General Board of Global Ministries News Release
For Immediate Release
March 21, 1997
Contact: Lesley Crosson
lcrosson@gbgm-umc.org
(212) 870-3916
New York--United Methodist churches and institutions in Zaire are struggling to remain open as rebel forces approach Lubumbashi, episcopal headquarters for the Southern Zaire area.
Dr. Randolph Nugent who heads the General Board of Global Ministries, the church's mission agency, said, "The continued operation of some of our churches during this time of chaos in Zaire is testament to the strength and enduring faith of the church's leaders and its members. Our prayers are with our local pastors, our staff, missionaries, church members and all the people of Zaire who are suffering through the turmoil there.
"It is at times like these that we most need faith to sustain us and the church to provide a place of refuge and spiritual nurture for all God s children. We are thankful that our bishops are able to continue providing episcopal leadership as they shepherd their increasingly scattered and endangered flock."
The United Methodist episcopal leaders in the troubled area are Bishop Kainda Katembo of the Southern Zaire Area, who is in Lubumbashi, Zaire and Bishop Nkulu Ntanda Ntambo of the North Shaba Area, who is in Tanzania. Bishop Onema Fama of the Central Zaire Area currently is attending meetings in the United States. He remains in radio contact with church staff in the threatened area and is providing Dr. Nugent with frequent reports on the situation.
Rebel forces intent on overthrowing the government of Mobutu Sese Seko now control more than a third of the country and have indicated their intention to move into Lubumbashi, the primary site of assignment for United Methodist missionaries.
At the advice of the Bishops in the area, United Methodist missionaries have been temporarily relocated to neighboring Zambia where they will meet with GBGM executives to assess the situation in anticipation of returning to Zaire to continue their mission work.
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