About us
The City of Refuge International, Inc. is comprised of many people working together, reaching out in practical ways to touch the lives of the Congolese people. This is done by providing basic life necessities (such as food and shelter), bringing hope to broken lives, and also by fervently praying and interceding for the Congo.City of Refuge International - Officers
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Chairman: Pastor David Lanning David grew up in Springfield, Oregon. He went to the University of Oregon, where he received a B.A. and an M.A. in physics in 1977. He also attended Northwest Christian College of Eugene, Oregon and Ministries Institute at Eugene Faith Center. He worked as an engineer for about four years, before entering into full-time ministry. He helped to plant what is now Eastside Foursquare Church in Kirkland, WA in 1978. He pioneered the Columbian Foursquare Church in Richland, Washington in 1982 and pastored that Church for eleven years. He is currently the senior pastor of Springfield Faith Center in Springfield, Oregon, and has been since 1995. Pastor Lanning took a team of people to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C) in October of 2005. He has seen firsthand the actual conditions of the D.R.C. and the plight of its people. It was through this trip that he was led to help form The City of Refuge International, Inc. In his own words, “the children of Africa are deeply imprinted upon my heart”. |
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President:
Richard Banza Kitumba Richard is now, by the grace of God, a Canadian citizen; though he was born. raised and lived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo until he was in his early twenties. He graduated in psychology and science of education, and taught for two years. He also played in a professional first division soccer team for 5 years. He speaks several languages, and worked as a translator before going into full- time ministry. Richard has been a Missionary Evangelist in Africa, Europe and Canada, and is now serving God in the United States. Richard's heart has always been to help and serve the people of the D.R.C. He founded and formed The City of Refuge International, Inc. with the help of pastor David Lanning, John Mpoyo Ilunga, Patricia May, Laurene Bates, John Alden, Gwen Dockery and Doug Mason, all of whom assist the City of Refuge today, by serving on the board of directors. |
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Vice President:
John Mpoyo-Ilunga Born and raised in the town of Kamina in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, John is now a Canadian citizen, as well. He graduated in psychology and science of education, and taught for 3 years. He speaks several languages, and worked as a translator for several years, before he went into full time ministry. John was a Missionary Evangelist in Africa, Europe, Canada, and now is serving as a Missionary Evangelist to the United States. Ever since he was young his zeal was always to serve God and lay his life down for others. He helped to form the City of Refuge International, Inc., and has a deep love for the people of the Congo. |
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Secretary: Laurene Bates
Laurene received a B.A. in Education from Western Washington University, and a B.S. from the University of Oregon. She taught high school for four years, then worked for the city of Eugene, Oregon as a mid level manager for twelve years before entering into private business. She was part owner of Emerald Lifestyle Homes from 1990 to 2000. Now retired, she is living on a small farm with her husband of thirty two years. |
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Treasurer: Patricia May Patricia is a CPA, recently retired from a local CPA firm as a Principal in the Taxation Department. She has over 30 years' experience in accounting and taxation and has her BS in accounting from the University of Oregon. Pat is married and has two grown sons, as well as two grandsons. She lives in Springfield, Oregon, USA. |
Board of Directors
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