First Cov has long been committed to "missions". It’s part of our very identity. We were first called a "Mission Church." Our people were first known as "Mission Friends." For us, mission is first about sharing with others the good news of God’s grace and kingdom found in Jesus Christ — the good news that God can be known in a personal way through Jesus Christ.

Jesus has given us a challenge, a purpose and a mission: making disciples of all nations. Acts 1:8 says, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Matthew 28:18-20 says: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"

We are committed to being an active part of God's work in this world among all peoples. The God of the universe is seeking people everywhere. He wants all to be saved and welcomed into a life in his family. That can only occur as his people share, by word and life, the good news of Jesus. Our mission work and mission support is toward this end – that God will be glorified among all the nations and that Jesus Christ will transform human lives now.

AFRICA

ASIA

NORTH AMERICA

SOUTH AMERICA

EUROPE

MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA

Karl and Mary Noren | Cameroon

Serve Globally
Email:
Website: rfis.org
Facebook: Mary Samuelson Noren

Discipleship and Education of Youth

As children of Covenant missionaries, raised in the Dem. Rep. Congo, Karl and Mary understand some of the deep concerns of missionary families. Karl and Mary are both certified teachers.

Families who serve in Africa, often feel compelled to go home for the sake of their children’s education. In 1991 Wycliffe Bible Translators began Rain Forest International School (RFIS) in Cameroon. Later, other missions, including the Covenant, officially partnered with Wycliffe at RFIS. This school draws missionaries, expatriates and nationals from central African countries for ecumenical, multicultural and global education. Students from 20 countries come to RFIS which includes grades six through twelve. All staff and teachers are committed to minister to the students and their families. The school is a whole family effort with everyone doing their part to form a Christian community for students. As teachers and staff rotate in and out of the school, they are always looking for good teachers who take their Christian commitment and mission seriously.

Learn more here.

Paul and Sheryl Noren

Serve Globally
Email:
Facebook: Sheryl D Noren

Agriculture; Christian Formation; Health; Fulani ministry

Raised in a family of missionaries, Paul Noren could see the needs of the people
of Congo from an early age. It’s no surprise that he studied agriculture and
chose a wife who was willing to live and serve in the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC). Sheryl is a trained emergency medical responder with particular
skills in care for people with diabetes. Together they have given their lives to
providing food, water, and healing so that seekers would be able to learn
about and follow Jesus. Like farming experts all over the world, Paul knows
his soil, plants, seasons, moisture, and remedies for crops not only for family
eating but also for selling crops to others in the community. Because he labors
side by side with local farmers in Congo, he can see and make plans for other
needs as well, such as dams, wells, bridges, pumps, irrigation, and sanitation.
Meantime, Sheryl is also side by side with villagers providing teaching not only
for medical personnel, but also for mothers and people with diabetes. Covenant
Serve Globally has a long history of healthcare work in Congo including a
nursing school and a very busy hospital. Many workers, including Sheryl, have
given all or part of their career through the Paul Carlson Foundation to keep the
hospital relevant. Of course water and sanitation are at the top of their concerns
as well. Paul and Sheryl have been totally devoted and totally immersed in the
communities of northern DRC since 1977. They also spend part of each year in
Africa visiting Fulani villages in Central African Republic and Cameroon where
they have built relationships through agricultural and medical ministries.

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