Interfaith Choir and the Kimbanguist Symphonic Orchestra Shine Brightly in Kinshasa, DRC, at Light the World Event

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On Saturday, December 6, 2025, a spiritual event took place at the Kinshasa Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Far from the usual bustle of the city, the spiritual and musical concert “Light the World” transformed an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable moment of grace, proving that music, faith, and commitment to our communities are the brightest beacons at the close of the year.

From 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., the great Cultural Hall was filled with a wave of peace. Presided over by Elder Jean-Pierre Haboko, Seventy of the Central Africa Area, the event—part of the traditional Christmas activities—transcended the simple framework of a performance to become a true hymn to brother and sisterhood and remembrance of the birth of Christ, our Lord and Savior.

From the very first notes, the Light the World Choir captivated the audience. Its inspired hymns immediately set a scene of joyful reverence. The atmosphere, already vibrant, was solemnly inaugurated by the opening prayer of Reverend Pastor Kinyamba, a prominent figure in the local interfaith community, underscoring from the outset the spirit of unity that animated this gathering.

Then came the moment of musical grace that carried the assembly away. Under the expert and charismatic baton of Maestro Armand Diangienda, the Kimbanguist Symphonic Orchestra (OSK) displayed the full magnificence of its art. Interwoven with the powerful voices of the Light the World Choir, the strings, brass, and woodwinds performed works of striking depth, including a magnificent composition by Maestro Ange Mambassa. It was far more than listening: a true sensory and spiritual experience whose melody—sometimes solemn, sometimes full of joy—fulfilled its mission of “lighting” hearts toward goodness and upliftment.

One of the most beautiful symbols of the evening was the richness of the assembly. The hall was a true mosaic of influences: Hugh and Marcy Matheson of the Congo American Languages Institute (CALI); Guy Wembo Lombela, Director General of the Fund for the Promotion of Education and Training (FPEF); Brother Didier Mutombo, bearer of humanitarian initiatives; officials, stake presidents, bishops, full-time missionaries, services, and members of the Church who came in large numbers to celebrate this moment of light.

One of the guests, Mr. Charles Tubadi, representative of UNICEF’s U-Report in Kinshasa, addressed the youth. His speech resonated as a call to action. He portrayed volunteerism as a transformative power, encouraging Congolese youth to “light lanterns of service” within their own communities.

The musical inspiration and call to service found their spiritual anchor in the inspired message of Elder Jean-Pierre Haboko. Echoing Christ’s injunction, “Be the light of the world,” he deepened its meaning: this light must not be a mere intermittent flicker, but a constant flame.

This message transformed the fleeting emotion of the concert into a gentle and beautiful obligation: to extend the beauty of that afternoon into concrete daily acts of kindness as he emphasized, "We must be the light of the world continually through daily acts of charity."

Sealed by the closing prayer of Élie Twikala, this incursion into harmony concluded, leaving participants with light hearts and nourished spirits.

The Light the World concert will remain engraved not as a mere performance, but as a moment when Kinshasa shone with a spark of peace and shared hope.