The team, which included both clergy and lay leaders, traveled to six sites in the northwest section of the country during their visit October 8-19. Areas they visited include Loko, Bumba, Wassolo, Goyongo, Karawa, and Gemena.
The team is assembling a report to deliver to the Rolling Hills congregation, which will then determine in what ways they can most effectively become involved in helping the Congolese residents. A key part of that report will be a DVD that includes video taken during the trip by Robert Hennie, director of technical ministries. Hennie says the video footage can also be used in other initiatives designed to publicize the need.
The needs are challenging, says Hennie, who observes that the hospital at Loko must function without running water, electricity, and many basic supplies. Another contingent of Rolling Hills members are scheduled to travel to Congo in February where they hope to engage in specific projects that come out of the survey of needs compiled by the fact-finding team earlier this month.
The Congolese overwhelmed the visitors with their reception. “At every city as we landed on grass landing strips, we were greeted by hundreds, sometimes into the thousands of people,” says Byron Macdonald, senior pastor.
Joe Handley, global outreach pastor, says he was equally amazed. “In more than 20 years of global ministry and working in over 30 countries, I have never been so warmly welcomed by a group than by the Congolese Covenant Church,” he says.
Other members of the fact-finding team were Safy Jacob, and Mel and Mary Nygren.
