The varied and vibrant student housing community of Shalom University in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo

Life at Shalom University in Democratic Republic of Congo.

The dedication of three men in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Somewhere in that seemingly inattentive audience, there was one elderly catechist teacher who had inherited a set of instruments that the Zande people call anzoro. Like many of his people, this man associated the anzoro with dancing and drinking parties. Certainly it was not something to be brought to church.

Bangadi is a small town tucked into the vast Congo rainforest. This forest claims over one million square kilometres and is among the most beautiful haunts on earth. On world maps it is the smudge of green at the heart of Africa.

Shells from the 20mm cannons shredded the mango trees nearby, peppering the bank where he sought cover. It wasn’t the first time he’d been left for dead.

One pastor was in the middle of a sermon when Glenn, who had just returned, walked into the church unannounced. The pastor fell silent, then said, “They say it is death to come to Congo. But nevertheless, here is Mr. Wilton, come back to live with us!”

What do you take on a trip like that? Good boots and a Bible. A notebook and an open mind. And, if you dare, an open heart.

Panther, like Jacob’s favored son, was found, and he had a story to tell of God’s goodness and divine intervention – and a captive audience to hear it.