A Discipleship Program for the Pygmies of Malondo in Kivu Region of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Discipling pygmies remains a great challenge for the church in the North Kivu Field of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since making disciples is the primary activity of the church and the main goal of Christianity, discipling the pygmies is a priority in Malondo. This study investigated various causes of backsliding among pygmies particularly in Malondo SDA Church. The study explores Jesus’ declaration in Matthew 28:18-19 commonly known as the Great Commission as well as other literature on Jesus’ discipleship methodology. Two separate focus groups, comprising Malondo SDA Church members and the pygmies were used to collect data to meet the purpose of the study. Each group was composed of seven members. The researcher developed a Biblical intervention which dealt with discipleship and backsliding challenges. Some were related to social care, others to economic and spiritual care. This intervention was implemented through sermons, seminars, evangelism and social work, over a seven-month period. The evaluation took place at the end of the exercise and results were satisfying. The research findings showed changes in attitudes and perceptions in each group. This is shown by the persistence of the small groups made up of Pygmies and members. The average rate of participation in Sabbath programs during a period of six months was 51.3 percent. This means that half of the baptized pygmies attended church each Sabbath. The researcher recommends that any other person intending to do research work among the pygmies should explore other areas of their lives and contribute new information on the same. From this study, the researcher learned a number of lessons that have enriched spiritual life. The researcher also made a certain number of recommendations that could help the next researcher studying the same people group along with recommendations to the local church leadership as well as to the local conference that will be helpful in doing more to help make pygmies disciples.