Church in Bouar, Central African Republic

Update: Winter 2009

My Visit to the Central African Republic by Gordon Olson

In early December I traveled to C.A.R., representing LPGM and Global Health Ministries, to see the completed women’s center and church in Bouar as well as to work with Teresa Obwaya, project manager, and President Andre Golike to take preliminary actions on the construction of the medical clinic in Gallo. The church (Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic — EELRCA) was so encouraged to know that this long-awaited clinic would finally be a reality. From celebrations at the Gallo site to meetings with the contractor, the experience was one of great joy and hopefulness.

The new Central Church is holding worship for the community in the French language. Besides regular worship services, the large sanctuary space has proved useful for meetings, church-wide assemblies and even overflow sleeping for overnight events.

The cool and secure basement of the church is filled with medical suplies for ASSOMESCA, a regional Protestant/Catholic organization that provides for clinics and infirmaries in the area.

Four motorcycles, given by First Lutheran congregation in Fargo, North Dakota, have been distributed to church regional directors who travel regularly into villages to support congregations. There is a need for 5 more cycles at about $2,500 each.

Now, more than ever, the church here is finding hope–hope because they know we are walking with them and are helping them to make important things happen. It is impossible for me to tell you the full impact of our partnership and the love they have for us. What powerful emotions! What an important and strong relationship we are building with people who for so long have not been able to dream of the future–but instead struggle to survive day by day.

Update: Spring 2008
The newly renovated Central Church, the largest church building in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic (EELRCA), was dedicated in February. This renovation was a gift from Hope Lutheran in Fargo, North Dakota. Representatives of the companion synods that contributed to the women’s center were on hand to celebrate both the dedication of the women’s center and the Central Church.

Update: Winter 2007
Tim and Janet Dray Return from C.A.R.! Tim and Janet Dray, Minneapolis architects who have given a year of their time and skills to supervise the construction of a women’s center and church in the Central African Republic, returned to the U.S. in early December (2006) and are now back working at their respective jobs. With the buildings nearing completion, the Drays were able to take this project from the planning stage to actuality within a year’s time. Given the challenges of working on such a huge project in that country, the end result is truly a miracle. Latest reports are that the projects, funded mostly by ELCA companion synods and large congregations in those synods, are 95% complete with only painting, furnishing and some finishing touches left.

We are so grateful to the Drays for their amazing work and dedication to the projects. When fully completed and operating, the women’s center will reach out to educate and empower hundreds of women and young girls, teaching skills and leadership. The church will serve as a worshiping and gathering place for the greater community of Bouar as well as a storage and distribution place for medicines and AIDS-related supplies (in the basement). This tree-lined property has been transformed into a place that will play a significant role in the church of that country serving its people under the banner of Christ.