Evangelism rallies, energetic music and dancing, witnessing, altar calls with a dozen respondents, loud praying. I could feel the enthusiasm as the Mennonite Brethren Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo celebrated its 100th anniversary in August.

The multiday event was held in a big new church across from the denominational headquarters in Kikwit. About 2,500 people gathered for a five-hour worship service.

Bishop Daniel Onashuyaka Lunge of the ecumenical Church of Christ in the Congo gave a sermon on unity — an ever-present challenge for church communions around the world.

Communauté des Églises de Frères Mennonites au Congo (Mennonite Brethren Church of Congo) has its challenges but also many gifts.

Leaders want the church to become self-supporting and create healthy partnerships. They pray for pastors and evangelists to spread the message.

They are dealing with trauma from colonialism and a culture of mistrust resulting from systemic corruption in government.

They feel an acute need for qualified leadership, not only for education but also to practice countercultural servant leadership that is not tempted toward corruption, tribal divisions and ego-driven displays of power.

The vast geography of the resource-rich country creates both riches and hardships. Violence, especially from armed rebels in the east, sends displaced people to all corners of the country and beyond.

I presented a plaque of commemoration as a symbol that the Congolese MB church is part of a global family that shares its joys and struggles.

The Mennonite Brethren of the DRC have a lot of gifts to share.

The emotional vibrancy of their connection to Jesus is a gift.

Their practice of community is a gift. Church members welcome displaced people from the east with open arms. They listen and share strategies for trauma healing. They offer food and take refugees into their homes.

Their faith is a gift. In the West, once we have money, we build. In the DRC, when there is a vision, they begin to build, pray patiently and trust for what is needed to continue.

Their baptisms are a gift. For some, conversion entails a significant turning away from another way of living. In their baptisms and beyond, they live out a strong sense of being saved.

When I visit churches, I always say, “I greet you in the name of César García (our general secretary), but not in the name of MWC, because then you would be greeting yourself. You are MWC.”

Then I take a picture with the gathered people waving at the camera as they greet the other 1.5 million believers who are MWC.

As I taste the dust, feel the heat and celebrate the joyful spirit of faith in Jesus alongside these believers, I am reminded that we are one in a global family of faith.

Henk Stenvers of the Netherlands is president of Mennonite World Conference.