On March 30, members of Communauté Mennonite au Congo (Mennonite Church of Congo) thanked God for James Edwin Bertsche’s 65-year contribution to mission during a four-hour service held at Ngaba Mennonite Church in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Here, worshipers danced forward to contribute financial gifts totaling $300 that were given to Bertsche’s family to help with funeral expenses. Bertsche’s ministry with Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission included nearly three decades in Congo – 12 years as administrative coordinator, and many years as a dedicated volunteer. Adolphe Komuesa Kalunga, president of Communauté Mennonite au Congo, praised Bertsche for defending the Congolese Mennonite Church both during and after colonialism. “He sowed seeds that will last forever,” Komuesa said. The Congolese Mennonites are sending a two-person delegation to the United States to comfort the Bertsche family this month [April].
Photographer: Tim Lind
