Dr. Honoré Bunduki, Rector of the Christian Bilingual University of Congo, preaches on Sunday, Nov. 9.
At the 20th anniversary celebration of Deep Common Journey partner Congo Initiative (CI) on Saturday, Nov. 8, Blacknall members, friends, and partners gathered to give thanks for two decades of God’s faithfulness in the Democratic Republic of Congo. From its beginnings amid hardship and conflict, CI has become a beacon of hope — training leaders, serving vulnerable communities, and bearing witness to Christ’s redeeming work.
About 110 people attended a celebration dinner that included remarks from Dr. Honoré Bunduki, Rector of the Christian Bilingual University of Congo (UCBC) — CI’s flagship higher education institution — as well as from Jolie Amisi, a UCBC graduate and longtime Blacknall friend.
“It is so humbling to be part of God’s calling, joining Him in a new thing He is doing [in Congo],” Dr. Honoré told the crowd. “Because when He says He is doing a new thing, it is not about us — it is about Him doing a new thing. And the only thing He does is invite us to join Him.”
Founded amid conflict and widespread poverty, Congo Initiative began with a vision to empower Congolese communities through Christ-centered education, leadership training, and community engagement. UCBC now serves over 600 students — nearly 100 more than last year — and has graduated close to 1,100 alumni across a variety of disciplines, all trained to model Christian leadership by helping the vulnerable, fighting for justice, and serving their communities.
“I am living proof that transformation is possible because I found hope and purpose [at UCBC] — and now I get to pass that hope to the next generation of Congolese leaders,” said Jolie, who became the first female faculty member at UCBC after her graduation and is pursuing a STEM MBA at Missouri State University. “[Blacknall’s] partnership doesn’t just fund education. It restores dignity, it reveals communities, and it transforms lives.”
During a celebratory weekend for Congo Initiative, Blacknall hosted a panel discussion that discussed how to engage in collaborative mission work given the legacy of colonialism in missions. It included, from left, Associate Pastor David Dunderdale, UCBC graduate Jolie Amisi, UCBC Rector Dr. Honoré Bunduki, and David Nyiringabo, who works for Congo Initiative-USA and CARE International. (David Nyiringabo is joined here by his wife, Onyx.)
Congo Initiative’s impact also extends beyond the classroom. Through community engagement programs, UCBC students and faculty serve their neighbors, offer pro bono legal aid, provide counseling to trauma survivors, and promote sustainable land and resource governance. In each effort, faith and learning are woven together to bring healing to a wounded nation.
As the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to struggle with poverty and instability, Congo Initiative remains a living testimony to God’s power to bring renewal.
“We look at the past with gratitude, the present with hope, and the future with faith,” Dr. Honoré said. “He who has done it is faithful and will do it again.”
Along with Saturday’s dinner, Dr. Honoré preached during our Sunday services (watch his sermon here or below) and also took part in a panel discussion with Blacknall ministry partners.
Read more about Blacknall’s connection to Congo Initiative: