What is congregational life like in remote areas? The Chief Apostle wanted to see for himself. He found a simple church—and a congregation that left a lasting impression.
How do the small congregations in remote areas fare? Chief Apostle Helge Mutschler wanted to see for himself during his recent visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“The journey was quite an adventure,” he reported in his circular to the Apostles, referring to the drive from the provincial capital Kananga to the village of Demba. The four-wheel drive got stuck several times.
In Sapo-Sapo, the Chief Apostle and his companions made a deliberate stop. Some ministers from the local congregation were waiting by the side of the road: the rector and two Priests. They made their way to the church together.
The church is made of branches and twigs, and the pews are fashioned from tree trunks: this is how the little church presented itself. The Chief Apostle wanted to know all about it. Do they have Bible? Yes, they do. Is the Divine Service Guide available? Yes, they have that too. And then they went through the congregation’s membership records together.
“Exemplary, the records are well kept,” praises the Chief Apostle in an interview with nac.today, adding with a smile: “And half the village was watching us.” He is clearly impressed by the faith and dedication with which the ministers in Sapo-Sapo carry out their ministry. The brief visit ended with a joint prayer.
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Photos: ENA DRC Sud-Est
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