By Stan Friedman

CHICAGO, IL (February 20, 2014) — Reesheda Washington, who has guided Covenant Kids Congo powered by World Vision (CKC) for nearly two years, has resigned her position as project leader to become executive director of Communities First Association. Her resignation is effective March 3.

Covenant Kids Congo is a first-of-its-kind child sponsorship program between the Evangelical Covenant Church and World Vision that focuses on initiatives around clean water, nutrition, education, health, and micro-enterprise in Equateur Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Curt Peterson, executive minister of world mission, noted the remarkable growth of CKC under Washington’s leadership, saying that since she began in May 2012, “She has demonstrated visionary leadership, gifted preaching, and tireless drive in moving Covenant Kids Congo forward during its first two years.”

Nearly 7,000 children have been sponsored, Peterson said.

“I am thankful for the privilege it has been to serve alongside administrators, pastors, missionaries, and lay leaders in the Covenant, and I am overwhelmed by the steadfast nature in which the denomination’s membership has poured its whole self into the manifestation of the kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven,” Washington said.

The partnership with World Vision already is seeing a “transformational impact,” Peterson said, adding that it would continue its progress toward the goal of 10,000 child sponsorships.

The search for a new project manager will begin quickly, Peterson said. “Other World Mission staff will provide necessary support for this project during this transition of leadership, and I will continue to provide the overall supervision for Covenant Kids Congo. “

Communities First Association is a faith-based organization that provides coaching and training to community developers in 30 cities around the United States. Washington will continue to attend New Community Covenant Church in Chicago and expects to continue working with Covenanters in her new CFA role.