ABC dispatched a film crew to the Democratic Republic of Congo to interview the Holmgrens – quite a feat, given the difficulty in accessing the remote and rugged jungle area where the medical team is working. That trip captured the attention of media worldwide – the fascinating story of a Super Bowl coach’s wife being half a world away, ministering to hurting people in Congo, while her husband and his team played the biggest game of the season – and perhaps the biggest game many of them will experience in their sports careers.
The trip also generated many comments from readers of this daily online Covenant news report. Some of those comments were published last Friday – following are additional comments that have continued to pour in, edited in some cases for length. To read previous Holmgren stories, select from the following links:
Milly Biller of Huntington, WV, writes: While a lot of us enjoyed the Super Bowl, it was so heartwarming to know that Kathy and Calla could feel so committed to what they felt was the right place to be. So many of us get caught up in what we think it right and not what is in our hearts in so many areas of our lives.
Lorraine Frykman of Minneapolis, MN, writes: How uplifting to hear the Holmgren comments in the media coverage on their mission trip! Especially, Calla saying sincerely that (essentially) “to those who have received much, much should be given back.” And also to hear Mike describe Kathy as “her own woman, and I love her for that” was wonderful. The Minneapolis Star Tribune this morning quoted Mike as saying that “what Kathy is doing is more important than coaching a football team.” What refreshing attitudes for a thirsty world!
Billy Castro of La Mesa, Colombia, South America, writes: I was uplifted by this story of obedience to God’s call and setting some important things aside and setting God’s love and call first and foremost. My family, and all those folks that rejoice when a dear brother or sister come and bring even a moment of rest and hope . . . thank you for going to the Congo.
John Rustin of Speculator, NY, writes: This is quite a different story from the usual Super Bowl stories. I wish the pre-game show had more of the missionary aspect of the trip.
Denise Cameron of Hamden, CT, writes: I enjoyed this news story.
James L. Anderson (pastor) of Shoreview, MN, writes: I am pleased that ABC will give time to an event beyond the Super Bowl on this big Sunday. It is good to know that players and coaches are not one dimensional and have other worthy interests in their lives. I will enjoy the game, but I look forward to news of the events in the Republic of the Congo.
Joe Egipto of Cumming, GA, writes: I admire and thank God for right priorities, convictions and eternal values of Kathy and her family!
May Sanguma of Euless, TX, writes: I am a little brother of Mossai Sanguma, the president of the Congo Covenant Church (CEUM). I am living in USA about six years. I thank God for his work through the Evangelical Covenant Church. I know that the people in Congo are blessed. And God will continue to bless more people who are planning and praying that God gives hope for the Congolese. Forty-two years ago I was born in the Karawa hospital, the small city that you will see on TV. Because of missionaries’ work in Karawa, there was a hospital supplied with medical equipment for me to be born in good health. There are still more people who really care about the lives of other Christians in Karawa. Even in the moment of joy and fun (Super Bowl) here in the USA, Kathy Holmgren and Calla decided to be in Congo. God bless you all.
Frank Moxon of Grand Rapids, MI, writes: Our love and prayers go with Kathy Holmgren and daughter, as well as all those who will be present with them, along with ABC News. May the Lord be them all as they witness and help them.
Marilyn E. Moore of Somerville, MA, writes: Thanks to ABC for following our Holmgren family. Even though the Covenant Church was not mentioned, we rejoice that among the hoopla of Super Bowl, his work can be shown very publicly.
Dean R. Erickson (pastor) of Spring Valley, CA, writes: What a powerful message little Kathy (looks so little next to Mike) has given to our modern everyday world. We are so proud of you, Kathy, and Mike, too. We are rooting for you. We feel connected through father-in-law, Rev. Levi Olson, and wife, Myrtle, who knew Mike’s grandparents. God bless you real good.
Lee Robinson of Centennial, CO, writes: Our church, Centennial Covenant, has a 13-person (including my wife, Ellen, a nurse, and Katie Brooks, a former Covenant missionary to Congo), short-term missions team in Kenya now working at Shangilia Orphanage near Kisumu. They are returning the day after the Super Bowl.
Howard and Arleen Johnson of Lacey, WA, write: Rooting for the Seahawks, but proud of you, Kathy, and Calla (we saw you on TV)!
Carrie Duran of Tulsa, OK, writes: God certainly does work . . . even thru the Super Bowl. For weeks my husband has spoken of nothing but football and the Super Bowl. I’m an RN. On Saturday (February 4) I am leaving with five pediatricians, two registered nurses and one youth pastor translator to Oaxaca, Mexico, to work with two Covenant missionaries – Jo Ellen Reaves and Cindy Hoover. We will be participating in Semillas de Salud (Seeds of Health). We will be working with local Covenant churches, with doctors in the area, and at a school with teachers and students, assisting to do school physicals, working with and encouraging them. We are praying that our work will proclaim God’s love and concern for this community. To have read of Kathy Holmgren’s mission plans the same weekend as the Super Bowl and the interest it has provoked . . . I am amazed. Many are watching. And my husband is excited for more than just the football! God is good – and even a sports fan! I’ll have to root for the Seahawks!
The medical team is working at the Karawa hospital as part of project co-sponsored by the Congo Covenant Church (CEUM), the Evangelical Covenant Church, Northwest Medical Teams, and the Paul Carlson Partnership.
Additional updates will be posted to this online Covenant news report as they become available. To make certain not to miss a single story, sign up for the free Covenant Newswire headline news report at Covenant Newswire.
Copyright © 2011 The Evangelical Covenant Church.
