Joyful Surprises & Reunions

Ron and Doris’s journey back to Congo has been filled with surprises, blessings, and opportunities to reconnect with their missionary community, the RWI team, and local pastors. They spent the first ten days at the mission guesthouse in Kinshasa, assisting the larger body of Christ by tackling essential maintenance projects. Doris sewed new curtains and tablecloths to support the dedicated volunteer staff.

A WARM WELCOME

On Saturday, March 14th, they flew to Mbandaka and were warmly welcomed by Thomas and the typical oppressive heat wave that greeted them as they stepped off the plane. They began reconnecting with their teams in various ministries, and Doris was particularly excited to witness the growth and enthusiasm of her English teachers during Bible study and teacher training sessions at the English Training Center.

A significant shipment of Proclaimers, glasses, and educational books arrived by boat, which is always something to thank God for! Ron and his team organized and strategized the best way to distribute these resources, being mindful of the growing demand, especially in the interior regions where follow-up support is not possible.

 A JOYFUL SURPRISE

They were blessed with a wonderful surprise in Mbandaka when Raphael, a pastor working within the Pygmy community, used a Proclaimer in his ministry and shared it with Jean, a fellow from the Ivory Coast. Jean quickly recognized that their ministry among the Pygmies could greatly benefit from additional Proclaimers that communicate God’s Word in their language. To their delight, Jean and Ron discovered that they already knew each other! He had been a teacher at the American School in Abidjan during the same period that Doris taught there, and their kids attended in the 90’s. It turned into an unlikely but very joyful reunion.

Jean shared how the Lord called him to resign from his excellent job at the American School to become a missionary in Benin and later in Congo. When COVID broke out, he was visiting a friend in Mbandaka and was unable to leave in God’s providence. Later, his wife, Sarah, joined him.

During that time, he became aware of the Pygmies and their marginalized status in society. God put it on his heart to preach the good news of Jesus to them, and by God’s grace, they have planted a church in Mbandaka and in several nearby villages. They will be using Proclaimers to start “listening clubs”, where many are without Bibles and are unable to read. 

We thank God for Jean. Please pray for him and his wife, Sarah, as they use the Proclaimers and the Farming God’s Way Training to minister to the Pygmy population in Mbandaka and beyond!  

United in Love, Walking in Hope, Persevering in Faith,

Ron, Doris, & the RWI Team