Stories from Congo

For nearly a year now, a resource group of PCP Medical Ambassadors have been in discussion with their Congolese counterparts to address the growing number [...]

In July 2021, a lightning strike and ensuing fire completely destroyed the Karawa Hospital Pharmacy. The pharmacy included a regional stock of medicines, medical library, [...]

On behalf of the Evangelical Covenant Church President, John Wenrich, Serve Globally (what Jody knew as Covenant World Mission), Paul Carlson Partnership, and missionary colleagues, [...]

FUPROCAF–Ubangi held its inaugural General Assembly as an official coffee cooperative in DR Congo on March 25, 2022! Over 50 coffee producers and leaders met [...]

The PCP Medical Ambassadors met in March for their second in-person retreat to plan for the future of the PCP Medical Ambassadors program. We determined [...]

In countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), major causes of child mortality are birth asphyxia (death within minutes of delivery), prematurity, respiratory diseases, [...]

Paul Carlson Partnership (PCP), the Covenant Church of Congo (CEUM), and Hope International Development Agency have been partnering together for the past few years to [...]

The following story was written by The Christian Nurses Association in Congo and submitted to the Florence Nightingale 2021 website, managed by the Ontario Nurses Association. [...]

Dear Mission Friends, For the first time in 2 years, Paul Carlson Partnership and the Covenant Church of Congo connected again in person in DR [...]

The CEUM Medical team has made gradual improvements over the past four years in decreasing the neonatal mortality rates from 5.5/1,000 live births to 2.7/1,000 [...]

The Karawa Hospital Pediatric Ward was completed February 24, 2021. The bed capacity increased from 18 to potentially 60 beds, which is more than twice the [...]

Congolese engineers and many workers continue to construct a 9-bridge complex between Bogose Nubea and Karawa. During construction people are crossing on temporary footbridges which [...]

The PCP team, Covenant Church of Congo, and partner Café Africa would like to thank all our ministry partners who helped us exceed our $190,000 [...]

In spite of Covid, the medical work continues for the doctors, nurses, and medical staff of the CEUM. Covid has not taken a toll in [...]

Our partners in Congo find themselves behind the rest of Sub-Sharan Africa in terms of eyecare. For the past three years, the million plus people served by [...]

The 2nd Annual Medical Ambassadors Retreat held in November 2020 was a unique experience as we met on Zoom. There were over 40 people from 13 [...]

06/19/2020 Correction: The original story named Dr. Freddy Bale as the CEUM doctor who tested positive for COVID-19. We recently learned that information was incorrect. [...]

After years of conflict and harvest failure, producers in DR Congo are reclaiming a prosperous crop and building the church. by Erin Chan Ding, photos by Kristen [...]

As of April 24, Congo has 25 deaths and 394 reported cases. The past five days have shown new cases steady. The virus has only been seen in Kinshasa and an adjoining province and three provinces in the east.

Ngandali remembers how her father once planted coffee. It wasn’t until she heard about the Karawa Coffee Project that she could start resupplying her land with the kinds of coffee plants she once knew in her childhood. 

Two years after planting the coffee seedlings, coffee producers are now witnessing the first appearance of coffee cherries! Other highlights are…

On March 24, 2020, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo declared a State of Emergency and issued a travel ban between provinces as at the time Kinshasa (the capital) had confirmed 48 cases. As of April 8, DR Congo has 180 known cases and 18 deaths.

03/25/2020 Dear Paul Carlson Partnership family, I have just returned from a few days of vacation to welcome our 6th grandbaby. Evelyn Marie was born [...]

Bogose Nubea is a remote village of about 6,000 people and has a series of 12 log bridges and a half-kilometer causeway crossing the Nguya River and wetlands. Over half of the population use these log bridges as their connection to the west where the primary market, Bogose Nubea Hospital, schools, and churches are located.

03/04/2020 Greetings and Happy New Year! Thank you for your continued interest, prayer and financial support of the Medical Ambassador program with Paul Carlson Partnership. [...]

On November 3, 2019, Renée Hale, executive director, was invited to attend PCP Sunday at Clairemont Covenant Church, long-time supporters of Paul Carlson Partnership and [...]

PCP Sunday is November 3, 2019 The compelling story of missionary Dr. Paul Carlson, who died while serving the people of DR Congo, continues to [...]

