When the war in Ukraine burst upon the global stage, many Americans were stunned by the tragic events occurring there. Even in distant places like Rwanda, reports of the Ukrainians’ blistering reality spiraled out like shock waves into their homes.…

The Rev. Bernard Bisoke, the Anglican Church of Congo’s provincial youth coordinator, runs a peace center in the regional capital of Bunia. Bunia is part of Ituri Province, which the U.S. State Department has warned is frequently beset by “crime, civil unrest, terrorism, armed conflict, and kidnapping.”

Ministry is not, typically, something we can do alone. We need relation­ships with partners who will come alongside us, support us, and encourage us. Jesus knew this and, "Calling the twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits” (Mark 6:7). The Rev. Bisoke Balikenga and his wife, Furaha, have gone out "two by two,” support­ing and working alongside one another. They are partners in marriage, in faith and in their service to their community in Bunia, lturi Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The thing I love most about New Wineskins is the relationships. The New Wineskins Triennial Conference is often described as a “great family reunion” and the same is true for our yearly board meetings. I look forward to them all year long and always learn so much from my fellow board members. It is great to get out of my normal routine and see what the Lord is doing across all cultures and contexts.