The annual camp meeting for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) took place July 5 to 19 with the theme “Liberation . . . Thou Art Loosed.” Over 1300 attended, coming from throughout the DRC as well as Angola, Congo Brazzaville, and London, England. The event was held at the Faith City campground in Nganda Pio, near Kinshasa, the nation’s capital.

In anticipation of the camp meeting, prayer meetings took place and outreach efforts were made. In addition, a two-day ministers’ and workers’ conference was held, titled “Working Together with God.” The sessions covered various topics from the Ministers’ Manual and Workers’ Handbook. At the conclusion, a spirit of revival was felt as all workers went to their knees asking God for grace to serve Him better. 

The first service highlighted the camp theme of liberation while inspiring faith for deliverance with such songs as “Nothing Is Impossible” and “Glorious Freedom.” The theme was continued in the message “Broken and Set Free,” given by Leon Guba Pakasa, the Country Leader. Taking his text from Exodus 8:5-8 and John 11:1-3, he used the story of Lazarus to show the resurrecting power of Jesus. He declared that any who are dead in trespasses and sin could be resurrected in joy. At the close, he invited all to seek God at the altars, and there was a good response.

Bible teachings were given throughout the two weeks. Some messages focused on doctrine, including “The Great Redemption,” “The Baptism of the Holy Spirit,” “Eternal Heaven and Hell,” and “Tithes and Offerings.” Other messages centered on Christian living, such as “Christian Forgiveness,” “The True Disciple,” and “The Christian Home.”

In every service, testimonies praised God for His mighty power to deliver. One sister said she and her husband tested positive for HIV. After he died of AIDS, she came to the church for help and was pointed to Jesus. She prayed through to salvation, sanctification, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Then she persevered in prayer for healing, and God touched her. She returned to the doctor for more tests, and he declared that the disease had disappeared.

In another testimony, a brother thanked God for his three experiences and then told of God’s protection and provision. He was on his way home from choir practice one evening when bandits robbed him, taking all the money in his wallet. Disheartened, he prayed as he continued home and when he got there and looked in his wallet, the money was restored.

On each of the three Sundays, a children’s program was presented by the younger Sunday school students with much enthusiasm. They also participated in children’s church and provided a concert for an audience of over 500. The older students enjoyed spiritual, educational, and recreational activities, including a service, forum, soccer match, and more. 

Other special events during the two weeks included the annual concert and a water baptismal service for 91 candidates delivered from sin. Also, in a brief ceremony, several were honored for faithful service with certificates and gifts. Among these was Simon Kalundandiko M’Bengani, who pioneered the DRC work in 1981 and was the first country leader.

The final devotional service pointed to the camp theme once again. For the message, Brother Leon took his text from Exodus 14:14-15 and spoke of “The Rod of Deliverance.” He said the God who delivered the Children of Israel at the Red Sea is able to give victory to all who look to Him. At the invitation to pray, many went to the altars seeking God.

The campers departed in an atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving for all God’s blessings.