Pray for Democratic Republic of the Congo on Sunday, March 13, 2016

Lectionary Selection: John 12:1-8

Prayers for Democratic Republic of the Congo:

Our Creator,

During this Lenten season, we reflect upon our spiritual growth and all that God is doing in the world. As your vision for Congo unfolds, we thank you for your continuous guidance as we work in this country, rich in both human and natural resources. Just as Mary anointed the feet of Jesus, may we – your servants – bless the Lord through humble service, offering our most precious resource for his glory, to make a difference in a world with staggering poverty (John 12:1-8).

May justice and peace rein as Congo enters a new phase of its growth. Bless the Disciples and UCC partnership with the Congo Protestant University as it works to build a nation through education. The students of the Congo Protestant University are the future of an impoverished society in desperate need of well-trained, ethical leadership. Lord, our commitment must remain strong not only because the university is blessed to have a foundation upon which to build, but because the nation requires more of the university today than it ever has.

We ask for your blessing as we continue to do your work.

Amen.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Democratic Republic of the Congo:

The Christian Church (Disciples) was a founding denomination of the Université Protestante au Congo (Congo Protestant University) over 50 years ago. Through Global Ministries (the UCC and Disciples joint mission work) the university has grown from three students in the School of Theology to 8,000 students in four schools – Business, Law, Medicine and Theology. We know that Global Ministries is committed to Christian education as the pathway to a peaceful and just society. Education is the most effective way to elevate members of a society by providing skill sets that lead to the growth and development of a nation. In a country where only 63% of the population can read and write, the university’s ability to better harness its resources will enable it to build capacity to support a vibrant and sustainable Christian university.

The university is educating a nation and contributing to a healthy, ethical, prosperous, and compassionate Congo. It is training physicians to work in the interior of the country were 75% of the population lives but less than 20% of the physicians practice. Through two doctoral programs in the Schools of Theology and Business, the university is providing students with the opportunity to pursue their PhDs without leaving the country and possibly finding a position elsewhere. The Master’s program in business law prepares students to be a part of the ever-expanding investment environment in Africa.

The university appreciates your commitment to education. Your investment will allow this institution to continue to move forward.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Linda James)

Mission Partners in Democratic Republic of the Congo:

More information on Democratic Republic of the Congo:
http://www.globalministries.org/democratic_republic_of_congo

Global Ministries Missionary in Democratic Republic of the Congo:
Linda James serves as a Long-term Volunteer with the Protestant University in the Congo. Her appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Churches Wider Mission, and your special gifts.