Sarah Bayot, a team leader on the recent mission trip to Congo for Christ Center, shares some updates and exciting news about our friends in Congo.
This trip was noteworthy as it marked NCC's fourth consecutive trip to Uvira and LCC's first international mission trip.
On July 11-July 21, 16 members from National Community Church (NCC) based in Washington, D.C. and Lakeside Community Church (LCC) based in Algoma, Wisconsin teamed together for a visit to Congo for Christ Center (CCC) and the newly built Mango Tree School (MTS). This trip was noteworthy as it marked NCC’s fourth consecutive trip to Uvira and LCC’s first international mission trip. The team of 16 were led by Sarah and James Bayot and Pastor Chris Jarrell, who serves on the Board of Directors for Global Outreach. It was a full itinerary of English lessons, dental and medical check ups, interviews, clothing distribution, soccer games, group breakout classes, church services, a baptism service, Bible college graduation, and the Mango Tree School dedication. The days in Uvira were full and incredibly significant for both CCC and each member of the team.
The days in Uvira were full and incredibly significant for both CCC and each member of the team.
The main advocacy and fundraising initiative this year was to raise funds and awareness of Mango Tree School, a primary school that aims to provide consistent, quality, and Christ-centered education for its students. The costs of public or private school in Uvira are prohibitive and there are many community children near CCC who cannot afford to attend school at all. This past year, Mango Tree School opened putting together the first four primary classes in the CCC dormitory rooms, adjacent houses and the soccer field. One year ago, the 2013 mission team stood on an uneven dirt field and joined hands to pray for a school. It was awe-inspiring to step foot on that same land one year later and see Mango Tree School nearly completed.
It was awe-inspiring to step foot on that same land one year later and see Mango Tree School nearly completed.
Mango Tree School is an L-shaped block building with 6 classrooms complete with desks, chalkboards, open-air windows, a metal roof, bathrooms and an administrative building. It is an inspiring structure and we believe that Mango Tree School is the right next step for CCC’s development to serve as an intersection point for the CCC children and the community. This is a place where CCC can open its doors in a sustainable and strategic manner and meet with the community on an everyday basis. We pray that the students gain a valuable education and encounter God’s presence.
We pray that the students gain a valuable education and encounter God's presence.
Our time in Congo was so rich and there are still so many stories to tell. We know that it takes time to build a relationship and it takes time to build trust. We value the relationships we have with all of the stakeholders in CCC and MTS. God is orchestrating and working and blessing here beyond what we could have hoped or imagined. Whether you have contributed once, sponsor a child monthly, or gave towards MTS, you are a stakeholder and this beautiful school would not be a reality without all of us working together. We are grateful and I know CCC is even more so.
Whether you have contributed once, sponsor a child monthly, or gave toward MTS, you are a stakeholder and this beautiful school would not be a reality without all of us working together.
Sarah Bayot, NCC team leader
To see more pictures of from the mission trip download our September 2014 newsletter:
To learn more about the importance of Mango Tree School and the difference it is making at Congo For Christ Orphanage and the surrounding community please visit our Mango Tree School page: Mango Tree School
To learn more about our Congo ministries please see our Congo webpage: Congo Ministries
Blog Post Adapted From Global Outreach Inc September 2014 Newsletter
Volume XXIX Issue IX
