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.
Episode 45 – Trials and Triumphs in Congo – A 100 Year Mission Journey – Part 7 of 7 – 6-26-26
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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/ (https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/)
5 Jun 2026
Episode 44 – Trials and Triumphs in Congo – A 100 Year Mission Journey – Part 6 of 7 – 6-5-26
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Clarice Hogberg
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Friday Market – Limpoko
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Dr. Titus Johnson – Sweden
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Dr. Titus Johnson – Order of the Leopard Ceremony
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Memory Bench – Elizabeth Hope Carlson
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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/ (https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/)
22 May 2026
Episode 43 – Trials and Triumphs in Congo – A 100 Year Mission Journey – Part 5 of 7 – 5-22-26
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Karawa station
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Dr. Paul Carlson Funeral
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Cessna 185 – 9Q-CMU
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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/ (https://us1.mailchimp.com/mctx/clicks?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.feedspot.com%2Flife_stories_podcasts%2F&xid=785495a3ab&uid=153181722&iid=7e51c0b7f2&pool=cts&v=2&c=1779415148&h=0475041d66fed9f048eb0ec4510ad498a553048b3a2d47b0b56e6eb2a6431eed)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
11 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
4
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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