The Synod of the RCUS has long affirmed that the purpose of the Foreign Ministries Committee is to train pastors in foreign lands, equipping them to become self-governing, self-perpetuating, and
self-supporting. Historically, providing
direct financial support to pastors and churches has proven ineffective. Rather than expanding the number of congregations, this approach often led to stagnation or decline, as fewer churches meant more funds for individual pastors.
Additionally, it inadvertently encouraged some to pursue pastoral roles for financial gain. For a deeper exploration of these challenges, refer to The Planting and Development of Missionary Churches by John L. Nevius (1899) or When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert.
Efforts toward self-sufficiency, such as the Congo Economic Development Fund, have met with mixed success. Four years ago, we notified the United Reformed Church in the Congo (URCC) and the Reformed Fellowship Church of Kenya (RFCK) of a 25% reduction in funding for elder, pastor, and church support, providing time for these ministries to transition toward independence. Below is an overview of the initiatives underway in Kenya.
1. Establishing Learning Centers
Over the past three years, Foreign Ministries, utilizing donated and Synod funds, has established eight learning centers in Kenya to train pastors electronically, with each center costing approximately $2,000 for necessary technology. Two centers are affiliated with the RFCK, five with the Emmaus Reformed Churches of Africa (ERCA) and one more operates independently due to its remote location. Currently, 55 to 60 students are enrolled. Heidelberg Theological Seminary (HTS) has developed a curriculum that, upon completion, provides students with a certificate recognized by the Kenyan government, authorizing them to preach and teach in churches. Classes are held every Thursday, with two sessions taught each week. The Foreign Ministries Committee provides financial support to HTS to offset program costs. Requests for additional learning centers are under consideration.
2. Supporting Advanced Theological Education
Englosh Nyagwoka, an exceptional student from Eengu (an RFCK church), has enrolled as a full-time M.Div. student at HTS. Despite a challenging first semester, he has shown significant improvement in his second term and remains committed to his studies. His tuition is funded by an RCUS church, while an individual donor covers his textbooks and family support. The Gusii Reformed Theological College (GRTC) fund provides fuel for a generator (as his town lacks electricity), internet access, and school supplies. Englosh studies from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., his local time, renting a nearby home for his children to sleep, as he had converted their home bedroom into a study space. Another promising student from Meru North, eight hours from Eengu, shows potential to follow a similar path upon Englosh’s graduation. This student has already earned Hebrew credits through Rev. Voytek at Dickinson State University in North Dakota. While we hope to enroll him soon, funding remains a barrier. The goal is for graduates like Englosh to establish a government-accredited, Reformed seminary in Kenya.
3. Fostering Micro-Businesses
Over the past nine months, a program funded by private donations has supported micro-business development for Kenyan pastors, building on lessons from the Congo Economic Development Fund. A committee comprising members from both denominations oversees the initiative. Pastors apply for funds through detailed forms, and a dedicated bank account in Kisii manages disbursements. Funds are provided partly as grants, with a three-month grace period before monthly repayments begin. Repaid funds are reinvested to support new businesses. Two businesses have started repayments, two more will begin next month, and plans are in place to fund two additional businesses in June. This initiative aims to enable pastors to become financially self-sufficient while serving their congregations, showing greater promise than open-ended financial support.
How You Can Help to Support
These Initiatives
Send contributions to:
Providence Reformed Mission Fund
245 East Vine St.
Lodi, CA 95240
Please specify in the memo which area (e.g., learning centers, seminary education, micro-businesses) you wish to support.
Even if you cannot contribute financially, your prayers are invaluable. Pray for the success of these ministries, that they may become self-sustaining and inspire new mission work. Pray for the edification of God’s people, the growth of young believers, and the proclamation of repentance and forgiveness to those who are lost.
Elder Jerry DeYoung
Providence Reformed Church
Lodi, CA