From Mission Work to Partnership

The Disciples have a rich history with the Democratic Republic of Congo. That country’s name calls up for many people a list of hundreds of missionaries who have worked and lived in the Congo. As early as 1898 the first missionaries were sent. Since that time there has been a steady flow of missionaries to work in this country to build the church, hospitals and schools. At its height, there were over 50 missionaries and their families working in the Congo.

When we first think about missions in the Congo, we think about these missionaries and our mission to this people and this place so very far away. What wonderful stories are shared. But an amazing thing happened. The missionaries worked to raise up leaders for the church, the hospitals and the schools. And those leaders have grown and developed and raised up new leaders. Today, the missionaries in the Congo are the Congolese themselves. Today, the church leaders in the Congo are the Congolese themselves. The church leaders in the Congo are remarkable and strong leaders who are seeking something new from our church. Partnership.