From April 11–14, 2019, the North Kivu District of Congo held a large Field Conference in Goma. The purpose of the conference was to strengthen the church there. Many members came to attend.

The theme was “ Prepare to meet thy Lord”.

Members and believers came to attend from different areas. Isolated members, interested souls and the group choir also came.

Each church and group from the two provinces of Kivu were represented by at least some members. Visitors and believers came as far away as Masisi, (175 km away); others came from Rwanda, the neighboring country. Then there were others from Bukavu (around 205 km away) and from Nyabibwe city (100 km away).

We experienced blessed fellowship at the meetings and were very much encouraged.

The main subjects studied were:

  • Authenticity of God’s church (the church in the prophecy, its origin and fundamental doctrines—The 10 Commandments, pillars of the faith, etc.)
  • Sanctity of marriage and proper family relationships
  • Unity in the family and the church
  • Proper Christian behaviour and attitude
  • Evangelism and missionary work: ‘let one win one’
  • Secrets of natural healing
  • Youth for Christ
  • Prepare to meet thy Lord: Christ’s Second Coming: Amazing facts and fiction.

During the conference, we first held Field Committee meetings. We then had the public conference and evangelistic activities. On Sunday, we shared in the joy of witnessing two dear souls give their lives to Jesus in baptism. Prior to the close of the conference, we shared the Lord’s Supper together.

On Monday morning, April 15, it was time for us all to depart to our separate homes. We departed very joyful and encouraged by the fellowship and studies we experienced at the conference.

The believers from Bukavu and Nyabibwe needed to cross Kivu Lake by boat to return home.

Asleep in Jesus

We experienced much sorrow when we learned that the boat to Nyabibwe capsized on its way across the lake.

Fifteen of our believers (four members and eleven interested souls—including children), were on that boat and none of them survived. They all perished in one night.

There was a total of 200 people in the boat and only 37 survived; none of the survivors were our members. After attempted rescue efforts, the boat itself has not even been found. Not one body was initially found for burial. Only after four days, 15 bodies were found on the other side of the lake and were buried by the government.

The church in Congo sadly now has lost 15 souls in one day.

We pray that one day we will see them again when Jesus returns. They died with a heavenly hope. When they open their eyes again, they will see Jesus.  This is the end of the church in Nyabibwee. (to know how the work started in Nyabibwe, see The Sabbath Watchman November–December 2016; and The Reformation Messenger, December 2016)

Details

On Sunday April 14 the baptism of two souls took place.  One brother and a young sister.

The brother who was baptized (on the left in the photo)  was accompanied by his wife with a baby and their daughter (15 years old) to witness the baptism of their husband and father. They all perished in the shipwreck.

Brother Kamundo Chimorho,  who was the leader of the church/ group, perished with his three daughters and one baby and his son-in-law. His wife and daughter are now both widows.

Another sister, (on left) Sister Stephanie  (the treasurer of the group), who is 69 years old and a baptized member came to the conference with an interested woman who came with her baby. They also perished.

We are not promised tomorrow. We only have today and may we make today, the best we can for the Lord.

We look forward to seeing these 15 dear souls again when Jesus returns.

During Sabbath School, these believers (above) presented a special song. It was their last special song until they sing the song of Moses and the Lamb in the New Jerusalem. They all died one day later.

From L to R: Sister Sarrah, Brother Jean Pierre, Aline, Deborah, wife to Jaean Pierre, and brother Kamundo Chimorwo (as mentioned) who was the Leader of Nyabibwe church.

Sarah and Aline are daughters of the brother standing at far right.

Jean Pierre and his wife and the third from left are one family since Deborah is the daughter singing together with her two parents.

This was the last Lord’s Supper these two brethren partook of, until they eat the marriage supper of the Lamb in the New Jerusalem.

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:44. The Lord came for these 15 dear souls. May we all be ready each day because we do not know when He will come for us. We are not promised tomorrow. Each day is a gift from God. Let us use our gift of time wisely.

Victor Shumbusho, DR Congo