Beginning December 8 and continuing through May 18, Covenant children will be able to contribute money to support this effort through Sunday school offerings. A mailing to churches scheduled to be released this week includes a letter from Steve Burger, director of Children and Family Ministry for the Department of Christian Formation, accompanied by a poster, a booklet containing 24 testimonials (one for each week of the campaign) focusing on the value of contributions to assist a Congolese school child and two offering envelopes. Churches are encouraged to send in collected funds in February and May. Churches can obtain a School Supplies for Congo Kids video by contacting Covenant Resource Center at 800-338-4332.

"As I have traveled around the country and told people about this project, it has received enthusiastic support from everyone," Burger said. "I am looking forward to seeing how God will move in the hearts of children and adults alike as we launch this children's project."

Jerome Nelson, director of Church and Society Ministries for the Central Conference, visited the Democratic Republic of Congo in March and August and attended a strategy session on the Congo last September that brought together representatives from the Department of World Mission, including Pete Ekstrand, Africa regional coordinator; missionary Bob Thornbloom; David Stockamp, coordinator of Church Relations; Rose Cornelious, coordinator of Church Relations-East; Covenant World Relief Director Jim Sundholm; Nelson and Deric Gilliard, representing the African American Ministers Association; and Harold Spooner, representing Compassion and Justice Ministries.

"We are excited about building upon the work of our former and current missionaries in Congo," said Cornelious. The Congo Covenant Church (CEUM) currently has more than 158,000 members and is responsible for educating more than 25,000 children in approximately 200 schools. "One would only have to visit a school and see Congolese children eagerly embracing education in some of the most primitive conditions imaginable to know what an impact these supplies will make in their lives."

The campaign is a cooperative effort of the African American Ministers Association, the Department of Christian Formation, Covenant World Relief and the Department of World Mission.