November 15, 2007

In June 2007 Dr. Mabiala Kenzo of Ambrose Seminary, and student Wayne Regehr led a team to the Congo with a view to exploring ways to engage with the Congolese Church and in particular with FACTEB, the seminary in Boma, Congo. Under the name "Friends of Boma" the team sought out opportunities for ministry and also to learn from the Congolese Christians.

Wayne, drawing on his business background, met with Church leaders and leaders in the Boma community as a means of finding points of connection. Wayne and the team, which included Lau Kenzo and Jan Regehr found that just being there seemed to provide a spark for people who are overwhelmed by the hopelessness around them. Dr. Kenzo engaged in leadership training at Boma Seminary. He is currently dividing his time between Ambrose Seminary and Boma Seminary.

Friends of Boma, mainly from First Alliance in Calgary, feel drawn to Congo. As Wayne reflects, "Congo was the first Alliance mission field, but because of the violence and instability, the church along other groups was forced to withdraw. The Christian community really feels abandoned."

Wayne would like to see a reciprocal relationship develop between Canadian and Congolese Christians. He feels that particularly in the area of worship Canadian Christians have much to learn from the Congolese Church. Boma Seminary offers a doorway for such an exchange. Friends of Boma has set up a bursary program for students valued at $15,000 US. The group is committed to long-term involvement in Boma.

Ambrose Seminary students have chosen to refurbish the FACTEB single men's residence as a way of encouraging families to send their sons to school. According to Cyndy Ingram, Ambrose Seminary Missions Executive Advisor, the students here really connected with the idea of partnering with another seminary; almost a "sister seminary" idea. Our goal is not just to raise money, but to find ways to encourage the students there. We are hoping to do some blogging back and forth. Ambrose Seminary students have already raised $1,500 toward the $8,000 project.

For more information on Ambrose Seminary contact:

Lisa Kelly, Enrolment Coordinator
Toll Free: 800.461.1222
Phone: 403.410.2900
E-mail: lkelly@auc-nuc.ca