Global Ministries Sunday Grows to a Whole Week

The project began with a single person who visited a church in his new home town. Papy Muntumosi moved to Fayetteville, Ark. from his homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He was looking for a better life and he found a whole church full of friends. And later, an adopted child from DRC joined the church family.

The project began with a single person who visited a church in his new home town. Papy Muntumosi moved to Fayetteville, Ark. from his homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He was looking for a better life and he found a whole church full of friends. And later, an adopted child from DRC joined the church family.

Now, each October, First Christian Church hosts a Congo Awareness Week. The week is filled with activities aimed at increasing awareness but also celebrates Congolese culture and food and places emphasis on fundraising for Global Ministries’ efforts there. But the congregation has also been learning about the challenges of the African nation. For example, more than 5.4 million people have died in the DRC since 1998 as a result of conflict over mineral resources. The church responds with a cell phone awareness day. 

“At the end of the week we are exhausted yet filled with a knowing that what we do makes a difference,” said Cheryl Sybrant, communications/programs minister at the church. “ I saw it first hand in August 2012 when I met women participating in micro-credit projects in Mbandaka. I saw it first hand at the dedication of the new maternity wing at Bolenge Hospital. I saw it first hand in the faithful, dedicated, hard-working ministers serving the Disciples of Christ Church in Congo.”

The week begins Sunday with a featured guest. Past speakers included Rev. Sandra Gourdet, Africa executive for Global Ministries. Between services, a “Confections for Congo” bake sale is held as a fundraiser. Monday night features a free documentary such as, “Reporter,” “The Street Children of Kinshasa,” and “Crisis in the Congo: Uncovering the Truth.” Tuesday evening everyone is invited to a prayer vigil in the sanctuary while singers from the local Gregorian Schola group provide meditative music. On Wednesday members participate in the worldwide “Cell Out,” an organized cell phone usage boycott to increase awareness about conflict over resources such as coltan used in cell phones and other electronic devices. People can turn their cell phones off all day or for a portion of the day and are encouraged to change their voicemail to explain why they are participating.  Thursday and Friday the congregation prepares for a Congolese feast of authentic recipes.  Following the meal, the Afrique Aya Drum and Dance Company performs and the dancing begins – young and old. The next morning, the town is invited to the local park for a “Walk for Congo.” Posters along the trail feature facts about the DRC, so all can learn while walking.

The congregation also produces supplemental materials with prayers for peace, ideas for ways to support people in the DRC through Global Ministries, lists of books and movies and links to contact elected officials to speak out for the voiceless in the DRC.

Sybrant says, “May God continue to bless their work to provide churches, schools, medical clinics, water wells, and sustainable livelihoods for their members, and God bless Global Ministries for the many outlets it provides for all of us to be a critical presence, not just in Congo, but throughout the world.”