The Democratic Republic of the Congo

John Musgrave, Director of Africa Work, visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from January 23-26. This was the first visit from the Portland headquarters to that country, though previous representatives had met with DRC delegates in various other locations. He was joined on the trip by Isaac Adigun, District Superintendent for West and Central Africa (WECA), and Mathieu Bobo, who pastors our church in Paris, France.

Upon arrival, the visitors were welcomed by Leon Guba Pakasa, the DRC Country Leader, and a delegation of board members and provincial leaders. In addition, a smiling family of four, including two beautiful young children, sang “Happy Welcome” and presented a bouquet of flowers.

Our work in the DRC originated in 1981 when Kuntuala Daniel picked up an Apostolic Faith paper at a bus stop in Kinshasa. He shared the paper with Simon M’Bengani, who wrote to Portland for more information. His letter was forwarded to Lagos, Nigeria, and he was invited to the annual camp meeting. In August 1981, he attended the Lagos camp meeting and was healed of an illness he had suffered for thirty months. Then he prayed, “God, if You save me, I will take this Gospel to my country so my people can be saved also.” The Lord answered his prayer, granting him salvation, sanctification, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. With encouragement from Timothy Oshokoya, the first Africa Overseer, he remained in Lagos for doctrinal training. Then he returned to Kinshasa, where he established an Apostolic Faith group with five other people. The group began meeting in his home on September 28, 1981, and by 1982 had grown to include sixty members. Today, there are thirty-one Apostolic Faith churches in the DRC.

During the January visit, the team had the privilege of meeting Reverend M’Bengani. Reverend Musgrave later commented, “At ninety-one years old, he is still active and mentally sharp. He expressed deep gratitude at having a representative from the Portland headquarters visit for the first time, saying it was an answered prayer.”

An evening service was held at our headquarters location in Kimbanseke on January 24. It began with an organ prelude of “My Tribute,” and included beautiful music throughout. For the sermon, Reverend Bobo referenced Psalm 37:5-6, emphasizing that God desires to bless those who trust Him. After the closing song, the congregation prayed earnestly, reflecting their great enthusiasm for the Gospel.

On January 25, the visiting delegation was taken to our DRC camp meeting site in Ngandapio, about ten miles outside of Kinshasa. Though the land is lush and beautiful, this location presents a challenge. The only access to fresh water is a fifteen-minute walk to the river, and potable water for drinking and cooking must be transported in. The saints are praying for the resources to drill a well and make other necessary improvements to accommodate five thousand attendees. In addition, they hope to eventually use the land for growing crops to support the ministry financially.

During the morning service on Sunday, January 26, Reverend Guba was formally installed as the DRC District Superintendent (Country Leader), as this was the first opportunity since his appointment. The morning message from Reverend Musgrave was based on 1 Samuel 17:20 and had a theme of “Having a Shout for the Battle.” The account of David and Goliath was used to remind all to keep their eyes on the Lord rather than the enemy. As the sermon was ending, many rushed to the altars and prayed fervently. Then at the evening church service, two sisters testified of being healed following the morning meeting, and one young man from Angola shared that he had received the baptism of the Holy Ghost

A visit was also made to the Kibonga church in Kinshasa. The congregation and community extended a warm welcome and sisters thoughtfully laid out table runners along the dirt road for the visitors to walk on. After a tour of the building, everyone gathered in the sanctuary for a brief greeting and prayer, and the saints shared pineapples and melons before departing.

Reverend Musgrave closed his report saying, “The faith of the people in the DRC is inspiring. Their enthusiasm for the Gospel and dedication to the work of God is a powerful testimony. Truly, they are rich in faith and a wonderful part of the family of God.”

Despite the war, economic hardships, and sufferings, it is heartwarming to know that the saints in the DRC continue to wax stronger in the Lord.

Lesotho

After leaving the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Reverend Musgrave and Reverend Adigun traveled to Lesotho, arriving on February 1. They were accompanied by Onias Gumbo, District Superintendent for Southern and Eastern Africa (SEAR).

Lesotho is a mountainous, landlocked country within South Africa, with a population of 2.1 million. Maseru, the capital and largest city, has a population of approximately 470,000. The country’s primary export is water, which is transported to South Africa from large mountain reservoirs. Lesotho is also known for its cattle, goats, and sheep, as well as having the coolest weather in Africa.

The visiting team was greeted in a special way by a children’s choir singing “Welcome! We are happy to see you.” The Lesotho Country Leader, Edmond Makwiramiti, was also present. He pioneered the Lesotho work with his wife, Memory, in 2017, when they moved there with their children as missionaries. Today, there are three Apostolic Faith groups in the country: two in Maseru and one in a nearby village. Sadly, Sister Memory went home to be with the Lord last June.

The visit took place during a weekend of revival services held at Cenez High School, a private institution. The team arrived in time to join about one hundred others for an afternoon service. One of those in attendance was Sister Mampolokeng who is ninety-two. She was among the first converts in Lesotho.

The service featured music in Sotho and Venda. During the testimonies, an older brother thanked God for the strength to attend three camp meetings last year. He had been at the point of death, but God healed him. The sermon was based on John 2:1-5 and brought out the importance of bringing problems to Jesus and doing “whatsoever he saith unto you.”

In the evening, Nicolus Moholwa, the pastor at Diepsloot, South Africa, testified that God had delivered him from alcohol and drugs. He said that he repented of his sins and God saved him, sanctified him, and filled him with the Holy Spirit. Then Reverend Gumbo delivered the message from Acts 4:10-12, highlighting “The Power in Jesus’ Name.”

The Sunday services began with children marching in while singing “Keep Your Eyes on God.” Later, a combined choir uplifted with several songs, including “Praise God, Alleluia.” The focus of the morning message, by Reverend Musgrave, was John 15:5 and being “Connected to the True Vine.” At the afternoon service, Reverend Adigun took his text from Matthew 5:6 and emphasized having “A Spiritual Hunger.” All of the services closed with wonderful times of prayer at the altars.

The last stop of the trip was to see the rented space currently being used as the headquarters church. It is small, only able to accommodate about forty-five people. A larger building nearby was used for Lesotho’s first camp meeting in 2023.

Before departing, the team was presented with gifts: traditional wool blankets and hats. Reverend Musgrave concluded his trip saying, “Lesotho is a beautiful country known for its excellent water. Now the Lord is blessing it with Living Water. We trust that ‘He who began a good work’ in Lesotho will continue it until His return.” 

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