Welcome Bishop Masimango Katana
0 comments | Posted by Steven Layson on 21 Oct 2007 in From Steve's Study ::
It is a great privilege to welcome Bishop Masimango Katana, who will be visiting our services this morning. He is the bishop of the Diocese of Kindu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (that’s the Diocese where Sue Jaggar has just started her new ministry).
The Diocese of Kindu was started in 1997 when Bishop Masimango was made bishop. During 7 years of war, many Christians, including pastors, fled their villages, churches and schools were destroyed and lost most of their equipment. There were many deaths and the population was left starving and traumatised by what they had seen and experienced.
Despite this, the diocese has grown in 10 years. There are churches in all parts of the province, however many of these parishes are far apart – sometimes over 100km with no roads or means of communication. The churches are growing but there are many obstacles to growth, apart from the physical problems of isolation, lack of church buildings and lack of infrastructure throughout the region.
The missionaries in the diocese (like Sue Jaggar), have the role of preparing and training people for the work of church planting and church growth.
The first task is to establish a new Bible School for the diocese, with new criteria for entry and a new syllabus. Finding the right students is a challenge, as they are looking for men and women who are committed Christians, who have at least 3 years of secondary schooling and are already using their gifts for ministry.
We look forward to hearing more about life in the Congo and how we can join in partnership for the spread of the gospel in this area through our prayers and gifts.
NB You can see many of these details in “CMS News”
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