| Democratic Republic of Congo |
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| Fast Facts of Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Population: 65.8 million Languages: French (official), Indingenous Languages Major religions: Animism, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Islam, Indigenous Beliefs Date entered by WorldVenture: 1945 Number of WorldVenture workers: 2 Location of WorldVenture work: Rwanguba |
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| The Land and the People of Democratic Republic of Congo |
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Recently in the news for a devastating volcanic eruption outside the eastern border city of Goma, the Democratic Republic of Congo is located in the south central Africa. Rich with minerals and agricultural potential, Congo (formerly Zaire) could be Africa’s wealthiest nation, but because of continuing internal strife, it can no longer feed its own people. Most of Congo sits on a plateau covered with forests, rivers, and marshes, especially in the center and northwest of the country. In the east, mountains reach elevations over 16,000 feet. The equator runs through the top half of Congo, accounting for its hot, humid climate. An estimated 450 ethnic groups live in Democratic Republic of Congo, ranging from 11 groups of Pygmies of the Ituri forest to the 220 Bantu groups scattered throughout the country. Almost every tribe has its own language, which means about 200 regional varieties are spoken. French is the only common language and is spoken by the educated. Political instability has increased in recent years, with ongoing intertribal wars in eastern Congo and two national civil wars in the last decade. Conflicts and political power struggles continue to date, impacting the work in Congo.
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Democratic Republic of Congo Map | Satellite
Click and drag the map. Use the zoom tool on the right to zoom down on a city or area. Click the Hybrid view to see both map and satellite imagery; click the Satellite view to see satellite imagery. |
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| WorldVenture's Work in Democratic Republic of Congo |
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The church in Africa is growing tremendously. In the past, WorldVenture has worked with the Community of Baptist Churches of Eastern Congo to provide leadership training, translation of the Bible and discipleship. When possible, WorldVenture’s medical personnel minister through Bible study programs, hospital and nursing school chapel services, and other forms of witness. List ministry opportunities in Democratic Republic of Congo
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| Goals and Future Direction of the Work |
| With the unstable political climate in Congo, it is difficult to predict the direction WorldVenture’s work will take in the future. The church is faced with the challenge of making the gospel relevant to people who live with the fears and uncertainties of government instability. The Lord continues to use compassion ministries such as the medical work of WorldVenture to bring comfort and hope to needy people. Often, a visit to the hospital or clinic is the first time people hear the good news of Christ. |