Central Texas to renew ties with Democratic Republic of Congo
Central Texas Methodists will renew ties with good friends in the faith through the selection of a communication project for the North Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa as the 2006 Annual Conference offering.
The project to be funded will establish a conference communications center in Kamina in the North Katanga region. The conference communications center — estimated to cost about $21,000 for computers, printers, Internet connection, digital cameras and editing software — will provide relatively inexpensive current technology equipment for the conference that will greatly enhance its information sharing and distribution capabilities. With this equipment, the United Methodist Church will be able to establish the conference as a greater resource as the people of North Katanga continue to rebuild from the war and address health and social issues such as the AIDS crisis.
“Because of the great relationship that has developed over the years between the North Katanga Conference and the Central Texas Conference, we are pleased to be able to provide funding for the modern technological equipment for communication for our friends in Christ. The people of Central Texas have a warm place in their hearts for Bishop Ntambo and the people of North Katanga. This equipment will better equip the United Methodists of that region to communicate with their own people and with the church around the world. By having better tools, we “Because of the great relationship that has developed over the years between the North Katanga Conference and the Central Texas Conference, we are pleased to be able to provide funding for the modern technological equipment for communication for our friends in Christ. The people of Central Texas have a warm place in their hearts for Bishop Ntambo and the people of North Katanga. This equipment will better equip the United Methodists of that region to communicate with their own people and with the church around the world. By having better tools, we believe they will be able to communicate the Gospel more fully.”
—Bishop Ben Chamness
The relationship between the Central Texas Conference and the North Katanga region began some years ago when Central Texas Conference congregations, Sunday School classes and Youth Fellowship groups helped construct 150 churches and parsonages in the fast-growing faith community of the North Katanga Conference. Bishop Ntambo became a frequent visitor to the conference, sharing the excitement for continuing ministry and growth in his region.
