Church Life Along the River

The following is a report from Rev. Ilumbe, the Principal Supervising Pastor of the Mbandaka Poste, 10th Community - Disciples of Christ in Congo.  This district is the partner of the Indiana Region of the Disciples of Christ, and it is the district that the Indiana pilgrims will be visiting.  It provides a great insight into the joys and difficulties of life among Christians in the Congo.



Excerpts from emails from Rev. Ilumbe
PSP Mbandaka Poste, 10th-CDCC

From Friday, March 18, 2011, until Wednesday, April 6, 2011, I traveled with two pastors who accompanied me to the parishes and sub-parishes that are along the Likelemba River (Nsanga, Etuku, Bondo, Monzambi, Bokwakulu, Ibenge, Esona, Makungubabu and Motongambala). We went by canoe.

The weekly and Sunday worship services took place as usual. However, we assembled, for the closing worship service on the 3rd of April at Motongambala, 900 persons (men, women, youth, and children).

From Monzambi to Motongambala, we traveled 15 kilometers (about 10 miles) on foot in a large forest. In this forest I was able to see a local church of pygmies, a short people who live essentially by hunting, fishing, and gathering. I preached to them in their own language. Their pastor is also a pygmy. One curious thing: his Bible and his collection of songs, like those of many Christians, was ragged and worn.

Concerning the activities, like the worship services, we organized seminars, moments of prayers for intercession. We baptized 41 persons and blessed 28 children.

Everywhere, the Christians expressed the need for Bibles, collections of songs in Lingala, and cups for the Eucharist. A large number of people do not receive appropriate medical care because of the lack of medicine. Their children study in lamentable conditions, traveling long distances by canoe, and others not having even the most ordinary objects.

I praise God for allowing me to discover other groups who have need of the word of God and prayers for their comfort and solace.

I am convinced that you will be amazed by these pictures, showing the noble work that we do for the glory of God.

Thanks again for your prayers.
May God bless you.

Révérend ILUMBE NDJONGO Bernard
PSP Mbandaka