The Congo

In the past decade the Democratic Republic of Congo has born the brunt of civil war and AIDS. It is estimated that over 5 million people have lost their lives due to the armed conflict while thousands have died from AIDS. Our sister churches in the northern province of Ubangi are doing all they can to bring hope and healing (both spiritual and physical) to the region. In July of 2007 Pastor Nils visited the area to see how Cornerstone might help.

Our sister churches, The Evangelical Free Church of Congo (known as CECU in Lingala) have a major challenge before them. Over the years of fighting in Congo, plus disease, especially AIDS, large numbers of women have become widows, and large numbers of children have been orphaned. In keeping with the dozens of passages in Scripture enjoining us to care for widows, orphans and the needy around us, the CECU has had a heart to do something for them and has developed two specific programs.

The first is called PEASIT – The program for training and help for those affected by AIDS. Interestingly the “T” on the end of PEASIT comes from the Lingala word “Let’s take care of ourselves”, recognizing the importance that each person must be involved in this process, not just getting help from outside. A big part of this program has been a broad educational emphasis throughout the Ubangi (roughly the size of Indiana) regarding AIDS and it has been highly effective.

Another part is the orphan sponsorship program, Global FingerPrints. In the Congo, the extended family tends to take in the orphan, even though they don’t have the resources needed to care for the child. Global FingerPrints helps to cover educational costs, health costs, nutritional programs, clothing and other things to help these extended families continue to care for the children in their homes, rather than the orphanage approach. (To sponsor a child visit Global FingerPrints)

The second program, CEVO, is a major initiative the church is taking. CEVO is the French acronym for the “ Training Center for Widows and Orphans”. Many of the widows in the church need training in various skills such as sewing, caring for gardens, animals, and various other job skills. It is also for older orphans, those who have not gotten far in the educational system but need training for skills to survive in life. This includes job training in farming and animal husbandry, carpentry, metal work, and others. Special emphasis will be placed on teen girls who are more vulnerable and need life skills training.

God has given the CECU a large piece of land very near the church offices (over 1,000 acres in size) on which to develop the CEVO project. This site has been named the Elikya Project (Elikya means “hope” in Lingala). Already several buildings are up and gardens planted.

There is also a significant need for Bibles in Lingala. The bibles cost $8 each (one week’s income) and so the CECU has asked if we might help with the cost by raising $6/bible. There are also the ongoing needs of the hospital in Tandala.

As you can see, there are many ways we can be involved (and are involved) in helping the poorest of the poor. Please Pray for God to guide and provide for the ministry in the Congo.

If you would like to donate to this ministry you can use the Donate link below (via PayPal) or mail a check designated “Congo Ministry” and made out to Cornerstone. Mail it to PO Box 974 Pullman WA 99163-0974.

For more information contact the office (office@pullmancornerstone.org)