Church Funds Critical Food and Supplies for Flooding Victims in Kinshasa, DR Congo

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the NGO Women of Faith, accompanied His Excellency the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo in his policy to relieve the suffering of flooding victims in the eastern part of the City of Kinshasa.”

So said Mayor Joseph Shiku Katumba of the Commune of Masina in his remarks to flooding victims gathered in the Masina Community Center in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on February 27, 2024.

Several political-administrative authorities were present at the handover ceremony, namely Mayor Joseph Shiku Katumba, his deputy Nathan Ngaliema, chief of staff Eva Bisau, and Tarsis Luyungu Tasi, inspector of the Community Development Service of the Municipality of Masina.

The mayor, the first speaker at the ceremony, continued by thanking The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for having provided the necessary funds for Women of Faith to implement its project of bringing critical aid to flood victims. Before closing his speech, he reminded Church leaders of the availability of the Masina Community Center for such activities.

The second speaker was Jean Mwanza Kabongo, first counselor in the Masina Stake presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who comforted the victims by expressing the Church’s willingness to work with the political-administrative authorities.

Referring to the flooding crisis, he said, “Nothing happens to us unless the Lord allows it. This is a reminder from the Lord to choose carefully to stay close to our families.”

The Church was represented by Balakompandje Iyelenge Jean Paul, president of the Mokali Stake, Mwanza Kabongo Jean, first counselor in the Masina Stake presidency, and Jean Jacques Kongo Kongo, Communication Director of Kinshasa East Coordinating Council.

Nadine Elima Banze, Women of Faith director, took the floor to thank leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for providing the necessary funds for her NGO to carry out this assistance project. She also thanked the municipal authorities present for their support.

She counseled the flood victims to share what they received with others. “The Church has shared with you. You also have the duty to share with others and pray for the leaders of the Church who supported us in this project,” she said.

Reverend Pastor André Nsapu, one of the flooding victims, accompanied by his wife, said, “I am a pastor in my church, and I have never seen such assistance in almost 17 years. You are truly a church of Christ on earth. I need to become a member of your Church.”

Finally, ceremony moderator Mr. Tarsis Luyungu Tasi formally launched the distribution of food and non-food items to the numerous flooding victims gathered in the community center.