Moravian Church in the Democratic Republic Congo (D.R. Congo) is under construction. The country has for more than 10 years been plagued by bloody civil war. More than 1mill. people are believed to have lost their lives. The Moravian Church we see in D.R. Congo today is established in the end of the 80ties. Despite of the complicated conditions, poverty and many other problems the Moravian Church has grown up through the 90ties without any help from other countries. Moravian Church in D.R. Congo counts today more than 10.000 members divided in more than 40 congregations.
Dutch Missionary
Associated missionary Bert Muizebelt was in the winter 2004/2005 send to Mwene-Ditu in D.R. Congo by Danish Moravian Mission, BDM. His task was to investigate and assess options – or risks – in a targeted health- and mission effort in D.R. Congo. One of the outcomes is an Internet Café and today it still represents a big value for the young Moravian Church in the town.
At the same time the reports from the missionary was so convincing – despite the great poverty and political instability – that the Board of BDM ever since has budgeted with a growing effort in D.R. Congo – until it will be possible – some day – to send a missionary to the Moravian Church in D.R. Congo.
One can say that BDM from the day when Muizebelt gave his report, has taken in a new mission area. The Board did so in the belief that Mission constantly must be in motion. Moravian Church Rukwa Provins (MCRP) has taken Moravian Church D.R. Congo as a Mission Area and MCRP are supporting the young church by sending materials, helping in education etc.
BDM has a coordinating role
Former General Secretary in BDM, Jørgen Bøytler, has been on travelling several times in D.R. Congo. The country and the church is in big need for education, building work, health-projects etc. 10 years of civil war means that millions of people have an acute needs for psychical and spiritual help. And to that: The big number of people having war trauma and humiliations is a problem.
The Moravian Church is asked from the Government to re-construct the work in the country as a way to make improvements in the population as soon as possible.
And that’s why there also is a big need for Christian mission: The gospel has to be preached while people are receiving help and care; Churches must be re-build and congregations must be re-constructed.
BDM need help
More than 65 million people lives in D.R. Congo; the needs are incredible. BDM has the lead – asked from the united Moravian Churches – in re-building churches and congregations in D.R. Congo. – A cry that has to be heard! That’s why economical support is required now and fast!
