Thanks to the generous support of the Trinity Lutheran Church Outreach Fund, the Lutheran community in Kasai-Oriental is making incredible strides toward building their first-ever church facility in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of Congo. After purchasing land and obtaining all necessary permits, construction is underway. The foundation has been completed, and plans are now in motion to begin building the walls. It’s an exciting time for the community as they prepare to have a permanent place to worship, hold convocations, and gather for fellowship.
This church building will not only serve as a spiritual center but will also house a community center designed to offer essential programs. The community center will provide local women with opportunities to learn sewing skills, helping them support their families, and offer literacy programs for people of all ages. These programs will empower individuals and strengthen the community while sharing the love of Christ.
The excitement around this project has been overwhelming. Each Sunday, a group of about 40 people gathers on the construction site to worship. The community is so dedicated to the project that men take turns staying overnight to guard the materials, and women and youth walk up to a mile each way to fetch water for construction. The passion and enthusiasm for this project are evident, and the congregation has already named the church “Paroisse Nouvelle Jérusalem – Communauté des Eglises Luthériennes Confessionnelles au Congo” (New Jerusalem Church – Community of the Confessional Lutheran Churches in Congo) during a special service held in July 2024.
While the journey hasn’t been without its challenges—such as the lack of a water well on the construction site—the local people have shown remarkable resilience in overcoming obstacles. They continue to work together, bringing water from a nearby well to keep the project moving forward.
The benefits of this project will last far beyond the construction of a building. This church and community center will serve as a beacon of hope, providing a place for people to encounter the love of God and be transformed by the Gospel. The Trinity Lutheran Church Outreach Fund is proud to be a part of this global mission, and we are thankful for the generous contributions that have made this vital work possible. The Lutherans in Kasai-Oriental send their heartfelt thanks for your continued support in building a future filled with faith, hope, and transformation.