Decades of conflict, displacement, poverty, and hardship have left many communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo seeking hope, healing, and lasting peace. In places such as Boma and surrounding villages, many people continue to face spiritual, social, and economic challenges as they search for truth and encouragement.
Believers at CELCCO church during a Bible listening group training In the heart of Boma and other villages in DRC, as we visited we discovered that a movement with millions of followers, a cult, has led people astray. Founded by a man Simon Kimbangu who is now late, many people in search of truth resulted to worshiping idols and others believed him to have been ‘Jesus’. The man who died left 3 sons , who call themselves, 'the father', 'the son' and 'the holy spirit' carry the legacy and have a huge following. People believe he is the one to come back to take them to heaven.
One of the sanctuaries of the Kimbanguist cult In the rural area of Tshela, some communities live deep within forested regions where low literacy levels, limited resources, and geographical isolation make access to Scripture difficult. For many families, owning or reading a printed Bible is not possible. These circumstances make audio Bibles and Bible-listening groups especially valuable.Our visit brought encouragement to local communities. As our team travelled from village to village, we trained and supported Bible-listening groups and distributed audio Bibles in languages people could understand.
Community leaders, women, men, and children gathered with great joy to listen to God’s Word together. Hearing Scripture in their heart language enabled many participants to engage with the message more personally, discuss what they had heard, and share it with their families and neighbours.
One woman expressed deep gratitude after receiving an audio Bible. She was caring for two unwell children and said the device would allow her family to listen to God’s Word each day, even during a difficult season. For her, the audio Bible represented comfort, hope, and an opportunity to grow in faith together as a family.
Audio Bibles can help communities overcome barriers that limit access to Scripture:
They support people who cannot read or have limited literacy.
They allow families and groups to listen to Scripture together.
They provide access to God’s Word in familiar local languages.
They can strengthen Bible study, prayer, discipleship, and community fellowship.
They enable people to listen repeatedly, reflect on the message, and share it with others.
Pray and partner with us
Many people in the DRC still live without easy access to the Bible in a language and format they can understand. Through prayer and practical support, more communities can receive audio Bibles, form Bible-listening groups, and encounter the hope of Jesus Christ.
Please pray:
That people in Boma, Tshela, and other communities will hear and understand God’s Word.
That Bible-listening groups will grow into strong, caring communities of faith.
That families facing poverty, illness, isolation, and uncertainty will experience hope and encouragement.
That local leaders and facilitators will be equipped to guide others in listening, discussing, and applying Scripture.
That more audio Bibles will reach people who have little or no access to written Scripture.
Be part of Congo’s story of hope today.
Your gift can help place an audio Bible in the hands of an individual, family, or Bible-listening group—opening opportunities for people to hear, discuss, and respond to God’s Word in their own language.
