The Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic is Eastern North Dakota Synod’s companion synod. Hand in hand, Maboko na Maboko, is the loose African translation of “companion synod”. What can we, as people and congregations of eastern North Dakota, do to continue to walk hand in hand with our brothers and sisters in Christ?
The Central African Republic (C.A.R.), located in the heart of Africa, is one of the poorest, least developed countries in the world. It is surrounded by unstable, and sometimes violent countries. Many of its people live daily lives of struggle and bare subsistence; however, Christians in the C.A.R. have joy in worshiping their Savior and in sharing that joy with others. While visiting the C.A.R. in February of 2008, Dianne Billey observed, “I have never been in a situation where there was such joy in being Christian and absolute joy in worshiping with other Christians.” Here is an update on the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic:
Joe and Debra Troester, the only American missionaries living and working in the C.A.R., were on home assignment this past summer. Now back in the C.A.R., Joe, an engineer, works with local village people on water projects and Deborah, a pastor, is teaching at the seminary. Visit Joe and Deborah’s blog http://africanwaterlog.blogspot.com (external link). You may subscribe to their blog by email (josephtroester@earthlink.net) and will automatically receive their newsletter.
June and Phil Nelson live and work in the Cameroon serving missionaries with logistical coordination. They served for more than a decade in the C.A.R. and returned to the Central African region in 2008. Phil grew up in the Cameroon, the son of retired Pastor Ron & Ruth Nelson of Hettinger, ND. Pastor Sarah Larsen-Tade writes, “Their experience…love of the church, the people, culture and languages are gifts that serve to build up the kingdom of God in that place.” (Read a recent letter from Phil)
Through the shared action of Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry (external link), Global Health Ministry (external link), and Companion Synods (external link) (like EaND) a medical facility, the Gallo Clinic, is being built. Teresa Obaya, a Kenyan midwife and health administrator, was called to oversee the project. The cornerstone was laid in March 2009 and a shipping container full of medical supplies was sent May 30. Soon the center will be completed, and the good work will begin!
As we pray for the people, the village schools, missionaries, and for understanding we can also financially support the ministries of the C.A.R. and learn more about the Central African Republic! You are encouraged to learn more by visiting the ELCA C.A.R. page (external link) and the EaND Synod C.A.R. Global Ministry page.
We continue our journey of being the body of Christ in the world—at home, at work, near and far—and by continuing to walk hand in maboko na maboko with our synod companion, the Central African Republic.
Adapted from Rev. Sarah Larsen Tade’s Shepherd of the Prairie newsletter; the ELCA website; and the EaND Synod C.A.R. brochure
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