UPDATE: Clean Water is Flowing! 11/27/2019 Bonjour PCP, I am very pleased to write this note to inform you that we have just completed the [...]

Pastor Dennis Carlson Faith Covenant Church Farmington Hills, Michigan Dear Friends, Thanks for your prayers, support and encouragement for our Fourth Annual Brothers Biking for [...]

We are very saddened to share with you the passing of Dr. Kurt Lindquist on June 15, 2019. Kurt was a PCP Medical Ambassador and [...]

Jennifer Wolf | published April 16, 2019 | This story appeared in the spring 2019 issue of FlightWatch, MAF. “Mom, this is surreal. How does this [...]

Ann Hagensen, the new President of PCP Medical Ambassadors, is passionate about supporting nursing students in DR Congo. Last summer, she expressed a desire to [...]

In the fall of 2018, the MST (Medical Steering Team) of the PCP Medical Ambassadors voted Ann Hagensen to serve as President of PCP Medical [...]

At the Midwinter Conference in January, the Paul Carlson Partnership (PCP) team hosted a lunch for pastors and leaders to learn about a new opportunity [...]

In September, a small Medical Ambassador team from the U.S. traveled to Wasolo for the first time, bringing with them skilled nurses from Karawa to [...]

by Dr. Eric Gunnoe, Medical Ambassador It was Thursday afternoon and we had finished the hardest days.  We were now testing the clinical skills of [...]

Since its inception over 50 years ago, Paul Carlson Partnership has remained committed to high impact medical and economic development partnerships in the Democratic Republic [...]

{{ vc_btn: title=Give+Today&shape=round&color=warning&size=lg&align=center&link=url%3Ahttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.covchurchgiving.com%252Fp-674-congo-clinic-initiative.aspx%7C%7Ctarget%3A%2520_blank%7C }} In seven days, from July 26 to August 1, Team BBC/Brothers Biking for Congo rode 362 miles through Michigan, raising over [...]

Paul Carlson Partnership is excited to announce the addition of a new team member, Bob Anderson. Bob has been part of the Covenant Church family his entire life [...]

by Flory Buki Manager of Sourcing and Contracting at Swedish Covenant Hospital, PCP Board Member, and PCP Medical Ambassador From May 19 to May 26, I [...]

Hope is alive in Congo! Take it from Mr. Kotake, an enterprising man who has built a private, water-driven mill on the route between Karawa [...]

(5/15/18) You may have heard of the Ebola outbreak in the northwest region, Equateur Province, of Congo this past week. New confirmed Ebola cases in DR Congo [...]

On Friday, April 20, 2018, The Paul Carlson Partnership (PCP) and the Covenant Church of Congo (CEUM) joined in a joyous ceremony of signing a [...]

Part 2 of  "Will This Training Make a Difference?" Dr. Gado, the CEUM Medical Director,  provided PCP with a report that 42 clinic nurses received the [...]

On March 20, 1968, four years after his death, Loko Hospital was dedicated in memory of Dr. Paul Carlson. 50 years later, the CEUM (Covenant [...]

On March 20, 1968, four years after his death, Loko Hospital was dedicated in memory of Dr. Paul Carlson. 50 years later, the CEUM (Covenant [...]

In Congo, the Church has created a culture of gratitude for everything. You pause to pray together over your travels. You give thanks and pray [...]

Part 1 of 2. Dr. Jim Walker, PCP Medical Ambassador The word that most often comes to my mind about the medical situation in Congo [...]

by Pete Ekstrand, ECC Missionary in DR Congo November 18, 2017, DR Congo   What a celebration the CEUM, community, and government had earlier this [...]

On Tuesday, September 26, approximately 5:00pm, the wife of a CEUM (Covenant Church of Congo) pastor went into shock and was hemorrhaging after a miscarriage [...]

This past May, a three-member Emergency Medicine (EM) Medical Ambassador team from the Paul Carlson Partnership served six days in the small village of Loko, [...]

8/25/2017 On July 31, our dear friends on Team BBC/Brothers Biking for Congo (Dennis Carlson, Ron Peterson, Rod Carlson, and Larry Babb pictured) completed their [...]

