John Fumana: A Man of Faith, Peace, and Service

In Honor of Papa John Fumana Sesso

Born in 1966, son of Mennonite pastor Pierre FUMANA, Papa John dedicated his whole life to serving God and his Church. From a young age, he was a faithfully committed disciple of Christ, serving with humility, love, and devotion.

Loving husband and father to four children (one son and three daughters), he was also a valuable supporter of Transformational Education as promoted by TeachBeyond. His youngest daughter had just entered her 6th grade year at FATEB KINSHASA Academy.

Since the launch of TeachBeyond’s work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Papa John FUMANA has served with loyalty and wisdom as the second Board Chair of TeachBeyond DRC. His commitment, leadership and spirit of service have profoundly touched the entire community.

As he was traveling to Canada on mission with Christ for the Mennonite church, Papa John left us on Friday May 15th, 2026, aboard the airplane, just moments before its landing in Montreal.

We keep him in our memory as a man of faith, peace, and service.

May his soul rest in peace in the presence of the Lord.

Héritier Fima Matondo
National Director TeachBeyond DRC

In Memory of John Fumana

It is with deep sorrow, yet also with immense gratitude, that we remember the life and legacy of our dear brother John Fumana, a member of the Global Committee. Throughout his years of service, he left an indelible mark on the organization through his wisdom, evident faith, and clear ministry vision.

A Vision for Transformational Education

From the moment he accepted the invitation to join the board, in November 2017, John demonstrated a genuine commitment to our mission. On that occasion, he humbly stated that he saw "the tremendous need for transformational education, as well as what TeachBeyond brings to spread the transformation needed in his country and others." He was instrumental in bringing the field's perspective to the committee, sharing his personal testimony and giving visibility to the progress of the work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), such as at the meeting held in Hanoi, in April 2017.

Spiritual Leadership and Encouragement

John frequently blessed the committee with his spiritual and pastoral depth. One of the most memorable moments came during the November 2020 meeting. Even while facing the recent grief of his own mother's passing, he led a devotional based on the book of Lamentations, reminding the leadership of God's faithfulness in the midst of suffering and crisis. He left the group with this encouragement: "God never changes or loses control, even in the midst of all our troubles. So let us not lose hope and faith, but remember His love and mercy, His faithfulness and His promises. Let us also use our educational programs and projects to bring that hope to others." Later, in March 2023, he led another reflection, centered on "how we can trust that God is our God. Not a distant god, but a personal God."

Practical Contributions and Governance

Beyond his spiritual support, John was an active and essential voice in the governance of TeachBeyond. He contributed his attentive insight by serving on important bodies, such as the ad hoc committee responsible for reviewing the organization's Policies and Foundational Documents. His integrity and wisdom also led him to serve as a member of the President's Evaluation Committee.

John Fumana was a true example of a servant-leader. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication to the expansion of God's Kingdom and continues to inspire all who had the privilege of serving alongside him on the Global Committee.

Marcos Reis
Chair