Democratic Republic of Congo
The first Salvation Army corps was established in Kinshasa in 1934 by Adjutant (later Commissioner) and Mrs Henri Becquet. By decree of Léopold III, Armée du Salut was given legal status, with powers set out in a Deed of Constitution, on 21 February 1936. Work spread to Congo (Brazzaville) in 1937 and 16 years later it became a separate command, later being elevated to territory status. Congo (Kinshasa) and Angola Territory was renamed on 1 March 2008 when Angola became a command, then became Democratic Republic of Congo Territory on 1 June 2008.
General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (WPWM) visited in October 2019 to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Army in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For this historical event, congress was held twice; one in Haut-Katanga and a second in Kinshasa. Salvationists of all ages who attended these two events received God's blessings through the inspired messages of the international leaders.
The General and Commissioner Peddle went with the President of the Senate and visited the William Booth University radio and television studio, at which the General said 'I am very impressed to see this beautiful university setting with beautiful buildings and rooms adapted to global education. This shows the faithfulness of God in this Territory.'
Commissioner Peddle, speaking to Salvationists, expressed her joy saying, 'We want to consider three things: we love God, we love people and we have given our lives to God!'
More than 2,000 women spent four days at the senior home league Bible camp, where they experienced spiritual strengthening, participating in Bible studies, times of sharing and prayer. A queen and two princesses were crowned at the territorial rally and 16 women became Home League members. A week later, young women gathered for their Bible camp following a similar curriculum.
At the beginning of August, the men's fellowship group met for its fifth symposium under the leadership of Colonel Lucien Lamartiniere (then TC) and Colonel Innocent Peter Kwenda (CS). The following themes were addressed: the man and the work of saving souls; strategies for the soul's edification ; men and discipleship; men and the work in the Church.
More than 500 young people from the Kinshasa area and surrounding districts and divisions attended the youth Bible camp. because of transport issues, other divisions held local camps for their young people. The theme of the camp was 'Dream Big.' A young Muslim delegate testified about the good teachings and promised to attend the next camp. Many young people dedicated their lives to God and decided to offer their knowledge, capacity, and talent in God's service.
The project department continues to do good work, completing several schemes during the year under review. A beekeeping project is training a community to breed bees for income generation. Members of the community have received a wooden hive, protective outfits, and a bee smoker. Another ongoing project includes the construction of a worship hall.
Territorial Leaders
Colonel Daniel Moukoko - Territorial Commander (1 July 2020)
Colonel Arschette Moukoko - Territorial President for Women's Ministries
Colonel Peter Kwenda - Chief Secretary (1 November 2017)
Colonel Norma Kwenda - Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries
Territorial Headquarters
Ave Colonel Ebea 23,
Kinshasa-Gombe,
Democratic Republic of Congo
Postal address
Armée du Salut 8636
Kinshasa 1
Democratic Republic of Congo
Statistics
Officers - 489 (active - 362 retired - 127)
Cadets - 40 Employees - 5,460
Corps - 201 Outposts - 126
Senior Soldiers - 33,397 Adherents - 5,253 Junior Soldiers - 20.436
Tel: +(243) 997 526 050
Email: kin.leadership@kin.salvationarmy.org
Countries included in the territory: Democratic Republic of Congo
Languages in which the gospel is preached: Chokwe, French, Kikongo, Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba, Umbundu