Mission. Impossible?: Taking Christianity to the Congo

When the author returned to the Congo for a year as a newly qualified medical doctor, he observed Christian missionary activity and worked with the people, inspiring this book to learn more about the country before European intrusion, Belgian colonization, and the role of missionaries in exposing the brutalities of King Leopold II's rubber industry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2023
Publisher: The Choir Press

When the author returned to the Congo for a year as a newly qualified medical doctor, he had the privilege of observing Christian missionary activity firsthand. This experience allowed him to engage with the people who had nurtured him from birth, gaining a deep appreciation and admiration for their culture. The inspiration for this book emerged from a deep desire to explore the country and its people before the arrival of Europeans, the impact of Belgian colonization, the role of missionaries in exposing the brutalities of King Leopold II's rubber industry, and the significant contributions of Christian missions to the development of what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mission. Impossible? is a comprehensive work that draws upon a meticulous study of the archived records of the Congo Balolo Mission, personal interviews with retired missionaries and missionary children, current leaders of the Congolese church, and other previously unpublished personal materials. The author delves into the rich history and complexities of the Congo, challenging the prevailing concept of "The Heart of Darkness" that emerged after the discovery of the Congo River by Henry Morton Stanley in 1877.

To provide a valuable Congolese perspective, a postscript by Norbert Mpu-Mbutu is included. This postscript offers insights into the experiences and perspectives of the Congolese people, adding depth and richness to the overall narrative.

Through his meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the author has created a valuable contribution to the understanding of the Congo and its people. Mission. Impossible? provides a compelling account of the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing struggles of a nation striving for progress and justice.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789633498