CONGO & GABON - Look what you’re helping accomplish in FRENCH-SPEAKING AFRICA
We recently returned from a supernatural time of ministry in Gabon and the Congo (DRC) where we found hearts hungry for solid Biblical teaching and practical ministerial training. The hundreds of pastors we met with begged us to return ASAP and do everything in our power to launch a ministry training center in their nation. We sense it is God’s strategic time for French-speaking Africa. We thought you’d like to see just a few highlight of what your prayers and support are helping accomplish…
OVER 800 PASTORS AND LEADERS ATTEND 3 DAYS OF TRAINING IN KINSHASA
In collaboration with Gama Mananga, a Congolese born graduate of RHEMA USA who worked tirelessly to organize this meeting, we were able to minister for three days on the subject of how to give birth to God‘s supernatural plan for your life and ministry. These 800 pastors and leaders belong to multiple networks of churches throughout the city representing tens of thousands of members. The potential for a nation changing training center here is off the charts!
OVER 700 AT WOMEN’S CONFERENCE IN KINSHASA
Tonja was honored to be the guest speaker at a powerful ladies conference in Kinshasa. The Word brought victory to the lives of these precious women and many received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Villagers walk over 50 miles through the night and others cross the river in dugout canoes…
One of the most rewarding moments of this ministry trip was traveling 3 1/2 hours outside of Kinshasa to the Bas Congo. Nine congregations from remote areas traveled from all over the region to attend the meetings. Some of them walked over 50 miles in the dark, others crossed the river in dugout canoes. They were so grateful to hear the Word. We were surprised to learn that we were the first white people most of them have ever seen. (Not that it really makes any difference LOL) Our hearts were touched as they gave a generous offering of bananas, “foo foo”, and a live goat. All of this was brought back to Kinshasa and shared with the pastors at a great feast the next day.
DIVINE CONNECTIONS IN LIBREVILLE, GABON
We spent two days in Libreville, Gabon connecting with pastors who are hungry to see a ministerial training school established in their nation! The city was founded on the site where a Portuguese slave ship was intercepted and its prisoners released. (Libreville is literally French for Free City) We believe this city has an important role to play in bringing the message of freedom in Christ to the other nations of French-speaking Africa.
With over 12 million, Kinshasa, DRC is the largest French-speaking city in the world!
With a population of over 91 million, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the largest French speaking country in the world. Kinshasa, is the largest French-speaking city in the world and the third largest city in all of Africa. A long history of unrest and war has driven many of the people from the rural areas into the city causing great strain on the infrastructure. Though this overpopulation is wrought with challenges, it also provides an amazing opportunity for the preaching of the Gospel and training of leaders.
And there’s so much more…
We were honored to preach in the church of one of our Congolese born Rhema Québec graduates, Frédéric Matala and his wife Bijou who now pastor a church in Kinshasa.
We were especially blessed to spend time praying with our good friend Liliane Vernaud Rood, who we’ve known since 1988. Her father, Jacques Vernaud was a father in the faith to tens of thousands in the Congo and one of the most influential missionaries that we’ve ever met. Liliane is continuing her father‘s legacy as she has obeyed God‘s call to move back to Kinshasa to run her race.
While in Kinshasa, we had an alumni fellowship and prayer meeting with graduates from Rhema USA, and Québec. Liliane Vernaud Rood shared a powerful prophecy which was given years ago concerning season of restoration for the DRC.
Marie-Claire, one of our Rhema Québec graduates, who’s father was a Congolese ambassador, has recently been called to work for one of the new president’s cabinet members. This precious woman of God is responsible for programs touching 65% of the population. She met with us and asked for our prayer as she follows God‘s plan and helping lead the Congo into a new season.
We were honored to preach at the church of the newly appointed speaker of the house for Kinshasa’s provincial parliament. Later that week we met with him at his office and had the opportunity to pray with him.
Our hearts were touched when we visited this orphanage in the Bas Congo run by a woman in the church of our host pastor.
We were blessed to have this young police officer, Yannick, accompany us throughout our time in the DRC. His commanding officer is a member of our host pastor’s church. They wanted to take care of us! Thank you Lord for favor!