The Democratic Republic of the Congo, called Zaire for 26 years, returned to it's post-colonial name following a rebellion in 1997.  Another rebellion in 1998 plunged the country into a civil war which is in the process of being resolved.  One-quarter the size of the U.S., the Congo contains much of Africa's rain forests.  The population of 56.6 million consists of over 80% Bantu tribespeople with a higher percentage of Nilotics, Sudanics, and Pygmies in the north and east.  The new government has a great challenge to bring unity and stability to a country with over 200 tribal groups speaking almost as many languages.  Four trade languages are popular: Swahili, Luba, Kongo, and Lingala; French is the official language.  

10/21/2002:  Due to the recent massacre at Nyankunde, all assembly missionaries have left the Congo.  Please pray that in all this the Master's purposes will be accomplished.