I asked to marry my wife, Celestine. Her father said, “If you are a true gentleman and you love our daughter, come here in person.” I was asked to bring them a television and several little things as the bride price. I bought everything, and we went there “Give this, give that.” Then it was over and we were asked to leave. Certainly, not everyone was supportive of our marriage. Celestine got messages asking why she would marry a poor... Read more
Incredible things have happened to me. Apparently, I was not content to be merely injured. All of my injuries were life-threatening. From the time I was small, I have encountered big problems, never just little ones. Nevertheless, I was a very good student, always first in my class. Of course, not everyone appreciated this. There were some who said that I was bewitched. It was very hard for me to walk the distance between my parents’ home and school, and... Read more
Oral History My name is Albert KASHALA Nzolo. I was born on December 24th, 1962. I was born normally like any other child. However, shortly after my birth, I got ill. It was not just a fever, no. There was swelling everywhere on my face, at the cheeks, at the neck and at the head. These boil-like things were called “bibons.” After two weeks, nobody could diagnose my sickness. This was the case for about six or seven years. I... Read more
Life History of Jane Elizabeth Manning James As transcribed by Elizabeth J.D. Roundy When a child only six years old, I left my home and went to live with a family of white people. Their names were Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Fitch. They were aged people and quite wealthy. I was raised by their daughter. When about fourteen years old, I joined the Presbyterian Church–yet I did not feel satisfied. It seemed to me there was something more... Read more
I have a threatening email in my in-box. It is titled, “Paris is waiting for you.” It’s from an airline company. I don’t plan on opening it. The title alone is terrifying–like a mysterious letter sticking out from under a doormat: “You will die soon.” I have heard from many of my friends since my brother experienced no fewer than three thefts in Paris. They are concerned. The message is this: How do we get to Kinshasa, DR-Congo without going... Read more
Thrown into Jail The policeman wasn’t much older than Tshoper, but his gait suggested his power—not actual power, but enough to demand money and threaten jail time. Tshoper was filming with a rented camera. He knew he would now be accused of something and fined. Policemen in the DR-Congo make little money, and supplement it through bribery—or what they might call “tips” or “fines.” “Show me your authorization to film,” the policeman demanded. “I am a student. I’m studying filmmaking. ... Read more
Epic FAIL–or is it? We spent much of today (July 12, 2017) trying to get a visa for Tshoper Kabambi to go to the Durban International Film Festival, which has accepted one of his films. His flight and his hotel were already paid for by some people who are aware of his remarkable talent. We did NOT succeed. The reason? He has to prove to the embassy that he has enough money to support himself in South Africa. Therefore, he... Read more
Well, most of you are in the USA, and it’s early morning there, so you haven’t missed church YET. But just in case you do, or in case you’re sick, this is my gift. I didn’t get to go to church today, so I chose my own worship service. It was great. My late father gave the sermon and taught the Gospel Doctrine class. Here is what he said. It’s the devotional he presented at Brigham Young University in 1998. ... Read more
The Tshoper Kabambi story We drive to the initial application point for all Congolese who wish to go to South Africa. This is our second trip there. We’re trying to get Tshoper’s visa so that he can attend the Durban International Film Festival. Tshoper is in the driver’s seat, as I have promised my husband and myself that I will never drive in Kinshasa. We stop as traffic comes to a halt. Tshoper tries to steer around the jam, but... Read more
There were three cinemas in Kinshasa, DR-Congo when Tshoper Kabambi was a baby, but he never saw a film. By the time he was twelve, the cinemas had gone the way of many things in Kinshasa. They were ramshackle hints of what had once existed, habitats for rats. Tshoper saw a Bollywood film via internet when he was a young teen, and announced to his father that he had found his vocation. He would become a filmmaker. He enrolled in... Read more
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