The Indiana e-Christian

Rev. Ilumbe celebrates his joy at being in Indianapolis. Rev. Sandra Gourdet (left), Africa Executive for Global Ministries and Rev. Richard Spleth (right), Regional Minister for the Christian Church in Indiana, were among the delegation welcoming Rev. Ilumbe and Rosette to Indiana.

Rev. ILUMBE Ndjongo and his wife, Mama Rosette, arrived in Indianapolis Thursday evening, July 2.  They will be guests of the Indiana Region for five weeks.   Over 100 Hoosier Disciples gathered at the Indianapolis International Airport to welcome the couple.

Rev. Ilumbe is Principal Supervising Pastor (PSP) of the Mbandaka District of the 10th Community–Disciples of Christ in the Congo (10-CDCC).  He expressed great joy at being in Indianapolis, a place he has known all his life as the home of the missionaries who came to his country beginning over 100 years ago.

The Mbandaka District and the Christian Church in Indiana entered into a mission partnership in May 2008.

Hoosier Disciples have the opportunity to welcome other Disciples guests. Rev. BONANGA Eliki, General Secretary and Legal Representative of the Disciples Community in the Congo and his wife, Mama Anna, will be arriving at the Indianapolis International Airport at 5:29 p.m. on Sunday, July 26.

130 Hoosier Disciples gathered at the Indianapolis International Airport on July 2 to welcome Rev. Ilumbe and Rosette from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rev. Bonanga will be a major speaker at the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada when it meets in Indianapolis July 29-August 2. All Indiana Disciples are invited to come to the airport to welcome Rev. Bonanga and Mama Anna to Indiana.

Regional Minister Rick Spleth (right) welcomes new regional elders Bob Shaw (left) and Andy Crowley. Don Haase was not available for the photo.

Andy Crowley, Don Haase and Bob Shaw have joined the team of regional elders for the Christian Church in Indiana.  The three retired ministers will fill the spots left vacant by the resignations of Jack Canedy, Jack Collins and Dick Kilgore.

Andy Crowley served Speedway Christian Church for 32 years until his retirement in 2006.  Andy will join Bob and Sue Bates and Art Hanna in service to the congregations and pastors in the Greater Indianapolis (GIDA) area.  With only a few exceptions, the 36 churches in the GIDA area are located in Marion County.

Don Haase began his work as regional elder to the Four Rivers Area in March.  Don retired in 2005 after serving the Oak Grove Christian Church in Monticello for 17 years.  The Four Rivers Area is one of three areas in the region that straddle the Eastern and Central time zones, stretching from Newton County to Miami and Fulton Counties.

Bob Shaw will serve pastors and congregations in the Heartland area.  Bob also currently serves as chair of the Congo Partnership Task Force.  Prior to retirement, Bob served a variety of congregations as an interim minister.  Two regional elders are assigned to the 20 congregations of the Heartland area, which covers Tipton, Hamilton, Madison and Hancock Counties.  The other spot for a regional elder to the Heartland area is currently vacant.