Congo Kid - Life Stories

Congo Kid
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Jeff, aka Congo Kid, is a casual writer and podcaster. He enjoys studying and discussing sociology, culture, and human behavior. His formative years were spent in Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa, where he learned multiple languages (French and Lingala) and experienced different social constructs, food, and cultures. His life experiences helped shape his worldview, which he feels is distinct and worthy of contemplation. A commercial real estate executive by day, he spends his free time reading, writing, road cycling, mountain biking, and podcasting. Husband to one, father to two, grandfather to one, and Vessel to The One, Jeff is enjoying life and family more and more as he grows older.

  1. Jun 26

    Episode 45 – Trials and Triumphs in Congo – A 100 Year Mission Journey – Part 7 of 7 – 6-26-26

    This is the 7th episode in this 7 part series about the mission work of the Evangelical Free Church in the Belgian Congo. The work started in 1920 with Titus Johnson being the visionary and initial driver of establishing the work. The last 6 episodes has been a detailed journey of the founding of our mission, the long journey and process to establish mission stations in the Ubangi area, the physical and emotional losses of the early missionaries, including health issues and loss of life. 19 so far have died in the effort. 3 evacuations due to political and military turmoil disrupted the work. Governmental restrictions in the early 1970’s along with friction in handling the hand-off from the missionaries to the Congolese church was also part of the journey. One more saint dies, and you will hear that story. Yet, from 1998 through the present, the church has grown and flourished, and you will hear about that.  Thanks to Norma Colby for sharing about the passing of her husband, Dr. Bill Colby. Jim Snyder gives a recap of the 100 year celebration of the mission work held in 2022. Also Jim and Craig Wickstrom share about how the Congolese Free Church and Congolese Covenant church are continuing their work with the home missions boards only providing guidance, support and counsel. And appreciation is given to Nubako Selenga who gives the Congolese perspective of the work. He now is a missionary to his own people, the Congolese. Also thank those that provided voice-overs for this episode.  The lookback of the past 100 years of this journey is humbling and amazing. Trials, too many to count resulted in many triumphs. The faithfulness, sacrifice and perseverance of all the missionaries over the years to do their part in furthering the mission work and establishment of the church is evident. **Rated in 2026 to the TOP 25 Best “Life Stories” Themed Podcasts Worldwide – https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/

  2. Jun 5

    Episode 44 – Trials and Triumphs in Congo – A 100 Year Mission Journey – Part 6 of 7 – 6-5-26

    Clarice Hogberg Friday Market – Limpoko Dr. Titus Johnson – Sweden Dr. Titus Johnson – Order of the Leopard Ceremony Memory Bench – Elizabeth Hope Carlson Village / Canoe – Limpoko This is the 6th episode in this 7 part series about the mission work of the Evangelical Free Church in the Belgian Congo. The work started in 1920 with Titus Johnson being the visionary and initial driver of establishing the work. Episode 1-5 discussed the difficult journey to get to the Ubangi region in NW Congo and the long process to establish the first 3 stations. From there, every ten years or so, several more stations were expanded into. But the cost of the loss of life was significant, with many adults and children succumbing to sickness or disease, as medical care was minimal initially. Then in the early 1970’s, the government restricted the mission efforts, the local church wanted more control. In this episode, covering 1973 to 1997, we discuss continued governmental restrictions placed on the mission. A university level seminary was established, the Ngbaka Bible translation of the New Testament was completed, and Zongo was established as a mission station. Work then spread to the water people who lived in the swamps south of Tandala. Two evacuations occur during this time period. You will hear about the passing of Clarice Hogberg in 1973 and Dr. Titus Johnson, the founder of our mission dying in 1974.  Another infant dies and a career missionary also passes away. I extend special thanks to Dr. Maynard Hogberg for sharing about the loss of his sister, Clarice. Also Mary Ann Ahlgren who was at Clarice’s bedside during her last hours. Dan and Karen Carlson share about losing their daughter, Elizabeth Hope. Thanks too for Jim Aiken and Dave and Patsy Alfors for sharing details about Zongo and Limpoko, respectively. David Oldberg recites from his father’s Master’s thesis. Also thank those that provided voice-overs for this episode.   **Rated in 2026 to the TOP 25 Best “Life Stories” Themed Podcasts Worldwide – https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/

