On Sunday, November 3, 2024, we gathered at North Park University for an unforgettable evening celebrating the ministry of Paul Carlson Partnership at the 60 Years Strong: Lasting Legacy Event. What a joyful and inspiring time it was as we honored six decades of transformation through the Paul Carlson Partnership (PCP) and the Congo Covenant Church (CEUM)!

One of the features was the Legacy Exhibit, an incredible display featuring the underlined verses in Dr. Paul Carlson’s New Testament Bible. Each selected passage, highlighted by Paul, is shown as a chapter in the decades after his death as the Paul Carlson Partnership continues his vision for medical care, infrastructure, and economic development. The exhibit traced the journey from Paul’s ministry to today, showing how his deep faith and commitment to serving God became the foundation of a 60-year legacy that continues to transform lives in DR Congo and beyond. 

The program was filled with moving testimonies and stories shared by leaders like Renée Hale, Executive Director of PCP; Rev. Bob Anderson; Rev. Glenn Palmberg; Dr. Jim Walker and Julie Maylon, RN; Rev. Tammy Swanson-Draheim; and CEUM President Rev. Théophile Duale. The event highlighted PCP’s impact over the years, from medical care and training to infrastructure projects and the economic opportunities created through initiatives like the Karawa Coffee Project. As Rev. Glenn Palmberg said, “When we care for people’s needs, it communicates a lot about Jesus.”

We were also blessed to have Lois Carlson Bridges, Paul Carlson’s widow, with us at the event along with several family members. The room fell silent and emotional as Lois shared how much the ministry of PCP continues to mean to her family, saying, “Paul’s legacy is doing more today than Paul could have ever imagined. I am so thankful.”  

Thanks to your generosity, we’ve made remarkable progress toward our $600,000 goal, raising over $473,000 to support critical projects like medical equipment installations, community healthcare, and economic empowerment! Thank you!!!

There is still work to do and we believe God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine! Would you prayerfully consider making a gift today to help us reach the finish line?