Light of Congo: A Chronological Anthology of Historical and Experiential Stories from Congo

Light of Congo is the story of the Democratic Republic of Congo, beginning with its opening up to the Western world in the 1880's, its period as the private possession of King Leopold II of Belgium, 1885-1906, and continuing through its experience as a Belgian colony, the Belgian Congo, 1906-1960, and through the early Independence era, 1960-1961, and its subsequent endurance under the dictatorship of President Joseph Mobutu, 1965-1997. Surviving these epochs, the Congo people continue their movement toward becoming a democratic nation, 1997-2010. Its extravagant mineral resources, more abundant than any other country in Africa, have made its people the victims of exploitation for its past 125 year history by transnational corporations, mining and electronics industries, globalization, and the corruption of its political leaders. The book also focuses on the story of the American Presbyterian Mission, begun in 1891, and the formation of the Congo Presbyterian Church. In 1969 all of the 45+ Protestant churches joined together to form the united Church of Christ in Congo as one Protestant entity, with the individual churches becoming communities within the national structure. Many stories are woven throughout the book, from Congolese and missionary alike, in particular, those of the Don Bobb family, who lived and loved the Congo people from 1954-1971. Their deep friendships with villagers, city dwellers, youth, women, political leaders, as well as expatriates, make it a hybrid pattern of social and community life in Congo. Hopefully, the Congo people will come alive as a rich, vibrant, amazingly resilient composite of those who have survived crisis after crisis and come through still triumphant and singing. Light of Congo, with its 33 pages of color photos, is designed for the general public audience as well as the Christian church.