United States / Canada

We recently embarked on a mission trip to visit two Congolese families in Green Bay, WI, and one isolated brother in Wausau, WI. Our primary goal was to assess their physical and spiritual well-being and encourage them to consider relocating to Des Moines, IA, where a Swahili-speaking ecclesia is present.

On Saturday morning, we were warmly received by Bro. Ali Kakoze, his wife, Sis. Maoumbi Ali, and their nine children, including newborn twin babies! We also met Bro. Esube Ekyenga, his wife, Sis. Marie Mykombwe, and their five children, along with Sis. Rusi Ramazzani and Sis. Masoka Ebuelawe. The Green Bay ecclesia is entirely Congolese, primarily from the Tongogara Ecclesia, a refugee camp in Zimbabwe, rather than Tanzania or Malawi, where many other families have come from. Both families have stable housing and employment, meaning their material needs are currently met. However, their greatest desire is to strengthen their spiritual fellowship and continue growing as a community in Christ.

Later that afternoon, we traveled to Wausau, WI, to visit Bro. Ramazzani, who currently lives in isolation. To provide him with fellowship, we brought him back to Green Bay, where he spent the night and joined us for the Memorial Service. To ensure his continued involvement, Bro. Ali has selflessly offered to make a 100-mile round trip every Saturday and Sunday to bring Bro. Ramazzani to Green Bay for worship. This incredible act of love and dedication is a true testament to his commitment to the Truth.

During our discussions about relocating to Des Moines, it became clear that the Green Bay brethren feel called to stay. Bro. Ali, in particular, spoke passionately about three other local families who frequently meet with them and are learning the Truth. His words were both moving and inspiring: “If we move, they will perish!” His heartfelt conviction to continue preaching and sharing the Word of Life has solidified their decision to remain in Green Bay and grow their local ecclesia.

On Sunday morning, three of the four new families attended the Memorial Service, filling the house with 16 adults and nearly 25 children—a truly joyful and uplifting gathering!

The most pressing needs for the brethren in Green Bay are:

• Swahili Bibles – We will be sending out a dozen Swahili Bibles to support their studies.
• A Larger Meeting Space – Finding a place where they can all gather comfortably for worship is a bigger challenge, but efforts are already underway.

We are excited to continue supporting this small but enthusiastic group as they work toward establishing the Green Bay Christadelphian Ecclesia. Please keep them in your prayers, and may God continue to bless their efforts in spreading the Gospel!