Bridges – Paul Carlson Partnership

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Empowering Local Engineers to Build Bridges
An Economic Development Update

James Fischer, Director of Economic Development, recently returned from a three week trip to Congo. While there, he was able to provide an update about a bridge at Kungu River that was rebuilt by local engineer, Kade Zongalinga.

Watch the video above about how roads and bridges are vital for economic growth in northwestern Congo.

Donate today toward economic development in DR Congo

Brothers Biking for Congo

For Pastor Dennis Carlson, Faith Covenant Church in Detroit, cycling is one of his favorite outdoor activities. His brother, Rod, also enjoys cycling, even though they live miles apart and cannot see each other often. But this year, they decided to sign up together for the Registers Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). This event is an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state. Heading into its 43rd year, RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest bicycle touring event in the world. From July 24-30, Dennis and Rod will ride 420 miles to support their deep passion for Congo.

Dennis and Rod Carlson

"This summer, my brother and I are joining about 10,000 other cyclists in RAGBRAI, riding our bicycles 420 miles across the state of Iowa! I had done the entire ride back in 1987, just a couple of months before meeting my wife, Mary Lynn (who lived her high school years at Wasolo, Congo where her folks followed the ministry of Dr. Paul Carlson). This is one reason for our own passion for the Congo Clinic Initiative! Rod and I figured why not turn it into a fundraiser for CCI, specifically for our Detroit ECC cluster sponsorship," said Dennis.

Dennis contacted us and asked if he could use the CCI artwork on a tshirt for himself, Rod, and a few family members. Of course we said yes! He hopes the shirts will be a conversation starter so he can share with others about Congo and how the Clinic Initiative supports healthcare initiatives through our partnership with the Covenant Church of Congo.

The ride itself is from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River. Cyclists will stay overnight in "host" communities along the RAGBRAI route until they reach Muscatine, IA. Please pray for Dennis and Rod as they prepare for their long bike ride!

We love hearing about the creative ways our clinic partners are learning about Congo and supporting the Clinic Initiative. If you have a story to share, please send it to pcpinfo@paulcarlson.org.

Support our partners in Congo today

Meet Tom Verdoorn, interim executive director

Greetings!

Over the past two years of service on the Paul Carlson Partnership Board I have witnessed the organization's revitalization led by Meritt Sawyer, its gifted and committed executive director who has recently resigned to pursue other interests and opportunities. Her vision, determination, and hard work have left the organization with a deeper missional sense and a stronger financial position.

It's an honor to be asked to serve in an interim leadership role during this transition. For me, the honor is largely related to two factors: first, the 50 year legacy inspired by the sacrifice of Dr. Paul Carlson in investing in the lives of our brothers and sisters in remote areas of the DRC; and second, the opportunity to work with a team that is fully engaged to further the organization's mission:

"To catalyze the growth of self-sustaining families and communities in places of deep poverty in Central Africa. Working together with partners in Africa and elsewhere, we invest in local efforts in medical and economic development.”

I enter this role with a lifelong passion for improving the lives of people and families in emerging countries. Across a 32 year career at Land O'Lakes, Inc., I have been engaged in international development - working with farmers and farmer associations in countries all over the world - on programs with goals ranging from increasing income and opportunities for farm families to assuring that children had access to good nutrition during the school day.

Over the coming weeks and months you will have a chance to continue to learn about the progress in the programs that are being implemented by Paul Carlson Partnership - including making improvements to healthcare across a broad network of hospitals and clinics; getting power to one of the hospitals by rebuilding the Zulu Dam and installing poles and power cables; and funding an entrepreneur to make navigable a 80 kilometer portion of the Libala River.

Please continue to pray for the work of Paul Carlson Partnership, for its team members, partners, and for the many volunteers and donors that make these God-inspired dreams turn into reality.

With gratefulness,

Tom Verdoorn
Interim Executive Director