From the Superintendent's DESK

John Musgrave, Director of Africa Work, made a historic trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this past week. This was the first visit from the Portland headquarters to that country, though previous representatives had met with DRC delegates in various other locations.

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 congregations in the DRC.

During this trip, Brother John had the privilege of meeting Brother M’Bengani and said, “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.” Other highlights of this historic visit are given in the following report sent by Brother John.

I arrived in Kinshasa on Thursday, January 23, after a brief stop in the Republic of Congo. Many might wonder about the difference between the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) and the DRC. The people themselves often say there’s no difference—they are the same people, separated by the Congo River. The distinction lies in their colonial histories: Congo-Brazzaville was colonized by France while the DRC was colonized by Belgium.

At the airport, I was greeted warmly 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.

The next day, an evening service was held at our headquarters location in Kimbanseke, twelve miles outside of Kinsasha, the capital city. The service began with an organ prelude of “My Tribute,” and included beautiful music throughout. Among the music specials, the choir sang “At Calvary,” “There Is Victory in My Soul,” and “I Gave Myself for Thee.” During the announcements, I conveyed greetings from Brother Sola, and the Portland headquarters staff and congregation.

For the sermon, Mathieu Bobo, who pastors our church in Paris, France, took his text from Numbers 6:22-26, which happened to align with the thoughts shared by Brother Guba earlier in the prayer room. He also referenced Psalm 37:5-6, emphasizing that we serve a living God who desires to bless those who trust Him. After the closing song, the congregation prayed earnestly, reflecting their great enthusiasm for the Gospel.

On Saturday, a group of us visited the 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 5,000 attendees. In addition, they hope to eventually use the land for growing crops to support the ministry financially.

We also visited the Kibonga church in Kinshasa. The congregation and community extended a warm welcome to us. Sisters thoughtfully laid out long table runners along the dirt road for us to walk on, rotating them as we progressed. After a tour of the building, we gathered in the sanctuary for a brief greeting and prayer. Before leaving, the saints presented us with pineapples and melons.

On Sunday, during the morning service, Brother Guba was formally installed as the DRC District Superintendent (Country Leader), as this was the first opportunity since his appointment. The installment included a reminder of the Biblical principles for appointing and ordaining ministers.

The morning message 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.

During the evening service, two sisters testified of being healed following the morning service, and one young man from Angola shared that he had received the baptism of the Holy Ghost! For the sermon, Isaac Adigun, the Western and Central Africa District Superintendent, spoke on “The Power of the Blood.” There was a great response at the altars afterward. As the sun intensified on one side of the venue, the congregation simply shifted to the shaded area and kept praying.

Brother John closed his report by 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 Church in the DRC continues to wax stronger in the Lord. What a happy reunion awaits us all when we meet them at the Rapture in the air!