VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 10/22/13)—Kathy Charland of Westfield, Massachusetts has been endorsed by American Baptist International Ministries (IM) to serve as a missionary in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Working with IM partner, the Baptist Community of Congo, Kathy will work at the Mitendi Center in Kinshasa which provides training in job and life skills to women at risk. Jill Lowery, current IM missionary, has been serving at the Mitendi Center since it opened its doors in 1999, and will serve as Kathy’s mentor as she becomes accustomed to the new environment.

Kathy currently serves as Associate Minister at Progressive Community Baptist Church in Springfield, Massachusetts. She is also a teacher at a private Christian school and the registrar and an instructor for the American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts (TABCOM) School of Ministry.

When asked why she feels called to this ministry, Kathy responded, “When I traveled to Zambia [and worked with IM missionaries, Charles and Sarah West] in 2007, I was struck by the vast disparity between those in the world who live comfortably and those who do not. I wondered how best to assist people like those I met there. My experiences in Zambia were never far from my mind.”

The regional Executive Minister of TABCOM, Rev. Dr. Tony Pappas, is in full support of Kathy’s endorsement. “We have long known that Kathy’s heart was to serve the Lord and we are thrilled that such a significant opportunity is opening up for Kathy to do just that.  Our prayers and blessings go with her!”

As an endorsed missionary, Kathy will be working in the months ahead to build her Mission Partnership Network.  She will be inviting individuals, groups and churches to partner with her by committing to share the spiritual, relational and financial support needed to begin her ministry in the DRC.

Please join IM in celebrating this new endorsement and praying for Kathy as she invites others to join her in ministry. You may send words of encouragement and communicate directly with Kathy at http://www.internationalministries.org/teams/637-charland. Emails may be sent directly to Kathy at kathy.charland@internationalministries.org.

American Baptist International Ministries is a Christian mission organization connecting U.S. churches and individuals to holistic ministries around the world. Organized in 1814, IM is the first Baptist mission agency formed in North America. It serves more than 1,800 short- and long-term missionaries annually, bringing U.S. and Puerto Rico churches together with partners in over 70 countries to share the good news of Jesus Christ in word and action. 

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.