The 2006 edition of the Congo Christmas card features a design inspired by the wood carving artistry of Congolese designer Prince Mossebo, a 22-year-old artist who lives in Bokonzo where he is part of a CEUM church (Covenant Church of Congo).
Mossebo has hand carved a limited supply of wooden Christmas ornaments depicting the Nativity, with a distinctive African flair. Each ornament is unique in that no two are exactly alike. They are available for purchase while the supply lasts.
One of President Glenn Palmberg’s favorite gifts is a wood carving Mossebo created to honor Palmberg’s 2003 visit to Congo. It includes two tall figures with clasped hands – the figure on the left depicts CEUM President Mossai Sanguma, with the figure to the right depicting Palmberg. The carving graces a credenza in Palmberg’s Chicago office.
A limited number of Congo Christmas cards from the 2004 and 2005 commissioned sets also are available for online purchase. All of the cards, including the 2006 edition, are sold in 10-card packages for $9.95, while the ornaments are offered at $9.95 each. To purchase cards or ornaments online, please visit Covenant Bookstore.
To see the designs of the 2004 and 2005 cards, as well as a photograph of the unique carving presented to President Palmberg, please see Congo Artistry.
Net proceeds from sale of the cards and ornaments will go to the Paul Carlson 2007 Congo project “Restoring and Rebuilding.” The reconstruction work focuses on rebuilding much of northwestern Congo’s infrastructure that was destroyed during six years of civil war, including roads and water supplies, as well as educational and health care facilities.
To learn more about the needs in Congo and opportunities to assist, please see the 2006 Projects Catalog.
