Walikale, Goma, DRC: Training and Evangelism Campaign Sparks Growth
In an effort to spread the Gospel, the Diocese of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in collaboration with Anglican Missions Africa (AMA), recently concluded a hugely successful training and evangelism campaign in Walikale. The mission, supported by the Relay Trust, took place in July 2024 and aimed to equip 100 evangelists with the skills necessary for church planting and spreading the Gospel in this largely unreached area of the DRC.
Bishop Gordon became the first Anglican bishop to visit Walikale in three decades. The support of AMA was vital in launching this ambitious campaign, which involved extensive preparations and collaboration between local church leaders and international partners. The mission comes as a follow-up to earlier evangelism efforts in the area, but this particular campaign represents the most comprehensive attempt to engage the people of Walikale with the Gospel and establish a robust Anglican presence.
The heart of the campaign was the training of 98 evangelists, just shy of the target of 100. These individuals were carefully trained in essential church planting techniques and evangelism, equipping them to spread the message of Christ and nurture new congregations. The programme focused on practical aspects of building churches and ministering to remote communities, where access to religious education has often been limited.
A major highlight of the mission was the first-ever baptisms and confirmations led by Bishop Martin Gordon in Walikale. In a powerful demonstration of faith, 102 individuals were baptised, while 199 were confirmed as communicants of the Anglican Church. These sacraments, celebrated in a region where Anglican rites had never been held, are a monumental step forward in establishing the church’s foothold. The evangelism campaigns also yielded remarkable results, with 524 new converts coming to faith. This influx of believers not only strengthens the Anglican Church in the area but also serves as a source of encouragement for future outreach missions.
Another key achievement of the mission was the acquisition of eight plots of land in critical locations around Walikale. These plots are earmarked for the construction of new churches and Anglican schools, a strategy aimed at fostering sustainable growth for the community. The establishment of schools will provide much-needed education and spiritual guidance, especially in a region where resources are limited.
The training of evangelists, the large number of new
converts, and the strategic acquisition of land for churches and schools have
all laid a strong foundation for long-term church growth. However, much work
remains. The newly planted churches are in immediate need of roofing materials,
and further training for the evangelists is essential to sustain the momentum. Please pray for the newly trained
evangelists, the new believers, and the church leaders in Walikale and across the DRC. Please also
pray for the developing relationship between the Anglican Church in the DRC and
the Relay Trust and the development of grassroots training across the country.
