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News #228 - Congo (Brazzaville)
January 17, 2003
The following news concerns Congo (Brazzaville).
‘Military Christmas’ brings God’s Word to Congo’s armed forces
BRAZZAVILLE, Congo — Members of Congo’s armed forces based in Brazzaville received Scriptures from the Bible Society in Congo (BSC) last month as part of a ‘Military Christmas’ celebration.‘Military Christmas’ took place on December 24, when almost 300 people came together for a special service held in the garrison officers’ mess. The congregation included soldiers, police officers, military officers and special guests, all of whom received a copy of the Scriptures.
Army officers were presented with Bibles in français courant, while other ranks received a copy of the New Testament and Psalms in a special cover. The Portion Levons-Nous et Rebâtissons (‘Rise Up and Rebuild’) was also distributed.
The service was led by the Roman Catholic chaplain, the Rev Anselme Badiabo. He was assisted by Pastor Nsibatala of the Evangelical Church of Congo, who thanked the officers for their support of the chaplains’ work, and by the Salvation Army chaplain, who spoke of the need to follow God’s Word in working for peace and reconciliation.
Some officers requested that the chaplains hold a similar service in their own units, and an arrangement was made to visit the naval base on December 27.
‘Military Christmas’ was a “wonderful experience”, according to BSC General Secretary Etienne Diatha, who expressed "thanks to God for his grace, which opened this door for us". (228 words - CONGO16.1.03)For further information please contact Andrew Mathewson, UBS Editor.
Alternatively, write to:
Andrew Mathewson
UBS Editor,
UBS World Service Center
Reading Bridge House, 7th Floor
Reading
RG1 8PJ
England