wfn.org | Some missionaries return to Congo

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Sept. 30, 1998	Contact: Linda Bloom·(212) 870-3803·New York
{559}

By United Methodist News Service

United Methodist missionaries are returning to several regions of the
Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa.

The clearance to resume assignments in Lubumbashi, Likasi, Mulungwishi
and Kolwezi was given in late September.

The United Methodist Board of  Global Ministries had relocated its Congo
personnel to Zambia or the United States in late August as the war in
northeast Congo spread to the outskirts of Kinshasa, the capital city.
During that period, President Laurent Kabila had moved his office to
Lubumbashi in the south.

The Rev. John McCullough, the board's associate general secretary for
mission personnel, said the southern region now is considered secure,
especially since other African nations have sent troops to assist the
Kabila government against rebel forces.  

Returning missionaries include Elizabeth and Tom Ryder, Roberta and
Glenn Hupprich, Vivian Woodyard, Ellen and Jeff Hoover, Joan and Don
Woodward, Delbert and Sandy Groves, and Lori and David Persons.

Missionaries in other parts of the Congo have the option of going to one
of the four approved locations, remaining in Zambia or returning to the
United States until the situation in other areas improves, McCullough
said.

# # #
United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/