One word was all it took for team leader Stephanie Marinelli to describe the recent territorial Global Mission Team’s (GMT) experience in the Republic of the Congo—“joyful.”
“We were all very moved by the joy from the people there,” she recalled. “It was a place of a lot of hardship, but in spite of that, the people were joyful. It’s something that is not dependent on circumstances. It’s something from God that permeates through those hard things in life.”
Lt. Scott Smith added, “It gave us the opportunity to see that material things, possessions and money are not what bring joy. It was truly humbling. I get emotional about it. It is something I will always remember.”
The mission team worked on two construction projects in the city of Brazzaville at residential facilities at the Salvation Army’s Yenge Social Institute and at the Loua Primary School and compound, where the divisional commander’s quarters needed painting and roof repairs.
Work included tearing down both roofs and ceilings, sanding, painting and patching holes in concrete.
“I don’t think I have ever sweat that much in my whole life,” said Major Michael Sjogren. “But knowing what we were working toward made it all worthwhile.”
“We were covered from head to toe with sediment that was in those ceilings,” Lt. Scott remembered. “It never seemed like hard work to us though. We were doing what needed to be done. The time passed quickly.”
Mission team members also included Lt. Melissa Bledsoe, Captain Janelle Cleaveland, Ellen Janson, Lt. John-Rene Kiangebeni and Carlos Moran. Whether they were gifted in language skills, good at public speaking or photography, or were just extremely prepared, every team member was uniquely qualified to be part of the team.
Worship on the group’s first Sunday was at the Moungali Central Corps which has a songster brigade of 150 adults and a singing company of 75. “We thought that might be one of the largest Salvation Army singing groups in the world,” Stephanie said.
On the second Sunday, the team worshipped at the Poto Poto Corps, where Captain Janelle preached.
“I preached on Pentecost and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Salvation Army is Holy Spirit-driven,” she said.
Captain Janelle said many people in the Congo recognize the faith aspect of The Salvation Army.
“Everywhere we went, they would salute us and say, ‘Alleluia,’” she said.
The people of the Congo were very hospitable, Stephanie said.
“Hospitality is very important to them. We were hosted very well,” she said. “Many people took time out of their day to spend with us. We had lovely conversations. We were also inspired by their faith.”
According to Stephanie, GMTs continue to bring Salvationists around the world closer.
“With GMT, you see partnership in action, like joining with our family in Congo Brazzaville. They are our family because we are all part of the family of God,” she said. “Before, I knew Congo Brazzaville was our Partner in Mission. But now it’s these faces; faces of people I know.”
