“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.” – Philippians 1:3-4
A companion synod relationship is rooted and grounded in relationship. I was especially looking forward to this visit because I had not met President Ngoe in person and I hoped for that as part of forming our relationship.
Even though the Centennial celebrations were very busy, President Ngoe was able to make time to meet with the visiting bishops (including myself) and additional companion visit members.
Bishop Mike Rinehart (Texas-Louisiana Gulf Synod), Bishop Craig Schweitzer (Western North Dakota Synod), and myself (Bishop Tessa Moon Leiseth, Eastern North Dakota Synod), were able to meet with President Ngoe, head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic (ELC-CAR) in his office at the church center. ELCA Regional Representative Willie Langdji was present to translate. Willie also works closely with President Ngoe on behalf of the ELCA work and relationships in the ELC-CAR.
In our meeting and the subsequent meeting with additional partner representatives (Veronique E. from the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Synod Partner Committee; Alison Richard, ELCA Director for Companion Relationship; Annelise Deiss, representative of French Protestant churches; Rev. Rachel Dumbaye, VP of the ELC-CAR; and Rock Barbou, Administrator of the ELC-CAR) President Ngoe outlined the church’s priorities:
1. Health
2. Education
3. Formation
4. Capacity Building
5. Evangelism
6. Food Security
7. Disaster Response
In addition, we learned more about the church, examined a map to learn more, asked questions, expressed our commitment to partnership, and most importantly, prayed. When we ended, we prayed specifically for President Ngoe, his leadership, and the life of the church under his care.
I was honored to meet and be with President Ngoe. He is a humble, thoughtful, reflective, and deeply spiritual leader. I continue to hold him in my prayers.
Bishop Tessa Moon Leiseth 