T
he story of a group of Congolese
Salvationists fi nding new lives
and new hope in the United
States is a thrilling one--but it
turns out to be a great blessing for the
Buffalo Tonawanda Corps soldiers already
established there as well.
"The events of the past few years can only be explained as
being directed by God," exclaims Major Celestin Nkounkou,
Tonawanda corps officer.
Major Celestin happens to be from the Congo himself
but married a missionary from America, and that is how
he came to the U.S. But when he and his wife were
appointed to Tonawanda five years ago, he was the only
"dark man" (his own description) in a mostly white
corps congregation.
In addition, Major Celestin is fluent in five languages: French,
English and three African dialects.
"But, except for the English, the other languages were not a
factor at all (in our ministry here)," the major says.
That is, until one Sunday last year when three of his
countrymen walked into the back of the corps chapel while he
was preaching.
16
The War Cry | NOVEMBER 2014
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In ad
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by
MAJOR FRANK
DURACHER
Two Cultures Merge
Into One Buffalo Corps Family
Top: Newton Mazikou is one of the new
Junior Soldiers at the Buffalo Tonawanda
Corps, with the arrival of several families
immigrating to America from the Congo.
Above: Praise and worship is anything but
dull at the Buffalo Tonawanda Corps.