WASOLO, CONGO (November 23, 2004) - "Paul could not have imagined - nor I - what has happened here since he died." Those words from Lois Carlson Bridges perhaps best describe the experience of the 11-member Evangelical Covenant Church delegation visiting Congo in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the death of Dr. Paul Carlson, Covenant medical missionary martyred in November 1964 by rebel soldiers.

Those words came as Lois addressed more than 1,000 Congo residents who participated Sunday morning in a worship service at the CEUM church at Wasolo, where Paul and Lois ministered four decades ago. The crowd was so large that a special covering made from palm branches had to be constructed in front of the church to accommodate the overflow of people (lower photo).

"Surely he did not want to die, and we did not want him to, but I can say now that we see this was in God's plan," Lois told the worshippers, some of whom can remember the day when rebel forces captured Paul at the Wasolo station and transported him to Stanleyville, where he was imprisoned with other captives and eventually killed by a rebel soldier during a rescue attempt by Belgian paratroopers. "Thank you to those who helped to protect him and cared for him, some of whom also gave their lives."

In addition to Lois, members of the delegation include the Carlson's son, Wayne, and his wife, Rebecca, and their son, Paul; Carlson's brother, Dwight; Rick Carlson (unrelated) who was the producer of the new documentary Monganga unveiled at this year's Covenant Annual Meeting in Minneapolis; Bob and Jan Thornbloom, well-known Covenant missionaries to Congo for many years who continue to work with various Covenant ministries; Curt Peterson, executive minister of the Department of World Mission; Jim Sundholm, director of Covenant World Relief and the Paul Carlson Partnership; and Pete Ekstrand, regional coordinator for Africa who also is serving on this trip as a special correspondent for Covenant News Service.

Traveling with the American delegation are CEUM President Mossai Sanguma and Vice President Mawe Sema, as well as Keith and Florence Gustafson, Congo coordinators for Covenant World Mission, and Covenant missionary Nancy Jo Hoover. To see additional photos of Sunday's visit in Wasolo, please see Wasolo Visit.

Continuing with the theme of faithful service, Paul's brother, Dwight, quoted from a passage in Hebrews 11 that speaks of men and women of faith, many of whom lived and some of whom died. "The crucial thing was that they lived in faith," Dwight observed. "Paul died at age 36 in faith. Others here also died early. And others lived a full life, both Congolese and missionaries. They lived in faith. What is crucial is to live a life of faith."

The worship service started at 9:15 a.m. and concluded just before noon with Sundholm as the preacher. "Several people said that it was the shortest three-hour service they have ever been to," noted one delegation member.

"Who could have imagined that the events of 40 years ago would bring us together today," Sundholm told his listeners. " But upon reflection, I realized that we are here not because of what happened 40 years ago, but because of what happened 2000 years ago on the cross of Calvary, where you became my brother and my sister. That day brought Dr. Paul here 40 years ago. "What are the marks of Jesus Christ?" Sundholm asked, quoting texts from Galatians. "They are the fruits of the Spirit. Let these things be the signs of life in Jesus. My one wish is that these marks of Jesus would be shown in each of your lives."

Lois presented a framed photo of Paul to Dr. Libote, head of the Wasolo hospital. Peterson presented a commemoration plaque to the responsible pastor of the Wasolo church region and Dwight presented gifts of a French version of the book Monganga Paul to the Responsible Pastor and to the head of the medical services. Following a dinner and a time of rest, the Carlson family and other delegation members toured the Wasolo hospital, also visiting Rev. Mbokote, a retired pastor who served for many years at Wasolo. The evening concluded with a public showing of the Paul Carlson film documentary Monganga to a large crowd assembled at the church.

While some things have changed in the four decades since Carlson's death, others have not as the country continues to struggle in the aftermath of several years of war and the devastation it brings. "The hospital is probably no better now than it was in 1964," one observer remarked, adding, "Well, they do have a generator now, but no fuel for it." Another mused aloud, "kind of surreal - are we really here again after all these years?"

"My heart breaks at seeing the condition of some things," said son Wayne after visiting the area. "Touring the hospital brings back memories of my childhood here. Sometimes I used to sit in the lab looking at stool samples. Other times I would go with dad and he would allow me to watch a minor surgery." The pilot of the Mission Aviation Fellowship aircraft that is ferrying the delegation on its visit, Rod Hochstetler, said "this kind of trip helps me see why I am here and why the plane is needed. Hearing the stories, seeing the ministry taking place, all help me keep perspective. Otherwise, you can just become like a truck driver delivery passengers or a load."

A high point for Sundholm came during the time of greeting when the delegation arrived. "For me, it was the amazing hospitality and love expressed in action by an elderly pastor, putting on the suit he received for a birthday and coming to greet the Carlsons."

The visit in Wasolo Sunday was the first for Covenant Church of Congo (CEUM) President Mossai Sanguma since becoming president of CEUM. "I was moved by the respect and honor given to the president, as well as his leadership in giving direction and helping lead the CEUM to a future with strength," commented Peterson. He also expressed appreciation for the remarks from both Lois and Dwight "for honoring Paul and also the leaders of the local church for their equal efforts (to save Paul). I am impressed with how much people are doing with very little - without electricity and in difficult conditions." The hospital has running water, though in limited supply – "they use a cup to pour water over their hands to wash before surgery," Peterson noted.

The Paul Carlson Partnership, named to honor the work and sacrifice of Carlson, has identified the issues of health, education and poverty as the most pressing needs in Congo. "This visit confirms that these are areas where we can be partners with skilled and diligent workers who want to see improvement and will bring their resources to help bring about change," Peterson said.

Today (Tuesday) the delegation was in Loko with plans to continue on to Karawa where tomorrow they will commemorate the date of Carlson's death with a special service at his gravesite. The delegation is scheduled to return to the United States on November 27. To read earlier accounts of this visit and see additional photos, please visit the following stories:

• Covenant Delegation Warmly Welcomed in Karawa.
• Carlson Family Visits Former Home in Wasolo.