  3. May 22

    Episode 43 – Trials and Triumphs in Congo – A 100 Year Mission Journey – Part 5 of 7 – 5-22-26

    Karawa station Dr. Paul Carlson Funeral Cessna 185 – 9Q-CMU This is the 5th episode in this 7 part series about the mission work of the Evangelical Free Church in the Belgian Congo. The work started in 1920 with Titus Johnson being the visionary and initial driver of establishing the work. Episode 1 discussed the difficult journey to get to the Ubangi region in NW Congo and the long process to establish the first 3 stations. Episode 2 saw 3 more stations established. Yet these advancements included missionary adults and children succumbing to the harsh climate and disease. One person died at from a German submarine torpedo in the Atlantic. Episode 3 included 4 more stations established and an infant and 1 adult tragically passing away. The 4th episode entailed 3 more stations set up and 3 more people dying on the field. This episode covers 1963 – 1972, which included a rebellion, evacuation, a coup d’etat and considerable political turmoil.  Dr. Paul Carlson was martyred by the rebels, and that became international news. But from that, a medical foundation was established. Paul Noren shares about Loko and Doug Thorpe elaborates on Karawa.  Also, an airplane was secured, which eased traveling considerably.There was a 50 year celebration commemorating Dr. Titus Johnson’s initial efforts in establishing the mission work. But the transition from the missionary oversight of the church to the Congolese was fraught with disagreements and friction, as well as governmental intervention, nationalization and other changes. Thanks too for Craig and Marv Wickstrom’s insights regarding this difficult time period.   I extend special thanks to Lois Carlson Bridges for sharing about the loss of her husband. Also thanks to those that provided voice-overs for this episode. **Rated in 2026 to the TOP 25 Best “Life Stories” Themed Podcasts Worldwide – https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/

  4. May 8

    Episode 42 – Trials and Triumphs In Congo – A 100 Year Mission Journey – Part 4 of 7 – 5-8-26

    Goyongo Chapel This is the 4th episode in this 7 part series about the mission work of the Evangelical Free Church in the Belgian Congo. The work started in 1920 with Titus Johnson being the visionary and initial driver of establishing the work. Episode 1 discussed the difficult journey to get to the Ubangi region in NW Congo and the long process to establish the first 3 stations. Episode 2 saw 3 more stations established. Yet these advancements included missionary adults and children succumbing to the harsh climate and disease. One person died at from a German submarine torpedo in the Atlantic. Episode 3 included 4 more stations established and an infant and 1 adult tragically passing away. This episode covers 1953 – 1962, which included Congo’s independence and the subsequent evacuation and political turmoil. More stations were procured, constructed and established during this time. Several were easily procured and several faced barriers to entry. You will hear about 4 mission stations: Ngwenje, Tandala, Goyongo, and Bumba, as described by Dr. Tim Wester, Thelma Landrud, John Lundquist, and Dan Noren. And 2 infants and 1 adult pass away in the time period. I extend special thanks to Aldy Almquist for sharing about the loss of his brother, and Dr. Gretchen Berggren for sharing about the loss of her son. And to David Lundblad for sharing about Clyde Carlson. Also thanks to Jeff Peterson, Rick Selin, the others that provided voice-overs for this episode. **Rated in 2024 through 2026 to the TOP 25 Best “Life Stories” Themed Podcasts Worldwide – https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/

  5. Apr 24

    Episode 41 – Trials and Triumphs in Congo – A 100 Year Mission Journey – Part 3 of 7 – 4-24-26