Excitement is palpable in the village of Bogose Nubea. Through our partnership with the Covenant Church of Congo (CEUM), and with generous gifts and a [...]

Hello PCP family, It is with joy that I bring you the news of the May 2017 PCP Team trip to the Democratic Republic of [...]

How can we help one dentist in Congo change dental health from thousands of miles away? Slowly, over time, and with a strong focus. Some […]

Water is large part of many people’s lives in Congo. Every day, people wake up early to go to the nearest water source, often many [...]

Happy Holidays! We want to wish you a very joyous Christmas season and provide you with an update on the recent conference a group of [...]

Dear Paul Carlson Partnership Ministry Family, Happy Thanksgiving! I am filled with thankfulness and joy to be greeting you this week as the new Executive […]

We are excited to announce that Renée N. Hale has been named the new executive director of the Paul Carlson Partnership! Renée and her husband, Jeff, […]

In almost every meeting we have with community leaders, doctors, and nurses in Congo, water issues take preeminence. Sadly, access to clean water remains a […]

by Craig Anderson, Director of Medical and Health Programs Hello Medical Ambassadors! I hope you have enjoyed the summer months. We at PCP have been […]

Dennis Carlson, associate pastor of Faith Covenant Church in Farmington, MI, and his brother, Rod Carlson, participated in the 420-mile RAGBRAI XLIV, The (Des Moines) […]

Refrigeration is an important element of rural healthcare in Congo for three main reasons. First, common vaccinations require refrigeration, and when strategically placed, it is […]

“My dream is for the holistic salvation of souls.” This is the vision President Jules Mboka has for the CEUM (the Covenant Church of Congo). […]

A Zulu Dam Update 10.5 kilometers. 90 poles. 30 workers. 1 goal: power to Karawa. Over the last month and a half, a massive combined effort has led [...]

by Craig Anderson, Director of Medical and Health Programs At the end of March, I took my first trip to Congo with a group of […]

by Dr. Jim Walker, PCP Medical Ambassador Last year, we learned about Anne Marie Magolo Zuku, a nurse at the IPOK Clinic near Gemena. She […]

By Liripa Floribert (Flory) Buki as told to Linda Sladkey | Photography by Edgar Torres This story first appeared in the Covenant Companion. It was […]

DR Congo is bursting with life. Its rich forests are filled with fruits and roots that people have eaten for centuries. The country has historically […]

by the CKC and PCP Team Many of you have asked about what the Covenant Kids Congo and Paul Carlson Partnership team experienced in Brussels […]

Dennis and Rod Carlson 04/21/2016 For Pastor Dennis Carlson of Faith Covenant Church in Detroit, cycling is one of his favorite outdoor activities. His brother, [...]

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 [...]

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 […]

We are not powerless in the oppressive situations in which we feel caught. We are not bound to the reality we see. We are creators. We […]

Highrock Acton Covenant Church in Acton, MA recently held a dinner and dance as a fundraiser for their support of the Kanana Clinic, through the […]

PCP is pleased to announce two new staff members to the team. Now that these positions are filled, we are fully staffed! Meet Craig Anderson, […]

Some things seem impossible. Gbagu (pronounced Ba-goo) does not understand impossible. Gbagu owns a big boat, one that can transport up to 12 tons of […]

What does it take to install a solar panel? James Fischer, PCP’s Director of Economic Development, recently returned from Congo with this amazing step-by-step report […]

Not Poverty. A Crisis of Confidence. I have been working in Africa for almost 30 years. I have been responsible for missional projects and ministry […]

Richard and Delphine want to say thank you. Last month, for the first time, Bobanganza clinic received solar light. Every room in the clinic is […]

Develop a Knowledgeable Heart for Congo This Christmas There are many ways to develop a knowledgeable heart for Congo! Life Community Church in Roseville, CA […]

How does the Christmas story end? We certainly know how it begins. Picture the image of Jesus in the manger and quickly the biblical story […]

A Zulu Dam Update For years, PCP has been engaged in efforts to bring clean and sustainable electricity back to Karawa Hospital by restoring the Zulu […]

Pope Francis’ recent visit to Africa continues to prompt dialogue. Despite continued instability and outbreaks of violence in Congo’s neighboring country, the Central African Republic, […]

