission Network, Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, and three Congolese Mennonite denominations.

Challenges

• Difficult economic conditions and poor infrastructure affect all aspects of personal and congregational life.
• Seeking peace in unstable regions marred by tensions and armed conflict.
• Accessible leadership training for the numerous and widespread congregations.
• Effective organization and management of the churches, including involvement with those at the grass-roots level.

Partners

• Communauté Mennonite au Congo (CMCo – Mennonite Community of Congo)
• Communauté Evangélique Mennonite au Congo (CEM – Evangelical Mennonite Church of Congo)
• Communauté des Frères Mennonites du Congo (CFMC) – Mennonite Brethern Church of Congo.
• Mennonite Mission Network (MMN)
• Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM)

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Hope for Peace

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