Before Haus Church started in March 2020, I had only been introduced to Flavien through a ministry colleague, so we had not yet developed a personal relationship. Not only did I know very little about Flavien and his family, but I knew very little about the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), his home country. Then, just a few weeks after our first Sunday service, and without even sending an invitation, Flavien appeared on the screen via Zoom with his wife, Naomi, and their two young children, Maria and Jimmy James. They have been faithful “attenders” ever since then, and have become precious to the Haus Church family. Then, Just two weeks ago, Flavien told me that he and his wife started Haus Church DRC. Here’s how it happened…

- Bart Physioc, Director of Disciplers International

Before we met, my ministry colleague, Michael Weiss, took Flavien through the Disciplers International 14-Step Process. Immediately thereafter, Flavien started translating the discipleship materials into French and Swahili (he is fluent in four languages!). To say the least, I was very impressed, not only by Flavien’s abilities, but by his commitment to Christ, and desire to use his God-given gifts in service to the Lord and His people. I was also impressed by his resume, which includes a Bachelor Degree in Law from Catholic University in Bukavu and Bachelor Degree in Theology from Timothy Training Institute in Goma. In 2017, following God’s calling to serve in ministry full-time, Flavien and Naomi started Elohim Outreach Ministry (EOM) with this mission intent: Evangelizing / Church-planting / Disciple-making in the Democratic Republic of Congo, both in cities and villages.  EOM is also involved in providing spiritual, physical and emotional care to deprived people (e.g., orphans, widows street children and other vulnerable people). After I read that “mission intent” for the first time, all I could say was WOW!! Perhaps you’re saying the same WOW!! right now! Bear in mind that family of four lives on a minimal income, and in a very small apartment in a very large and busy city. Basically (and their lifestyle is basic), Flavien and Naomi trust God to do great things in His time and in His ways.

So, with what you now know about this couple, and all that I’ve come to know about them through their participation in our Haus Church services on Sundays, and my one-on-one times with Flavien on Tuesdays, I made a simple suggestion. “Flavien,” I said, “I want you to think about planting a church in Goma.” As I gave a number of reasons for my suggestion, he politely listened. Afterwards, I moved our conversation back to our discussion on discipleship for that time together, and that was it, or so I thought. Just two weeks later, Flavien sent me the top photo in this newsletter with a short text about he and Naomi starting a church in their home. My first impression was surprise, but the more I thought about it, the less surprised I became. However, I was curious, so the next time we connected, I asked Flavien what prompted him to start Haus Church DRC. He said, “You said I should, so I did.”

Lessons learned in this experience:

1. Watch what say, because others might do what you ask!

2. Don’t underestimate how God may work through your life.

3. Don’t underestimate how God may work through others.

4. If any good comes from what you say, give glory to God!

To learn more about the mission work of Disciplers International, click MISSIONS