The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Officially Celebrates 40 Years in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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KINSHASA, DRC — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrated the 40th anniversary of its official establishment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a commemorative ceremony that brought together government officials, religious leaders, Church leaders, and members from various regions of the country.

This celebration marked four decades of growth, service, and spiritual development since the Church received legal recognition in Zaire in 1986. It also provided an opportunity to honor the pioneers whose faith and perseverance contributed to the lasting establishment of the Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The ceremony began with a historical presentation by Elder Édouard Ngindu, a Church historian and volunteer missionary serving in Kinshasa alongside his wife. His presentation traced the history of the Church from Joseph Smith’s First Vision through its official organization in 1830, before focusing on its establishment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Reviewing key milestones, Elder Ngindu recalled the efforts that led to the Church’s official recognition, the arrival of the first missionaries, and the steady growth of the Church in the country. His presentation highlighted the remarkable journey that transformed a handful of faithful groups into a firmly established Church organization throughout the nation.

Attendees were then moved by the testimony of President Banza, a mission president, who reflected on the early days of the Church in the DRC. With emotion, he shared memories of meetings held in his family home forty years ago. His testimony reminded listeners of the sacrifices made by the first members and the blessings that accompanied their faithfulness.

The program continued with a presentation on the Church’s humanitarian efforts. Brother Didier Mutombo, representing the Church’s humanitarian services, highlighted numerous initiatives carried out over the years in the areas of health care, education, access to clean water, emergency relief, and self-reliance. He emphasized that these efforts have improved the lives of many communities while strengthening the dignity and self-reliance of beneficiaries throughout the country.

The ceremony was also marked by the presence of several distinguished guests, including the Minister of State and Minister of Vocational Training, Marc Ekila Likombo. Representatives of various religious denominations belonging to the National Council of Religions for Peace (CNRP-RDC) also attended the event.

Speaking on behalf of the CNRP-RDC, Colonel Ntemi Lukombo Esaïe of The Salvation Army praised the Church’s contribution to promoting peace, interfaith dialogue, family values, and the development of Congolese society. He underscored the important role that religious organizations play in strengthening social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

In his remarks, the Minister of State congratulated the Church on its forty years of presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and for its continued support of communities through spiritual, educational, and humanitarian initiatives.

The ceremony was presided over by Elder David Ngabizele, an Area Seventy, who delivered the closing address. Expressing gratitude to the Lord for the blessings bestowed upon the Church during the past four decades, he invited members to continue their commitment to serving God and their fellow beings.

“For forty years, the Lord has prepared His people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, strengthened them through periods of trial, and led them to remarkable growth. Today we express our profound gratitude for the miracles and blessings we have witnessed.”

Addressing the younger generation in particular, Elder Ngabizele also stated:

“This celebration is not merely a look at the past. It is a call to the rising generation to continue, with faith, integrity, and commitment, the work of building the kingdom of God and preparing for the future.”

Throughout the ceremony, presentations were interspersed with performances by Church choirs and cultural presentations showcasing the richness of Congolese heritage. These artistic moments contributed to an atmosphere that was both festive and spiritual.

The commemoration also provided an opportunity to reflect on major milestones in the Church’s history in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After several years of effort, the Church obtained legal recognition in Zaire in April 1986. The first missionaries, Ralph Bay Hutchings and his wife Jean Hutchings, arrived in Kinshasa in February of that same year. A district was organized a few months later, followed by the creation of the Kinshasa Mission in 1987.

On August 30, 1987, Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, accompanied by Elder Alexander B. Morrison, a General Authority Seventy, dedicated Zaire for the preaching of the gospel during a ceremony held in the garden of Michael C. Bowcutt in Binza, Kinshasa. This event remains one of the defining moments in the history of the Church in the country.

Since then, the Church has experienced remarkable growth. According to the Church’s most recent official statistics, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is now home to more than 159,000 members, organized into 49 stakes, 13 districts, 490 wards and branches, and 9 missions.

The DRC is also home to an operating temple in Kinshasa, dedicated in 2019. A second temple is currently under construction in Lubumbashi, while two additional temples have been announced in Kananga and Mbuji-Mayi.

Today, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is among the countries experiencing the fastest growth of the Church in Africa, reflecting the faith and commitment of thousands of Latter-day Saints throughout the nation.

Beyond the borders of the Congo, the celebration also honored Church pioneers throughout the world. From the earliest converts and missionaries to leaders who devoted their lives to serving God and their fellow beings, their faith, sacrifice, and dedication have contributed to the expansion of the Church across every continent. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations to live the gospel of Jesus Christ with faith, courage, and devotion.