We are excited to report that 63 solar lighting systems have arrived at their final destination and are currently being installed at hospitals and clinics. […]

The string of lights sparkled across the Congolese field. “Mondele!” noted my host pointing to members of my team behind each of the flashlights forming […]

When Healthcare Hurts was the topic and a seemingly oxymoronic phrase. How can healthcare ever be hurtful? Yet this was a key theme of the […]

by Meritt Lohr Sawyer, Executive Director The haunting news of the ISIS attacks on Paris echo at every turn this week –  in the news, […]

Dear Paul Carlson Partnership, We send greetings to you from Salem Covenant Church in Oakland, Nebraska, along with a question. What do Nebraska apples and […]

I live in California, currently the land of navy showers and crispy landscapes. For four years we have endured the drought.  It has parched our […]

“Why is PCP building 108 clinics?” I am often asked. “Why not a nice round number like 100, or 110 clinics?” First, lets dispel the […]

After crossing the Atlantic Ocean and going through customs, the solar panels have arrived safely in Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo! Thank you for […]

When you are looking for a new physician, how do you find one? Most of us ask our friends and family to find a doctor […]

Mbote Baninga! (Hello Friends!) This is the story of how three rural Nebraska Covenant churches – Oakland, Wakefield, and Waverly – have stepped out in […]

With many urgent medical needs in Congo, why does solar lighting matter? While we must address the urgent needs, PCP is also engaged in a […]

From James Fischer – Director of Economic Development When I travel to DR Congo, I generally end up visiting farms—rice, peanut, corn, palm, coffee, tea, […]

Pastor Steve Bunyard, Local & Global Outreach Pastor at Rolling Hills Covenant Church, recently visited Congo with PCP. Rolling Hills is a generous supporter of the […]

Famine, war, disease, corruption! Is this all that Congo is? Looking in the news these days, you might think that there’s nothing more to Africa […]

18 students graduated from ITM Nursing School in Karawa last year, and all 18 passed their national exams! 100% of their class are now nationally-certified nurses. […]

What would happen if you couldn’t get to your hospital, work, or grocery store? If a vital road in your town was unusable because a […]

The hunger for change is growing in Congo. This is why Paul Carlson Partnership invests in entrepreneurship in Congo – and it is alive and […]

Partners on the Journey: A Special 50th Anniversary Blog Series, Part 15, By Mike Hertenstein A reporter wrote: “The Congo is a mess.” Violent militias […]

From Ann Hagensen – Nursing Focus Group Co-Chair Easter prompts many of us to reflect upon the suffering, injustice and great sacrifice of Jesus’ ministry […]

March 23, 2015 The latest PCP Medical Ambassadors training team has returned from Congo! The stories of their experiences are overwhelming. Dr. Bob DeMaster, RN […]

A message from James Fischer, Director of Economic Development Agriculture doesn’t just provide food; it is the primary source of income for most people in […]

A message from Meritt Lohr Sawyer, Executive Director Do you believe God will provide a just world? Stop for a moment. Deep in your heart […]

Entrepreneurship in Congo And Farewell to Texa Dembele A message from James Fischer, Director of Economic Development It’s been such a joy for me to […]

The response to the Congo Clinic Initiative has been overwhelming! Over 60 churches, groups, and families have committed themselves to partner with a clinic for […]

Partners on the Journey: A Special 50th Anniversary Blog Series, Part 14, By Mike Hertenstein Five centuries of European-world-domination were coming to an end. Decolonization, […]

40 Clinics Sponsored! Two months after the official launch of the Congo Clinic Initiative, we are celebrating 40 partners! Our goal is 108 partners, for […]

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers”- Ephesians 1:16 Friends, We give thanks for you. It […]

Partners on the Journey: A Special 50th Anniversary Blog Series, Part 12, By Mike Hertensteinn Dr. Jim Walker had never seen a mother die in […]

 Partners on the Journey: A Special 50th Anniversary Blog Series, Part 13, By Mike Hertenstein Paul Carlson stayed non-stop busy caring for patients under battlefield […]

I met her at the hospital, cooking over a large pot at the outdoor kitchen. Her three-year old son had been admitted for diarrhea. Their […]

