Central and West Africa
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| What would you call someone who has an important message to communicate, one who goes here and there, far and wide, to proclaim it?” asked Dr. Morrison, Presbyterian missionary to the Belgian Congo. “I would call him a mutangidiki—one who scatters abroad,” replied Kayimbi. Dr. Morrison replied, “That is just what you are. It is now time for you, the first Congolese Presbyterian evangelist, to leave Luebo and go to another village to scatter the good news of Jesus Christ!” This exchange happened over 110 years ago in what is now called the Democratic Republic of the Congo. That early church now has almost two million members and a variety of vibrant ministries through which it gives witness to God’s faithfulness.
As coordinator for Central and West Africa I have had numerous opportunities to hear about God’s faithfulness over the ages. I have heard the stories of church beginnings and have been reminded of the PC(USA)’s part in bringing the good news to this part of the world. Sudan, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon have vibrant, growing churches that PC(USA) missionaries, with God’s faithfulness, started so long ago. These partners and others are celebrating 50, 100, and 150 years of ministry. Too many people to mention from the PC(USA) and the churches in Africa have leaned on God’s faithfulness and served to spread the gospel over the ages. What a witness to God’s love through Jesus Christ! The early missionaries went out to Africa in response to Christ’s call to “go and make disciples” and “As the Father sent me so I send you.” Many died while in service, and more buried their loved ones in foreign lands. |
 Partners/Ministries Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Togo (EEPT): Rev. Kodjo Gerson Bessa, moderator, Rev. Luther K. E. Degbovi, synod secretary, Emmanuel Koffi Dobou, presbytery executive PC(USA) General Assembly Staff Theresa McGuire Slaiman, PW Bok-Soon Slayton, CMD Eva H. Slayton, NMD |
 The Lord is good to all, and [God’s] compassion is over all that [God] has made (Ps. 145:9). |
 Ps. 5, 29, 82, 145 Zeph. 1:7–13 Rev. 14:1–13; Luke 12:49–59 |