    Timothy Lambie Norton Grave – lived a day and a half Evelyn Noren – Struck by lightning This is the 3rd episode in this 7 part series about the mission work of the Evangelical Free Church in the Belgian Congo. The work started in 1920 with Titus Johnson being the visionary and initial driver of establishing the work. Episode 1 discussed the difficult journey to get to the Ubangi region in NW Congo and the long process to establish the first 3 stations. Episode 2 saw 3 more stations established. Yet these advancements included missionary adults and children succumbing to the harsh climate and disease. One person died from a German submarine torpedo in the Atlantic. This episode covers 1948 – 1952, which saw considerable growth in the mission footprint, the church, and advancements in spiritual maturity by the Congolese. Wasolo, Libenge, Badja, and Gemena stations were all procured, constructed and established during this time. Several were easily procured and several faced barriers to entry. You will hear about Timothy Norton’s tragic death in 1949 from his older brother, who was there.  And about Evelyn Noren’s instant death, as told by one of her students, back in 1952.  Thanks to Dean and Gretchen Samuelson, Bev Nyberg, Jay Dangers and Roger and Sally Eales for sharing about living at each of the new mission stations; Wasolo, Libenge, Badja, and Gemena. And special thanks to Dr. Will Norton Jr. for sharing his memories of his little brother Timothy’s 2 days on this earth and the impact on his family. And David Lundblad recounts discovering his school teacher, Evelyn Noren, deceased in their classroom, followed by the funeral and time of loss. I also thank those that provided voice-overs, including Juliana and Ellie Shay, Tim Snow and Jeff Peterson for this episode. **Rated in 2026 to the TOP 25 Best “Life Stories” Themed Podcasts Worldwide – https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/

  6. Apr 10

    Episode 40 – Trials & Triumphs in Congo – A 100 Year Mission Journey – Part 2 of 7 – 4-10-26

    Founder of Lycee’ Lua, Bau, D.R. Congo Ship sunk by German submarine 12-2-1942 Sunk by German U-Boat 12/2/42 Kala, D.R. Congo Marion Nelson Memorial Church Ruth Robinson – Died 3 days after giving birth This is the 2nd episode of 7 in this series about the mission work of the Evangelical Free Church in the Belgian Congo, that started in 1920. Titus Johnson, who you heard about in Episode 1, had the vision and got the work started, opening 3 stations by 1935. In 1936, the work continued to expand and this episode will cover the period till 1947. The Covenant mission came alongside the Free Church missionaries during this time as the Free Church didn’t have the funding or staffing to serve all the needs. Lake Kwada was discovered and developed into a vacation spot. Then, Gbado, Bau, and Bokada are opened. How these stations were purchased, constructed and their ministries will be explained by people that lived there. Short wave radios became a key part of inter-station communications during this time as well.  Some philosophical differences between the Free Church and Covenant start to become an issue during this period. And, 3 adult missionaries passed away along with a child. One was on a ship returning to the United States that was sunk. Each one has an amazing story. I’d like to thank Craig Wickstrom, Cookie Burkinshaw, and Sandy Widman Bernahl for sharing about their experiences living at Gbado, Bau, and Bokada. And thanks to Lois Thornbloom Sundberg for sharing about her sister Beverly’s passing in 1942. Many amazing voice-over artists contributed, including Anthony and Juliana Shay, Mike Davis, Dawn Eales, and Rick Selin. **Rated in 2025 to the TOP 25 Best “Life Stories” Themed Podcasts Worldwide – https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/

  7. Mar 29

    Episode # 39 - Trials & Triumphs in Congo - A 100 Year Mission Journey - Part 1 of 7 - 3/28/26

    Titus Johnson – Bicycle as primary means of travel Titus Johnson Africa D.R. Congo – Ubangi region is upper left corner Reinhold Andersson Grave – Died from Blood Poisoning Stanley David Tweed Grave – Kala, D.R. Congo This is the first episode of a 7 part series about the mission work of the Evangelical Free Church in the Belgian Congo, starting in 1920. It is a long journey started by one man, Titus Johnson and his vision to start a work in the NW corner of the Congo.  This series will focus on the chronology of the mission and church work, as it expanded to other mission stations. Each station will be described as to its procurement, construction and ministry. Someone that lived at each station will share memories and personal insight as to the character and focus ministry. Also, 20 people died over the 100 year journey; children and adults alike. Each person has a back story and in most cases I am able to interview people that were present at the time to share about the passing of a child or loved one. My family was part of this effort starting in the mid-1960’s through 1990 and some of my memories of events will be interspersed in the episodes. Episode 1 will cover 1920 to 1936, including Titus Johnson’s 10,000 mile journey to Karawa and the procurement of 3 mission stations. The pioneers struggled with governmental delays, slow communications and travel, disease and a rough climate. Also, 2 adults and 3 children perished in the process from illness and disease, and their tragic stories will be heard. Rest in peace, all. Episode 2 will cover 1936-1947 where more mission stations come to be and more adults and children are laid to rest. Also, a lake is discovered that becomes a special vacation spot for the missionary community. Thanks to John Aiken for his insights relating to the mission station Kala and the various folks that provided voice-overs, including Rick Selin as the voice of Titus Johnson. Also, the book Deep Track in Africa by Sig Westberg and Frances Mason and the book Bread upon the Waters by Paul Rosell were resources in providing parts of the story. **Rated in 2025 to the TOP 25 Best “Life Stories” Themed Podcasts Worldwide – https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/