  Partners on the Journey: A Special 50th Anniversary Blog Series, Part 11, By Mike Hertenstein Joseph Conrad’s 1899 novel Heart of Darkness follows the Congo River […]

A personal story from Bonnie Stephens, Northbrook Covenant I was in the junior high when Paul Carlson was martyred.  I remember doing a report on […]

A personal story from Pastor Rick Carlson   As an eight-year-old boy in 1964, the world was already upside down. Only one year earlier, President […]

Partners on the Journey: A Special 50th Anniversary Blog Series, Part 10, By Mike Hertenstein In 1964, there were no phones in the Équateur Province. Contact […]

Partners on the Journey: A Special 50th Anniversary Blog Series, Part 10, By Mike Hertenstein Pioneer ECC missionaries Dr. Wallace and Sarah Thornbloom’s second child, Robert, […]

11/01/2014 (originally written and published by the Covenant Companion) Pre-1960s 1935 The first four Covenant missionaries arrive in Africa. Axel Belander, Wallace Thornbloom, Sarah Westerfield, and [...]

Partners on the Journey: A Special 50th Anniversary Blog Series, Part 3, By Mike Hertenstein With independence in the Congo in 1960, the Belgian government abandoned […]

A personal story from friend, Joyce Fredrickson I have very special memories of Paul Carlson. When I was in nurse training at Swedish Covenant Hospital […]

Partners on the Journey: A Special 50th Anniversary Blog Series, Part 7, By Mike Hertenstein The first ECC Congo mission was led by Dr. Wallace […]

A personal story from friend, Mary Nygren We first met Paul & Lois Carlson about 1956-57, when we moved to Torrance, CA. We were driving […]

Partners on the Journey: A Special 50th Anniversary Blog Series, Part 6, By Mike Hertenstein   The mythic imagination of Europe made “Darkest Africa” a symbol […]

A personal story from Mark Eastburg and father, John Eastburg. During the Korean War my dad was in the Navy, stationed near Washington DC.  Because […]

A personal story from friend Paul Lindholm Here’s one memory about Paul Carlson from when he was a member of the Los Angeles Covenant Church. […]

  Partners on the Journey: A Special 50th Anniversary Blog Series, Part 5,  By Mike Hertenstein  Togetherness has a way of bringing out our best and […]

By Paul Noren – ECC Missionary to Congo Imagine a hospital without water, paying women to carry water in seven gallon jugs on their heads. […]

A personal story from Marvin Wickstrom, missionary to Congo 1948 – Illinois It was in the school year of 1948 – 49 at North Park […]

Partners on the Journey: A Special 50th Anniversary Blog Series, Part 4  By Mike Hertenstein Over the next two years, Paul and Lois Carlson and […]

A personal story from Julie Malyon, PCP Nursing Focus Group, Co-Chair Can I make a significant and meaningful contribution as a Medical Ambassador? This question tugged […]

The story accelerates over the 1950s into 1960, “The Year of Africa,” when 17 African nations gained independence. In Upper Congo, ECC missionaries saw it […]

A personal story from Dan Johnson, associate pastor at Hilmar Covenant Church  I worked part time at the Paul Carlson Medical Program (PCMP) while a […]

By Mike Hertenstein Deep in the African interior, American journalist Henry Morton Stanley “discovered” David Livingstone, the Scottish medical missionary. Stanley went on to scout […]

On November 24th, 1964, Dr. Paul Carlson was martyred by Simba rebels in DR-Congo. Today, after 50 years of serving Congo, Paul Carlson Partnership invites […]

By Mike Hertenstein Fifty years ago this summer and fall there unfolded in Africa a story that held the world’s attention, amidst so many other […]

By Naomi Smith, RN I was the only RN working at Tandala Hospital in 1961 when we were without a resident missionary. Dr. Gordon Johnson […]

For centuries, artists around the world have woven fibers together to become something more than the sum of their parts. Though often relegated to museums, […]

While we celebrate the successes of PCP and our partners in Congo, we also take a moment to reflect on the all too frequent tragic […]

By Stan Friedman RED WING, MN (July 23, 2014) — Julie Malyon, a nurse and director of a free medical clinic, was curious about the [...]

March 22, 2013 Three volunteer doctors are gearing up for the next Paul Carlson Partnership medical mission trip to Congo, coming in mid- to late […]