Rev. Kizombo Kalumbula Sr. was one of four members in my
Cornerstone University Masters program learning team. This Congolese man never
failed to share his experience related to our topic of study from the
perspective of his home country. I remember learning about issues of justice,
healthcare, and education from him. I also remember a time when he quietly left
the room to take a phone call. When he returned he told the class that his son
called to say that he loved his father and that he might not make it through
the night because the fighting was just outside the doorway. It was then that I
realized how little I really understood the world outside my doorstep.
A few short years ago I happened across a third member of
that same learning team. After filling in the gaps about our lives since last
meeting, including the part about ministry, he mentioned that he is now
connected to Kizombo Sr.’s ministry and that he is working with Kizombo Jr. in
doing so. Soon enough we all met at The Omelet Shoppe (oh how I miss the German
apple pancake). Kizombo Jr. pastors Tabernacle Community Church in Grand Rapids
and that church supports International Berean Ministries in Congo.
We’ve all felt some kind of connection between our ministry
activities, but various roadblocks kept us from meeting on this vast continent.
However, Kizombo Jr. and I both had the sense that the time is now. And of
course God showed up and made schedules and finances available to make this
journey. Together we’ll deliver ministry, prayer, teaching, and love.
So, why am I going to Congo? I’m going to serve God
alongside an old friend and a new friend.