Stories of Faith

40 years of faith: First convert in DR Congo returns as mission president

President Junior Banza and Sister Annie Banza, new mission leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Kinshasa North Mission, study in the Provo Missionary Training Center during the Seminar for New Mission Leaders in Provo, Utah, June 19, 2026.
President Junior Banza and Sister Annie Banza, new mission leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Kinshasa North Mission, study in the Provo Missionary Training Center during the Seminar for New Mission Leaders in Provo, Utah, June 19, 2026.
Leslie Nilsson, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

President Junior Banza, president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Kinshasa North Mission, and his wife and mission leader companion, Sister Annie Banza, have been busy nonstop since arriving at the mission home in late June for their assignment.

“We haven’t sat down ever since, but we love it,” President Banza said.

The Banzas have returned to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to serve as mission leaders in the country where their families are pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Forty years ago as a young man, President Banza was the first person baptized in the borders of the Central Africa nation. Sister Banza was baptized about six months later.

The Church began in the country with three members in 1986. Now there are around 160,000 members, seven missions, a missionary training center, a dedicated temple, and three more houses of the Lord under construction or in planning.

“In my view, this is the biggest miracle of our time,” President Banza said, becoming emotional. “The Lord has given me a front-row seat to His biggest miracle.”

Visit the Church News to learn more about President Banza’s remarkable story.

More articles for you:
3 things to try if you’re intimidated by family history work
9 wedding gifts any Latter-day Saint couple will love
5 ways to build unity in your ward and family


Mission prep just got easier

From journals and study aids to bags and accessories, these essentials for elders and sisters can empower your missionary to serve with confidence—wherever their call takes them.

Share
Stay in the loop!
Enter your email to receive updates on our LDS Living content