Church of Jesus Christ Celebrates 2023 Light the World during Multifaith Concert in Kinshasa, DR Congo

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized an interdenominational Light the World concert held at the Kinshasa Stake Center in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on December 2, 2023. This event was held for government officials and opinion leaders in Kinshasa and was widely broadcast on social media.

The concert was also attended by Placide Ndzamba, first counselor of the Republic of Congo Embassy in DR Congo, and Danh Ashley Poutance, economic counselor at the same embassy. Ndzamba said his daughter is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, and he never imagined that there was such a well-organized church in Kinshasa.

“It was a magnificent evening,” he added.

Participating religious institutions included The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church, the Salvation Army, and the National Council for Religions for Peace (CNRP).

Elder Eustache Ilunga, Area Seventy of the Africa Central Area of the Church, gave the concert’s opening remarks. He quoted the Lord’s invitation to His disciples to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt 5:16). As Christians, he said, our main objectives are to love God and love our fellow man, especially during the Christmas season.

“We need to work together with all religions to accomplish His great work.”

Choirs, soloists, and musicians from each religion participated in the program. Music featured a mix of Christmas hymns, European choral music, and traditional African music. These included Hosanna to the Lord, Hallelujah chorus, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Kembo Na Yo, Nzambi Mufuki and Nzakomba.

The concert lasted 2.5 hours. Both the performers and audience were swept up in the emotion of the concert and reluctant for it to end.