When Blacknall established Deep Common Journey partnerships with groups like Reality Ministries, Families Moving Forward, and International Students, Inc., each came with the benefit of having local ties to and for Durham. But in 2013, our church felt a calling to look farther abroad and discover how our members could grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Blacknall has supported Congo Initiative (CI) for the past 12 years as one of our Deep Common Journey partners, with the goal of mutually transforming the lives of people in Congo and in our congregation. As CI gathers to celebrate its 20th anniversary with us in November, it's clear that this partnership has brought meaningful change for all.

*Blacknall will host a celebration dinner for Congo Initiative on Saturday, Nov. 8, to honor 20 years of work in the U.S.* *Learn more and join us*!

"Our partnership with Congo Initiative has deepened our own relationships with Jesus Christ," said Kim Dunderdale, who has spent over a decade traveling to Beni, Congo to help our connection with CI flourish. "It has moved us out of our comfort zone, giving us the opportunity to trust God when we can’t control the circumstances. We have walked alongside our brothers and sisters in Congo and witnessed the presence and power of God as he ushers in his kingdom in the midst of the ongoing conflict and violence.”

Since 2013, Blacknall has provided about $250,000 and countless hours of volunteer work in support of CI, which educates and equips the country’s next generation of leaders to create systemic change in Congo. This shows up in many ways: empowering more young people — especially women — to pursue higher education, caring for local families with children with disabilities, offering Christian counseling programs, and more.

"I believe I've received so much of God's grace and now I'm proud to be part of the transformation happening here," said Ndjabu Dedonga, who grew up in war-torn Ituri Province but with help from Congo Initiative, graduated from the Christian Bilingual University of Congo. "To those who support this work, financially or in prayer, thank you. Your contribution is not in vain."

In the years since Blacknall’s partnership with CI began, our church has supported ministry trips to Congo, funded educational programs, helped establish a radio station in Beni, and more. In Durham, we’ve spent many hours in prayer for our CI brothers and sisters, hosted CI graduates, held fundraisers to support Christ-centered educational programs in Congo, and even organized pen pal connections so our congregation could form personal relationships with people in Beni.

For more than a decade, Blacknall has aspired to live out what it means to be a Deep Common Journey partner with Congo Initiative. As we gather in a few weeks to celebrate that relationship and God’s work in Congo, we’ll recognize a shared transformation that shapes hearts, deepens faith, and reveals His kingdom through friendship and mutual care.

This 2019 video highlights the longstanding partnership between Blacknall and Congo Initiative.