PHASE ONE

1891:

The connection between Presbyterians in Eastern Virginia and the Congolese people dates back to 1891 when William H. Sheppard from Hampton Institute, along with Samuel Lapsley, founded the American Presbyterian Congo Mission at Luebo in (then) Belgian Congo

1960’s –1970’s:

Special efforts by the Presbyterian Women, and particularly those in PEVA, raised funds to create Good Shepherd Hospital in the Kasai region of Congo.  Our very own Presbytery member, Dr. Alice Welch, was present at the hospital dedication in 1975.  Today the hospital is the only active, full service medical facility within a 100,000 square mile area.

PHASE TWO

1984:

Bayside Presbyterian Church set a goal of raising $42,000 to build a healthcare clinic within the World Health Organization program to provide “Health Care for all Kinshasa.”

1989:

Two clergy and four laymen from the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia visited the Congo to evaluate the health care clinics and explore the desirability of establishing a partnership

1990:

The Rev. Tshimungu, General Secretary, clergy and lay leaders of the CPK (Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa) visited PEVA.

Later in that year, both CPK and PEVA took formal action to establish a partnership.  Approval was given by Louisville. PC (U.S.A.)

By the end of 1990, The Presbytery of Eastern Virginia raised $239,984 for primary health clinics in the Congo.

1991:

The Rev. David Garth and Mrs. Marie Rattley of the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia visited the Congo to cement the partnership and to participate in the dedication of the 5^th primary health care clinic in Kinshasa.

The year of 1991 was the celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the establishment of the Presbyterian Church of the Congo.

Phase Three:

In late 1991, troops under Mr. Mubutu rioted, protesting for more than six months in the Congo.  Property was destroyed.  Violence was everywhere.

On faith, Mr. Etienne Bote-Tshiek came to PEVA to serve as Mission Interpreter.  God was giving the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia a challenge.

Phase Four

1997:

An alliance between The Presbytery of Eastern Virginia, International Cooperating Ministries (ICM) and Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa (CPK) was formed.

This allowed ICM to build churches for CPK under the guidance of the Rev. Tshimungu.

Three churches were built and dedicated in Kinshasa.  The Presbyterian Women of The Presbytery of Eastern Virginia and Synod of the Mid-Atlantic also contributed $5,000 toward completion on the Women’s Center.

1998:

Through 1998, eight church buildings were dedicated.

Sister Church Pairing between CPK and the PEVA Churches began.  Sister Church Pairing between congregations has led to better communication between fellow Christians.  Prayers are being lifted to God on behalf of people on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

To date, twenty-five Eastern Virginia Presbytery churches have been paired with churches in the Congo.  The Presbytery of Eastern Virginia’s Presbyterian Women is also paired with the Presbyterian Women in the Congo.

Problems with logistics and banking in the Congo essentially prohibit coordination from being handled within the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Therefore PEVA has the opportunity to provide facilitation and coordinate efforts from right here at home.  In a sense, we can see what is happening in the Congo as it happens through our Mission Facilitator Etienne Bote-Tshiek.

2000:

Contact had been made with the Booth Foundation about the construction of schoolrooms onto each of the new church buildings.

Also, in 2002 there was a delegation from the Congo that came to visit The Presbytery of Eastern Virginia.  They preached and worshiped with their sister churches.  It was a unique experience!

2001:

A group of Presbyterian Women from the Congo came to visit the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia and the Presbyterian Women.  PEVA’s Presbyterian Women hosted these Congolese in their homes while they were visiting.  They also had the unique experience of worship in their sister churches.  The Congolese Presbyterian Women also sold their handmade goods to raise money for the Presbyterian Women Center in the Congo.

2002:

Because of the consequences of the continuing rebel fighting in the Congo, the absence of infrastructure in the government, and natural disasters, many Congolese children are starving.  The Presbytery of Eastern Virginia’s Presbyterian Women have worked with their sister Presbyterian Women in the Congo and have started a feeding program for the children of the Congo.

The Presbyterian Women of PEVA applied for and received a Thank Offering grant totaling $12,905.  Money is continuing to come in from individuals and churches.  The cost of feeding one child one nutritious meal a day is only $20 per month.

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2003:

Strong communication and exchange of messages had been remarkable, resulting in a meaningful PEVA delegation planning to visit the Presbyterian Church of the Congo (CPK) in July.  But due to worldly events the trip was rescheduled till 2004.  The Hospital called "Institute Medical Chrétien of Kasai IMCK" is celebrating its fiftieth year in March 2004

One long-range vision of the Congo Partnership is to utilize outside resources to generate funding for expansion of the physical presence of Presbyterian communities in the Congo.

2006:

 The Congo Advocacy Committee has been hard at work with the Congo Mission Network with U.S.  U.S. Senators Obama, Burbin, Brownback and Dewine on a proposed bill S.2125  This broad bill is designed to promote relief, security and democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  Democratic elections have not taken place in the DRC yet, The Year 2006 is a critical for the DRC there is a opportunity for democratic elections as well as hope for peace and unity in this wonderful country in the heart of Africa.  Bill S.2125 has passed the House, has passed Congress in December and as of December 22 has become Public Law No: 109-456.

The Congo Mission Network  along with PEVA's Congo Choir Special Task Force planned the Congo Choir Tour. "Chorale Presbyteriénne Du Congo" visited PEVA from JULY 21-27 2006! PEVA and members of the Hampton Roads Community had the delightful opportunity to  participate in workshops, concerts, worship services and fellowship that featured our guests, throughout all areas of PEVA.  Choir members for CPC and CPK also attended the 217th  General Assembly.  These Choir members  spent several days in each presbytery that has a partnership relationship.

2007:

Twenty-five PEVA delegates and two delegates from the James Presbytery went to the Congo July 11 - July 25th.  The  2007 Congo Mission Trip to the DRC  was a great success.  This mission trip was a hands on trip.   Some delegates helped to  build the GA/CPK  office and building that needed repair. There were several groups, we worked together with our brothers and sisters on different projects. and visited with with many CPK churches.  Click here to read all about it in the Congo Newsletter. The purpose of the trip was  to continue to strengthen the partnership and some key issues that  were focused on: Youth, Women, Education, Political, Medical & Health Issues, Economical, and Social Development.   God is Good! We never walk alone! Jesus is always near constantly directing ever protecting guiding all things for His purpose and our good.  Trusting that He will direct your step for His glory and for your good. 

Watch for more details in the next issue of the Moyo-Mbote newsletter.  If you would like more information please contact Tshiek@pcusa-peva.org or Jessica@pcusa-peva.org .  Our Congolese brothers and sister are planning to come to see us in 2010.

Thanks be to God for this wonderful partnership he has given us!

To contact us:

Phone: 757-397-7063

Fax: 757-397-7246

Email: jessica@pcusa-peva.org

Presbytery of Eastern Virginia

801 Loudoun Avenue

Portsmouth, Virginia 23707