Formerly Zaire, the Democratic Republic of Congo has all the natural ingredients of a rich and prosperous country but chaotic and corrupt government and the poor communications system have led this huge country into a succession of wars and uprisings. The future is still unpredictable due to ongoing war. Missionary personnel have had to evacuate several times during the past 30 years or so. Congo is nominally Christian and many missionaries have served here, establishing hospitals and schools. The work and missionary presence has, however, been continually disrupted by political unrest and civil war.
Present Work
UK brethren work has generally been based in the south of the country, eg. Katanga, Shaba. Workers from the USA and Canada have been based in the north-east. A variety of other evangelical agencies and workers (notably MAF, AIM) work in Congo as the war climate permits. Work includes:
Six rural hospitals with missionary and local Congo staff (Kasaji, Katoka, Mulongo, Mitwaba, Chamfubu, Luanza)
Rural short-term Bible schools are run on a regular basis
Literature work in various languages, eg. Emmaus translation, production and distribution of Scriptures
Bible training centre in Lubumbashi runs short courses
Ongoing evangelism and church planting, largely by national Christians
Needs
As and when the war situation permits:
Bible teachers and leadership trainers
Specialist doctors and nurses
Literature workers
Building and maintenance personnel
Knowledge of French is essential and willingness to learn the local languages.
Statistics
Population 49,139,000
Principal Cities Kinshasa, Kisangani, Lubumbashi
Languages French, Luba, Swahili
% Evangelical 21%
Assemblies 1000+ Katanga