Africa

The Democratic Republic of Congo

A church will never grow without missions. It should be the focus of every church. It is part of the vision of Jesus Christ.

CHURCH PLANTING REPORT

Ministry in Congo
A powerful ministry has been launched in Kinshasha. Reverend Firmin Beya, a pastor with Ezra Ministries, his wife Monell, and their four children have recently returned to Ottawa, Canada after spending a year and a half in Kinshasha answering God's call to "go" and begin a church there. They obeyed and our God who always goes before us, who is everywhere, powerfully met their needs and took care of every situation. Pastor Firmin and Monell were here a few weeks ago in Halifax to give us a first-hand report of the work God has established there.

Rev. Firmin Beya, his wife Monell, their 4 children and an Evangelist who visited them at their home in Kinshasa.

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1
This is a wonderful promise we can claim for those servants who are ministering in difficult places. God is the only one who can bring solutions.

When our brother Firmin went to Congo, Africa, there were times when we didn't know where they were and this is the Psalm that we held on to, believing that dwelling in the secure Presence of the most High is our only safety - that is where we must be. Are you dwelling in that place? It is the only place where we are not shaken by sickness, trials, trouble, persecutions, danger, sword, famine or whatever. Truly it is an offering to risk our lives so that others may be saved. We thank and praise God for being Pastor Firmin and his family's surety, their protection, and portion in everything. These servants of God found that as they dwelt in the shadow of the Almighty, He covered them with His feathers( warmth, and love). We thank God for their truthfulness, faithfulness, and sacrifice to do the work, becoming poor so that others could become rich.

"Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." John 4:34. Jesus' food was His spiritual nourishment. Spiritual nourishment not only comes from church attendance, Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and communion with the Father; it also comes from doing God's work. This will bring His work of salvation to completion. We are nourished not only by what we take in but what we give out for God.

Then Jesus said, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful. (deeply troubled)" Mt. 26:38 (KJV). Jesus could have prayed, "Father save me from what lies ahead" because Jesus knew His crucifixion lay ahead. He knew He would have to take the sins of the whole world on Himself and He knew this would separate Him from His Father. He knew God had sent Him for that very purpose - to die in the place of mankind for his sin. Jesus said, "No" to His human desires in order to obey His Father and glorify Him. We like Jesus are called to obedience regardless of our human desires. Whatever the Father asks, obey Him! We should do His will with obedient, joyful, submissive, humble, and enthusiastic hearts. In doing that, we will bring glory to His name.

Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mk. 16:15 " "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matt 28:20 AMEN! Praise God! HALLELUJAH! God's plan was accomplished and there is now a registered ministry named Ezra Bible Center in Kinshasha, Congo with Reverend Elie Mbuyamba Nshika as the Pastor. They will also have a mobile teaching ministry (Bible School) to meet the needs of others who are hungry for spiritual truths but live beyond the Center's location and have no means to get there.

This is a huge ministry. Here are a few of the needs:

• Hundreds are hungry for God.
• Shepherds and lay leaders are needed to shepherd the flock.
• Believers want to be taught spiritual truths.
• Orphans need love, care, food, clothing and shelter.
• Widows need the same as orphans.
• Delinquent children and youth need workers to guide and instruct them.

There are so many people, too many to help. How shall it all be done?
Through trustworthy servants who take on the responsibility of such a great task. Thousands and thousands need help. But God will do it! It is His work. Let's pray and trust God, hand in hand. Yes, churches in other parts of the world may have a different work but by all working together with God's vision the Lord will accomplish great things and the task will be completed.

Ezra Ministries administrative plans, rules, and regulations have been put in place so that the Pastor's which are approved will be following the standard set down by Ezra Ministries, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. This will ensure that Pastors will not be doing their own thing but instead will be working in unity toward the vision of Ezra Ministries with one heart and mind.

Congo is the center or hub for the rest of Africa. We praise God for opening up this strategic door. Much prayer is needed as the ministry spreads to meet the cry of God's people who are thirsting for spiritual life. There are many pastors who are waiting to come under the umbrella of Ezra Ministries as soon as possible. Already there is a man of God in Cameroon. West Africa who is going to take up the ministry there after his studies are completed. Praise the Lord. What an awesome God we serve.