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Some of the thousands that came to Christ through Laban & Marcella’s early ministry in CongoWho We Are:
Laban Ministries International (LMI) is an evangelical missions organization serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ministry began in 1978 when Jim and Nancy Smith inherited the work from Jim’s mother, Marcella.

Why We Exist:
We believe that no person is complete without God transforming their life through the hope of Jesus Christ. Seeing God change lives through the gospel is why LMI began and the reason it is still operating today.

Oct 20, 1938 - Dr. Laban and his wife Marcella on their way to CongoHow Did We Get Here?
Overwhelmed by what Jesus Christ had done in their own hearts, Laban & Marcella Smith followed Christ to the Belgian Congo in 1938 (What’s remarkable is that Laban had only been a believer for 4 years when they departed).

LMI Founders Jim and Nancy SmithThe vision of Dr. Laban was to begin a Bible School in order to train the Congolese people as pastors and servants for Christ’s church. God took Him home before He could see that day but His son Jim, and wife Nancy, would see that goal realized in 1978.

Since then, LMI has graduated over 500 students with more than 300 churches planted. God continues to bless and today LMI ministers to millions through Radio Glory, Evangelism Campaigns, and a Women’s Literacy Center as well. God is changing the hearts of the Congolese people and we find ourselves amazed to be a part of it.

What’s Next?
Since 1978 over 650,000 people have come to Christ through LMI. While we don’t know what the future holds, we do know the work is not finished. Living for the glory of God will lead an individual down many unexpected paths. Our prayer is that we will be ready to serve Him no matter what lies ahead.