Shared Mission with the Congolese Mark J.H. Klassen
“Most of them came to America as refugees, with very little,” said Terry Hunt, Eastern District Minister for the US Mennonite Brethren, “but when I saw the vibrancy in their spiritual lives, I said to myself, ‘They’re so much richer than us.’” For the past couple of years, Hunt and other USMB leaders have been developing a special relationship with a network of about thirty Congolese congregations spread out across the US. “This is a God thing,” said Rick Eshbaugh, Central District Minister for the USMB. “Initially, these churches were asking for our help with some very practical needs, especially for the members who had recently immigrated, but it quickly became apparent that we shared so much in common, including a shared mission.” These congregations are made up of recent immigrants from Africa, mostly from the Democratic Republic of Congo. In recent years, due to ongoing conflict and injustice in DR Congo, thousands became refugees. Many left the country in search of freedom and peace, including thousands of Congolese Mennonite Brethren. Many of these emigrated to the United States where they began again as families, and as churches. Within the global MB family, it is well known that Congo is home to the second largest MB conference in the world, second only to India. “North American MBs have been sending missionaries to Congo for more than a hundred years,” explained Eshbaugh, “but today something different is happening, now they’re sending missionaries to America!” For Hunt, this was a humbling reality. “As Americans, we are the ones in need,” he stated plainly, “Look at our nation, how divided we are, politically and racially. Our Congolese brothers and sisters are bringing a fresh 10 | witness
perspective on our shared mission. They’re bringing hope to our nation.” About five years ago, Eshbaugh felt similar when he met Claude Tambatamba, Pastor of the New Jerusalem Temple in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. “I was introduced to a very vibrant church community,” said Eshbaugh, “and Claude was a very progressive leader and networker.”
“Our Congolese brothers and sisters are bringing a fresh perspective on our shared mission. They’re bringing hope to our nation.” Very quickly, the networking began, and global connections were made between MB leaders in Congo and the US. Soon after, a meeting was held with some of the key leaders of the Congolese churches, as well as USMB leadership and representatives from Multiply. The simple question was asked, “How can we help each other?” “There were a variety of needs that we became aware of,” said Galen Wiest, Mission Mobilizer with Multiply from Fresno, California, “but mostly we recognized the need for friendship. Before anything else, we just wanted to build strong relationships with one another.” Henri Ngolo, another key Congolese leader, was a bivocational pastor in Ohio who also held a senior position with Costco’s marketing department. “Henri was already doing a great job of networking immigrants for support and practical help,” said Eshbaugh, “but he was also intent on providing mentors for the Congolese pastors.”
