First Sabbath Offering for the Kasai-Occidental Mission, Congo

The Kasai-Occidental Mission is situated in the center of the Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC] which is also the center of the African continent and includes the province bearing its name. Free from wars and natural catastrophes, Kasai-Occidental is one of three provinces of the DRC which are populous.

This province is also renowned for its production of diamonds. However, this production of gems has never improved the life of its large population. Adding to the absence of any industry, the high cost of living, its lack of electricity, and its geographical position, the majority of its population is suffering from poverty and unemployment.

The message of reformation came to this province around 1990 by three German missionaries, and since then the message has been spreading so quickly that the Kasai-Occidental Mission is becoming the second populous mission after Angola. Since 2000 we are part of the SDA Reform Movement, and in 2005 the General Conference organized our 40 groups as a Mission.

Our three years of organization as a Mission did permit us to obtain the equipment necessary to improve the condition of our courageous workers’ hard service. There are yet no church buildings, no headquarters, and no means of transportation or communication.

By reinforcing our talents and abilities, we think that the equipment of our church will help us to win more souls, as well as to keep others faithful in the truth.

We count very much on your generous offerings of this first Sabbath of 2009 so we can face the major problems of an underdeveloped region which have hindered the advancement of the work.

Our thanks in advance.

Your brethren and sisters of the Kasai-Occidental Mission