Religion In the Congo

In the Congo religion is something very important. People like to talk about spiritual things and they are very open to discussions. Most of the people are Christian. We are told that there are a few Muslims, but we have not see a Mosque yet. It makes it easier for our Elders to find people to teach.

They are generally very respectful of each others' religion and they show respect for us as missionaries. When they see our missionary tags they always have questions. We are asked questions in the stores and on the streets. The police are much more likely to let us go without too much trouble when they see our tags. Many times when we are stopped a little church literature and a reminder that we cannot give them God's money is all it takes to get on our way. One time a policeman said, "Oh, missionaries, we are here to serve you!" Churches have helped the African people for years and they appreciate the work that is done here.

There are all kinds of churches and on Sunday you will see many people dressed up and walking to church. Women and girls are dressed up in their colorful African clothes or in their nicest western clothes and men and little boys are in shirts, ties and often suits. Despite their humble financial circumstances, the Congolese love to dress up and they look wonderful.

Some sisters from Katuba Ward

Little girls dress up in frilly dresses, if they have them. Although everybody doesn't have really nice things, the idea is that you come in your very best to honor the Sabbath Day.

Sometimes church people dress alike and the choirs always do, even in our wards. The Methodists dress alike in large numbers and most often in green and yellow combinations. One day we saw five minivan transports full of them. I think it was the church choir because their singing had those vans rocking.

But people are walking everywhere on Sundays, heading to the church of their choice.

We went to Katuba chapel to visit the wards there today. On the way I decided to count and take pictures of churches. It takes about 15 min. to drive to the Katuba chapel. There are 12 churches along that route. Some are very large and actually the most beautiful buildings in town and some a very small and some even meet outside. Here are a few pictures of them.

Catholic Church,definetly the nicest building in Lubumbashi.

A more common kind of church -The Orthodox Church of St. Marc

A small church where they sit outside

This one is The Potter's House Church of the Potter.

There is a scriptural reference to Jeremiah 18:2 on the sign.

The Power Gospel church

The Church Armed with the Eternal One

The people were just on a porch here holding church.

We also came across a religious processional to the Methodist Church. They were carrying artificial flowers and waving them in the air. They were dressed in wonderful bright African clothing. Only about a third of them are visible in this picture. The line was probably a third of a mile long. It was quite a sight.

And here we have the LDS chapel where we attended church.

Two sweet families from our congregations.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY

Children are usually pretty shy around us. We think the white skin is a little unnerving to them. But this little girl on the left took my hand and walked all over the church with me and her girlfriend tagged along. It was awesome. She was so cute and happy to be together. I loved it!

We love these good Congolese Saints!

They embrace the teaching of the gospel and are living it with all their hearts.

What a privilege it is to be here.