Mennonite Mission Heath Association
(MMHA)
Association Mennonite Missionnaire pour la Santé
Asociación Menonita Misionera por la Salud
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Mennonite Mission Heath Association
(MMHA)
Association Mennonite Missionnaire pour la Santé Asociación Menonita Misionera por la Salud |
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
Historical Background The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the 3rd largest country in Africa with a population of about 55 million. It was originally named after the Kingdom of the Kongo, a powerful empire situated in the west both north and south of the Congo river, the second largest river in the world in terms of water volume. Besides water, Congo has an abundance of natural resources including diamonds, cobalt, copper, tantalum and others. With the arrival of the Portuguese in 1482, European involvement on Congolese affairs began. After 400 years of slave trade, control over the Congo basin was exploited by King Leopold and then to the Belgians as a colonial power. In 1960, independence was granted under the leadership of the first Congolese prime minister and hero, Patrice Lumumba. Mobutu’s reign of power began in 1964 and was tightly maintained until 1991 when the bankrupt country could no longer pay its civil servants. In 1997 Laurent Kabila, backed by Rwanda, took control. One year later, this relationship led to a multi-country war involving Uganda, Zimbabwe, Angola and Namibia on Congo soil. In the end, it was a war over resources fought by foreigners but killing or displacing millions of Congolese. In 2001, Laurent was assassinated. His son, Joseph, replaced him. In 2003, a transitional government was created with 4 vice presidents (2 of them “rebel” leaders). Elections are scheduled for 2005. Congolese remain among the poorest in sub-Sahara Africa with much of its health and education programming supported by foreign intervention. Economic growth is suppressed due to lack of infrastructure and short-sighted government barriers. This site is dedicated to capacity building and leadership development focusing on health, education and economic growth in Mennonite regions. Please refer to links for more information on DRC.
DR Congo Information Links Information and Demographics
Ethnic groups: over 200 African ethnic groups of which the majority are Bantu; the four largest tribes - Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu) and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) make up about 45% of the population Religions: Roman Catholic - 50%, Protestant - 20%, Kimbanguist - 10%, Muslim - 10%, other syncretic sects and indigenous beliefs - 10% Languages: French (official), Lingala (a lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write French, Lingala, Kingwana, or Tshiluba total population: 77.3% (male: 86.6% female: 67.7%) -- Global: total population: 77% (male: 83% female: 71%) History of Mennonites in Congo The involvement of Mennonites in World mission was particularly strong during the first half of the 20th century. As a result, there are more Asian and African Mennonites than European or North American. Though the Congolese church is large, the social conditions of the people remain very poor. There are a number of reasons one might postulate as to why Congo has not developed. Among them are the following:
When mission organizations moved towards nationalizing their assets and institutions, the Mennonites were front-runners. In the 1970’s and early 80’s, all mission possessions were transferred to the indigenous church. However, with the exit of the missionary, contact with skilled personnel, financial subsidies and material support also dissipated. Western structures began to breakdown leaving an unprepared leadership to pick up the pieces. Three Mennonite congregations or denominations have developed through the years:
Congolese Christian Music
Today the Congolese Mennonite churches are large and vibrant but struggle with the large role in health, education and economic development that has been thrust upon them. Mennonite Regions in Congo The Mennonites are primarily involved in southern Bandundu and Kasai Occidentale though they play a large role in Kinshasa (pop. 8 million) and a smaller role in Mbuji-Mayi (pop. 2 million). They are directly responsible for development in 7 health zones (pop. almost 1 million) and have been asked to take on indirect responsibilities in another 10 zones (pop. over 1 million). Finally, the Mennonites play a significant role in one of the major Protestant teaching facilities in Congo located in Tshikaji.
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