Frequently Asked Questions
Places and People
Kasenga is a district but also a town, and the closest port to the large city of Lubumbashi on the Luapula River. The rural town of Kasenga is home to about 2,000 residents. The Kasenga district encompasses 5,000 sq. km- or 1930 sq. mi. The geography is best described as Savannah (tall grassland), with a temperate climate, sparse pockets of trees, and both a dry and rainy season. Poverty is prevalent and malaria is a common and frequent disease. Roads are in poor condition and transportation at its best consists of bicycles and motorcycles.
Jane Wise will serve as a full-time volunteer missionary, operating as liason to U.S. partnership, pastoral support, project coordinator, fundraising, and leadership.
Rev. D.S. Sylvain Ilunga Tshikala will serve as liason to the District pastors and churches in addition to his regular responsibilities as a District Superintendant. Sylvain holds a degree in Theology from Africa University, Zimbabwe.
Melissa Dexter (upon establishment of 501(c)3 status) will serve as Operations and Finance Director for the US ministry office. Ms Dexter holds a B.S. in Finance and International Business from Xavier University and a Master’s degree in Finance from Wright State University.
There are currently 16 churches and pastors in the Kasenga District. There is need for many more and we plan to plant more churches in parallel with the development of existing churches. Pastors do not receive a salary, but only a small percentage of the offerings. Their monthly salary is about $18-20.
Projects
Church growth and development- District Superintendent Pastor Sylvain Ilunga, along with pastors, churches, and communities in partnership will build or complete their church buildings to foster community and a sense of belonging. Church ministry programs will be visioned and developed by each congregation.
When the whole world has determined that there are only two options, be a combatant or a victim, the Church offers a third option- a call for peace. The result is that pastors are seen as the non-anxious presence in the midst of chaos. The completion of a church building gives the pastor and church leaders hope and gives them huge credibility in the community. This gives them position and strength to address issues like peace building, community health, and education.
Almost none! Some pastors do not even have a Bible and many don’t have a Bible in the correct language. Other resources (such as commentaries to prepare a sermon) are not even available.
We are in the process of constructing David’s House. A ministry resource center, David’s House is planned to provide a library with pastoral resources for teaching, evangelism and spiritual development for the district. A large conference room will provide a meeting place for district events, with smaller rooms providing areas for prayer, literacy and nutrition classes, and an office with computer/printer.
Using training and resources from ECHO, (an organization that works to make farmers more effective at growing food-producing crops under harsh conditions), Franck Kisimba will be teaching residents how to improve animal and crop production to supply food for families and provide much-needed income. A community garden is planned to supplement the local market and reduce the scarcity of fresh foods.
Giving
Prayer
Prayer is needed not only for the missionary and the ministry, but also to open our hearts to God’s teaching about taking the gospel into the world and His teaching about giving. Scripture tells us in a variety of ways that He wants us to be a giving people. He also wants us to be involved in the Abrahamic Covenant in Genesis 12 of seeing that “all nations will be blessed.” Our involvement grows when we respond to God’s desire that all nations come to know Him.
Gift to Support Relocation
There are many large costs associated with relocating to another country. Even though the missionary may have given up most of their physical possessions, certain start-up costs are inevitable such as airfare, long-term visas, shipping, housing and transportation. Shipping a container from the USA to DRC, for example, costs $20,000. The gifts must be collected until the need is met. Your gift can begin God’s work in the field.
Church or Group Ongoing Sponsorship
A church may feel led to provide ongoing support on a monthly basis. Committees or small groups such as a Missions Committee or Prayer Group may also decide that a commitment to monthly giving is right for them. On-going sponsorship is committed by filling out a Giving Card, and turning in your pledge monthly or quarterly.
We also offer the opportunity for your church to partner with a church in the Kasenga District- contact us!
A faith promise involves waiting before the Lord for His instructions as to what He wants you to give in reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A faith promise is just that- given on faith that God will supply for other things which arise as you proceed in giving what you promised Him. (II Cor. 9:7-8)
The Faith Promise is scriptural. The apostle Paul practiced it. He would ask the churches to promise a certain amount and gave them an allotted time, then picked up their gifts and used them in the establishing of churches and winning the lost for Christ. It is never aimed to glorify individuals or organizations, but only Jesus Christ. Its sole purpose is to support the work of world evangelism which is commanded by our Lord (Mark 16:15). It’s designed to bring us into a closer and completely dependent attitude upon God and a deeper fellowship with Him, an act of absolute faith. (2 Cor 8:4-5 and 9:7)
God may increase your income. God may decrease your expenses. God may call you to sacrifice. Giving, although important, is secondary to faith and praying. God will help pay the amount promised.