Congo Week 2024
October 13-19, 2024, is Congo Week. Congo Week is an opportunity for education and celebration with Congolese siblings.
During all of Congo Week, you are invited to give in support of our partners’ mpox outbreak relief efforts. Gifts can be made online. Please type “Congo Week” or “Mpox Outbreak” in the Special Designation box. Let’s work together to create a world where all people and creation share in God’s abundant life.
Sunday, October 13
To celebrate the beginning of Congo Week, we have a number of prayer and worship resources, including a sermon and prayer from Rev. Dr. Robert N’KWIM Bibi-Bikan of the Protestant University in Congo, a sermon and prayer from Rev. Prof. Bosela Eale, songs from CDCC choirs, a scripture reading in Lingala, video sermons from previous Congo Weeks, and a series of liturgies.
Monday, October 14
Congo Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about the devastating legacy of conflict in the Congo and mobilize support on behalf of the people of the Congo. Our partners in the Congo are the Church of Christ in Congo, Congo Protestant University – Kinshasa, and the Community of Disciples of Christ in Congo.
These partners serve their communities in a variety of ways. The Community of Disciples of Christ in Congo (CDCC) runs numerous schools, hospitals, and nutrition centers that provide healthcare and education, and they respond to other humanitarian needs as identified by local communities. The Vocational Training Centre of the CDCC in Bolenge gives opportunities to young people who are often rejected by their communities. They train people in four sectors: sewing, masonry, carpentry, and aesthetics (skin and beauty treatments).
The Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) also serves their communities in many ways. Of note is the ways in which women are supported through its job training and capacity-building programs, and their support of war-displaced individuals in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tuesday, October 15
A serious outbreak of mpox has been occurring in Congo. The World Health Organization has classified it as a public health emergency of international concern. Read about mpox and how it’s affecting people in Congo from Rev. Dr. Brigitte Eale.
Our partners in the region are responding to the mpox outbreak in a variety of ways. The Community of Disciples of Christ in Congo (CDCC) treats mpox cases in its health facilities and is implementing programs to raise awareness in remote areas and strengthen their ability to respond to mpox emergencies. The Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) is collecting data from provincial representatives and ECC community members, which will facilitate the development of a comprehensive strategy and pertinent response measures across all levels.
In the Republic of the Congo, the Disciples of Christ Church of the Congo, Brazzaville (EDCC) is actively engaged in a mpox awareness campaign to educate local communities about mpox and prevention strategies and dispel myths about the disease. Read about their responses.
Wednesday, October 16
An estimated 64% of the world’s reserve of coltan, a natural resource that is central to the function of our cell phones and other technology, is found in Congo. Millions have died in the conflict in Eastern Congo, and conflict minerals like the coltan in our technology play a big part in fueling that conflict. Join in solidarity with Congolese people by participating in a technology fast (phone, computer, TV) for an hour today. We also challenge you to donate the same amount as your monthly cell phone bill to Global Ministries partners working for peace in Congo.
Use our educational resource, “Are My Hands Clean?” It helps you think about the supply chains and invisible hands that have brought various pieces of technology and other consumer items to your homes.
Thursday, October 18
Richie Lontulungu Nsombola, a lay leader from the Community of Disciples of Christ in Congo (CDCC) and a civil society leader in his community, explains some of the conflict that has been happening for many years in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mt. Pleasant Christian Church, a Disciples church in North Carolina, has helped resettle a couple of Congolese families over the past few years. Hear about why this church is called to help resettle refugees.
Friday, October 19
On this Friday of Congo Week we celebrate Congolese culture through a cooking demonstration by former mission co-worker Rev. Dr. Brigitte Eale, music, and a chance to purchase handicrafts from Congolese artisans.