On March 19th, we held yet another graduation ceremony for 21 young people who have successfully completed the 12 Foundation Stones Bible Course. Most of them are from the Massina group taught by Gerse, the others are from the UNIKIN (University of Kinshasa) group taught by Olivier and the Gombe group taught by Thierry. This time, we wanted those teachers to bear the full responsibility of planning, organizing and leading the event, while we would simply be the “guests of honor”. We just agreed to do the opening and closing prayers, and to show a short presentation video about our work.

Planning meeting with Gerse, Patrick and Olivier

They did a wonderful job, the whole event was very beautiful and uplifting. It was very moving to hear these young people, some of them still in High School, others young professionals, two of them even being pastors, standing up for Jesus and committing their life to Him. Several of last year’s graduates became Gerse’s assistants for this batch of 12 FS students. When some of them would be unable to attend a class, these assistants would help them catch up. They also formed a little choir, practicing several times a week. One of them, Tresor, is also a song writer, and now sings with a very famous Gospel band here in Congo, which is a whole testimony in itself. He had gone with posters, tracts and Get Activated booklets to the church where this band performed and asked to talk to the leader of the group. He witnessed to him, shared his testimony, and gave him our publications. They were very impressed by his boldness and sincere love for Jesus. Since he loves singing and composes praise songs, they auditioned him and have now allowed him to sing with them.

Tresor singing with their choir

Everyone testified how much the course has done for them. All were already Christians, but most of them didn’t really have a personal relationship with Jesus before following the course. The 12 FS helped them to develop and deepen their relationship with the Lord, and also helped them understand what it’s all about, what they’re supposed to do with their faith: to share His love with those they meet and to spread the Gospel everywhere they go, to put their faith into action, to be active Christians.

Each graduate received, besides a Bible Knowledge certificate, a brand-new Bible and a CD with a variety of materials for their future ministry. 

Patrick, who came from Bas Congo for the event, MCing

Olivier with daughter Olivia

Gerse introducing the graduates

Guests and attendees

Guests and attendees

Below are a couple of testimonies which stood out to us from some of the graduates:

“It was really hard for me to keep up with the course because of my work responsibilities, but my shepherd Gerse was willing to sacrifice his time and come to my work place to help me catch up on the classes I had missed. It is thanks to him that I was able to finish the course. I am very grateful.”

Stalonne proudly holding his certificate

“I am a pastor, I have done a course in theology, and have received a lot of training from various churches. But what I have learned with the 12 FS course I have not found in any of our churches here. It has deepened my relationship with Jesus and has helped me to understand what is the mission we have on this earth, to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.”

Pastor Andre

“What impressed me the most when I started attending the 12 FS classes, is love for our fellowman. I was married to a pastor, and we had started a church together, but I didn’t have any love in my heart for my fellowman. When my husband died, I continued with his ministry, yet without a real love for others. But I was impressed by the love and compassion shown in our Bible study group, especially Gino and Marie, how they have left their homeland to preach the Gospel and bring Jesus’ love to us. Also my shepherd Thierry. One day on my way to Bible class, all I had was 500FC for transport to get there. On the way I saw an albino who was like a crazy man, in rags and barefoot, sitting in dirt on the side of the road and drinking dirty water. For the first time in my life, I felt compassion in my heart towards him. So I took the 500FC to buy him some clean water to drink and I told him that I would come back tomorrow to give him food and clothing. Now I didn’t have money for transport to get to my 12 FS Bible class, but on the way I found 1000FC on the road before me! The Lord had supplied twice as much as what I had given. The same day, my 12 FS teacher Thierry gave me $100 as the Lord had showed him I needed financial assistance. The Lord had miraculously supplied so I was able to buy shoes and food for this poor man. This is what the 12FS course has done for me, it has taught me the compassion and love of Jesus for my fellowman, and how the Lord will always supply for the need of His children if we are faithful to share His love with others.”

Lily and daughter Samuela

Kilenda Kennedy

Jacaues Ndombe

Guelord Munduku, Gerse’s younger brother

Christian Kabemba

Bienvenue Kintuntu

Graduates

And the things which thou hast learned of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Tim.2:2)