5 Vision for the future

6 Leadership training at every level

a) Lay leadership was neglected for years

b) Bible schools abound

c) The higher-level institutions

7 Sectors of society needing the gospel:

a) Rural villages

b) Young people

c) The Kimbanguist Church – one of the largest indigenous African bodies with 6 – 8 million followers

d) Those affected by the AIDS pandemic

e) The intellectuals and the wealthy elite

f) The vast swamplands north-east of Kinshasa, which are sparsely populated and under-evangelized

g) The Swahili-speaking Muslim communities

h) The peoples who have been less responsive, and have a high proportion of non-Christians: Hunde 200,000; Bira(2) 160,000; Lega(2) 700,000; Kuba 28,000; Nyanga 45,000

8 The Pygmy peoples have long been despised and humiliated by Congolese and largely neglected by indigenous denominations

9 Missionary involvement has been drastically reduced because of war and the breakdown of the communications network

a) Wise deployment and the most effective use of their gifts

b) Harmonious and effective partnering between nationals and expatriates

c) Safety

d) Provision of supplies and wisdom in their use

e) Development of the right strategies for mission agencies with particular emphasis on moving the Church towards maturity and concern for the unreached

10 Christian help ministries will be essential for some time to come

a) Health Services

b) Education

c) Transportation

11 Bible translation is a major unfinished task

a) At least 30 and possibly 147 languages are in need of translation

b) Research into the needs for translation is still required

12 Christian media

a) Christian literature publishing and distribution

b) The JESUS film has been viewed by much of the population

c) GRN has messages available in 286 languages and dialects

d) Christian radio's importance has been enhanced as communication systems broke down

Politics

For centuries, Congo has suffered the depredations of Arab slavers, Western exploitation and, in recent years, exploitation by Africans.

Religion

In 1972 the President decreed that only six organized religions were permitted to operate and own property: Catholic; one Protestant Church (ECC), Kimbanguist Church, Orthodox, Muslims and Jews.

Churches in Congo-DRC

Missionaries from Congo-DRC

estimated 445 in 39 agencies

Missionaries to Congo-DRC

estimated 650 in 76 agencies from 26 countries

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Geography

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Area 2,344,858 sq.km. Congo contains most of the Congo River system and much of the vast Central African rainforest.

Population (2000) 51,654,496 +2.61%AGR

Capital Kinshasa 5,950,000.

Peoples

Bantu 82.4%; Sudanic 13%; Nilotic 1.5%; Pygmy 0.9%; Other 2.2%.

Literacy officially 77%. Greatly reduced by the collapse of the education system. Official languages French, English. Trade languages Lingala/Bangala in north and northwest, Swahili in east and south, Luba in centre and Kongo/Tuba in west. All languages 221. Languages with Scriptures 27Bi 10NT 40por 27w.i.p.

Economy

Vast mineral resources and agricultural potential. HDI 0.479; 141^st/174. Public debt 166% of GNP. Income/person $110 (0.4% of USA).

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