Creating a More Prominent Memorial Space for Pioneer Missionary Burial Sites

Over 100 years ago, James Gribble arrived in Oubangui-Chari, one of the least-reached regions in Central Africa, which is now located in the Central African Republic (CAR). He was one of the early missionaries mobilized by Grace Brethren North American Missions, now known as Encompass World Partners. 

“I long to go to the darkest and most densely populated region—to a place where not only has the Gospel never been preached, but where no one else plans to preach it,” Gribble once said. By God’s grace, Gribble dedicated his life to sharing the gospel there until his final breath. Thanks to the great personal sacrifice of Gribble and others, Central Africa has since become one of the regions where our movement has the largest presence.  

The burial sites of James Gribble and other early missionaries are now located in Bozoum and Bassai, CAR. Despite the country’s limited resources, members of the Charis Alliance there are working to reinforce the burial site of these pioneer missionaries and create a more prominent memorial space for them. "We want to honor these valiant men and women of God who gave their lives in the Central African Republic over one hundred years ago,” says ministry leader, Augustin Hibaile.  

Some of the renovations underway include:  

These renovations taking place in the CAR are simple, but meaningful. The locals are grateful for the sacrifices made by those early missionaries and want to honor them. God so clearly worked through those men and women who gave their lives, and He’s still at work there today.  

The work that was started by those brave pioneers is now being carried forward by their spiritual disciples. While our partners have not requested financial assistance in this specific project, there are other very important ways you can support their efforts. There’s an upcoming retreat where key leaders in this region will come together to rest, pray, renew, and strategize, which you can support through the Oasis for Leading Church Planters. The first such retreat took place a year ago and was a resounding success! Thanks for participating in the great work God has been doing through our movement in Central Africa.