The Buyse Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2018 to honor the legacy of the Buyse family, whose members served as dedicated missionaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo for many generations. Through their tireless commitment, the Buyse family made a lasting impact on communities in some of the most underserved areas of the country. Their mission work included evangelism and mentoring of pastors; working with women; building churches, schools, and medicine dispensaries; exploration and cartography; dentistry; and developing a much needed clinical and mobile optometry ministry that gave sight to thousands of people.
Beginning in 2008, Buyse engagement with Congo continued in a new and innovative way. Tim and Cindy Buyse were the first to be captivated by the vision of Congo Initiative (and its fledgling university, UCBC) to equip young people, families, churches, and communities to take up the mantle of transforming and developing Congo. For over 15 years, they and others have contributed to the Buyse Family Scholarship Fund and UCBC’s development; investments that are reaching ever more widely, empowering and equipping Congolese to be the solution to Congo’s many challenges.
The Buyses believe that education is the vehicle for change in Congo. All gifts given through their scholarship fund provide financial assistance to women and men pursuing higher education at UCBC so that they, in turn, can continue the work of church growth, community development, service, and building a Congo that increasingly reflects the Kingdom of God.
“Every time I visit, I believe in [Congo Initiative] more. I’ve met the people. I’ve talked to them in their language. I’ve spent time with UCBC’s students and graduates. I’ve seen for myself what is happening. It’s exciting and I have real hope and confidence that CI and UCBC are making a difference. Congo is deeply embedded in my system. I think it’s fair to say that I “feel” Africa. I’ve been given much, and I want to be able to give back.” – Tim Buyse
By supporting students, the scholarship continues the Buyse family’s legacy of selfless service and dedication to the people of Congo and beyond. We are so grateful to be able to continue their legacy by educating the rising generation in Congo.
Gifts made in honor of the Buyse Family will go to the Buyse Family Scholarship Fund as part of our efforts to equip students with an education at the Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC).
