Congo Week 2024
October 13-19, 2024, is Congo Week. Congo Week is an opportunity for education and celebration with Congolese siblings.
Sunday, October 13
To celebrate the beginning of Congo Week we have a number of prayer and worship resources including a sermon and prayer from Rev. Dr. Robert N’KWIM Bibi-Bikan of the Protestant University in Congo, a sermon and prayer from Rev. Prof. Bosela Eale, songs from CDCC choirs, a scripture reading in Lingala, video sermons from previous Congo Weeks, and a series of liturgies.
Monday, October 14
Congo Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about the devastating legacy of conflict in the Congo and mobilize support on behalf of the people of the Congo. Our partners in the Congo are the Church of Christ in Congo, Congo Protestant University – Kinshasa, and the Community of Disciples of Christ in Congo.
These partners serve their communities in a variety of ways. The Mama Sandra Gourdet Center in Bolenge gives opportunities to young people who are often rejected by their communities. They train people in 4 sectors: sewing, masonry, carpentry, and aesthetics (skin and beauty treatments).
The Community of Disciples of Christ in Congo (CDCC) runs several schools, hospitals, and nutrition centers that provide healthcare and education, and they respond to other humanitarian needs as identified by local communities.
The Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) also serve their communities in many ways. Of note is the ways in which women are supported through its job training and capacity-building programs.
Tuesday, October 15
A serious outbreak of mpox has been occurring in the Congo. The World Health Organization has classified it as a public health emergency of international concern. Read about mpox and how it’s affecting people in Congo from Rev. Dr. Brigitte Eale.
The Community of Disciples of Christ in Congo and other partners in the region are responding to the mpox outbreak in a variety of ways. Read about their responses and donate to support their efforts. You can give online or by check and put “mpox” or “Congo Week” in the special designation box.
Wednesday, October 16
An estimated 64% of the world’s reserve of coltan, a natural resource that is central to the function of our cell phones and other technology, is found in Congo. Millions have died in the conflict in Eastern Congo and conflict minerals like the coltan in our technology plays a big part in fueling that conflict. Join in solidarity with Congolese people by participating in a technology fast (phone, computer, tv) for an hour today. We also challenge you to donate the same amount as your monthly cell phone bill to Global Ministries partners working for peace in Congo.
Thursday, October 18
Richie Lontulungu Nsombola, a lay leader from the Community of Disciples of Christ in Congo (CDCC) and a civil society leader in his community, explains some of the conflict that has been happening for many years in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Friday, October 19
On this Friday of Congo Week we celebrate Congolese culture through a cooking demonstration by former mission co-worker Rev. Dr. Brigitte Eale, music, and a chance to purchase handicrafts from Congolese artisans.