  8. 05/31/2025

    Episode 38 – The Boarding School Dilemma – Balancing Mission and Family – The Conclusion: Moving Forward From Here – Part 5 of 5 – 5/31/25

    This is part 5 of 5 of the series titled: The Boarding School Dilemma – Balancing Mission and Family – The Conclusion: Moving Forward From Here. This series started with laying out the challenges and issues of reconciling mission and family when sending kids away to a boarding school was the only option and explored various dimensions in the subsequent episodes.  The Ubangi Academy (UBAC) institution was explained in Episode 2.  Also the Parent’s viewpoint – how they struggled with separating their families in Episode 3 and that was followed by the Kids viewpoint and shared a range of experiences at the dorm in Episode 4. This final episode shares the take-aways and conclusions from the previous episodes and all that’s been learned. In addition, recommendations for how kids and parents can start a dialogue to reach understanding of how each side experienced and approached this challenging dilemma. I’m joined by Heidi Tunberg, a licensed counselor and also a coordinator for Missionary Kids (MK’s) to help them with their cultural issues when they return to the United States after years in a foreign country.  She provides insight to all UBAC (and dorm) attendees on how to move forward from our experience and to build on who we are because of it. What character traits prevail amongst dorm attendees and MK’s, and how we can use those to maximize our life as adults are discussed.  A Testimonial is shared by Lynda Garber relating to how she learned to accept her rough childhood, and move forward. Then Anonymous shares about seeking counseling to learn how to accept his parent’s actions, as his dorm experience was difficult, and to forgive and move forward with his life. Thanks to Dan Carlson for his insight for this episode, as well as Rick Selin for his voice-over for the Anonymous testimonial. And to the numerous folks that sent in surveys, provided information via email, texts and phone calls, I thank you as well as this gave a broader spectrum of input and content for this entire series. And my final Thank you goes to my four(4) Advisors that have read every word of my five (5) scripts, listened to every word of this audio series to ensure that all is presented fairly, objectively,and with the proper message: Understanding, healing, and restoration for parents and kids that need to bridge any gaps. They invested countless hours and provided considerable input to all 5 episodes in this series. Doug Thorpe,PhD., Carolyn Stoker, Dan Hiegel, and Malcolm MacLeod – all provided invaluable input to help make these episodes what they are. Thank you.  May all who listen have learned greater understanding of what Parents and Kids went through from the boarding school experience and the dilemma of balancing Mission and Family. If you feel you need professional counseling due to your experience at the Ubangi Academy, Free Church attendees can reach out to Heidi Tunburg at Heidi.Tunburg@efca.org or Jodi Revell at Jodi.Revell@efca.org. For Covenant Missions MK’s, please reach out to the Covenant Mission Headquarters at info@covchurch.org. All communications will be confidential. Boarding the Self – Mission Boarding School Experience – Doctoral Dissertation by Doug Thorpe – 1994 Recommended blog article by Michele Phoenix: ATTACHMENT STYLES & THE FAITH OF MKs **Rated in 2024 to the TOP 25 Best “Life Stories” Themed Podcasts Worldwide – https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/

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About

Jeff, aka Congo Kid, is a casual writer and podcaster. He enjoys studying and discussing sociology, culture, and human behavior. His formative years were spent in Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa, where he learned multiple languages (French and Lingala) and experienced different social constructs, food, and cultures. His life experiences helped shape his worldview, which he feels is distinct and worthy of contemplation. A commercial real estate executive by day, he spends his free time reading, writing, road cycling, mountain biking, and podcasting. Husband to one, father to two, grandfather to one, and Vessel to The One, Jeff is enjoying life and family more and more as he grows older.

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