CULTURAL SUMMARY

The culture of the Kinshasa region is deeply influenced by its diverse ethnic groups and colonial history, enriched by various cultural traditions. The local cuisine features traditional dishes like fufu and moambe, reflecting a blend of local and regional flavors. The region's vibrant arts scene includes traditional music and dance forms such as the soukous, celebrated during festivals like the Fête de la Musique. The music genre Rumba and the dance style Makossa are also integral to the region's cultural identity. Festivals and events throughout the year celebrate the diverse cultural and historical influences that shape this dynamic part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region features the Congo River, lush rainforests, and the Mont Ngaliema, providing a varied and scenic landscape.

CLIMATE

The climate is tropical with average temperatures ranging from 70°F (21°C) to 88°F (31°C) year-round; the region experiences high humidity and a rainy season from October to May, with no likelihood of snow.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken in the area are French and Lingala.

RELIGIONS

The three largest religious denominations in the area are Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and Kimbanguism.

INDUSTRIES

Mining: Major employers like Gécamines excel in the extraction of copper and cobalt, making mining a significant industry in the region.

Agriculture: Companies such as Feronia Inc. are key players in agriculture, focusing on palm oil and rubber production.

Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector is robust, with businesses like Bralima producing beverages and other consumer goods, contributing significantly to the local economy.

LOCAL EVENTS

The largest local celebrations include the Fête de l'Indépendance, the Festival of Cultures, and the Kinshasa Carnival, which highlight the region's cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit.

TOURISM

The most common tourist attractions are the Kinshasa Botanical Garden, the Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, and the Académie des Beaux-Arts.

RECREATION

Favored recreational activities include exploring the Ma Vallée and visiting the Parc de la Nsele, both offering unique outdoor experiences.

MISSION HISTORY

In the 1960s, several Congolese converts who had been baptized outside the country returned to their homeland and began petitioning Church headquarters to send missionaries to their country. In 1979, after receiving several letters from the country, Church President Spencer W. Kimball sent Oscar McConkie, a Church attorney, to explore the possibility of organizing the Church in Zaïre (later renamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo).

Although legal registration took nearly seven years, early converts met together in small groups and shared their faith with neighbors. When the first missionaries, Ralph and Jean Hutchings, arrived in February 1986, there were several groups meeting each week. In June 1986 a district was organized, and the following year a mission was created in Kinshasa. On August 30, 1987, Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles traveled to Kinshasa and dedicated the country for the preaching of the gospel.

Though the mission briefly closed in the early 1990s, members continued to share the gospel. In 1996 the first stake in Kinshasa was created, and in 1997 the first stake in Lubumbashi was formed. Church members kept the faith and ministered to each other through the conflict of the late 1990s and early 2000s, working to make the stakes of Zion “a refuge from the storm” in a time of trouble (Doctrine and Covenants 115:6). During the October 2011 general conference, Church President Thomas S. Monson announced plans for a temple to be built in Kinshasa. It was dedicated in 2019.

MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission.  Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!