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/
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Jeff, another great episode. Thanks for making the the time to research and share.
Hi Jeff,
I attended UBAC in ‘80-81 for one year with your brothers, Jon and Peter. Paula Cairns Hamernick and I are still in touch. Thank you so much for producing such a well researched series on the history of the EV Free church. I have been fascinated by all of the stories you have shared and the many sacrifices of the pioneer missionaries.
My family has been in the Congo since 1938. Both of my paternal grandparents are buried in Kikwit. My father and youngest brother were born at Vanga. Our mission station was in the Bandundu province about 420 miles due east of Kinshasa. I wanted to return to UBAC for high school, but no room! My siblings and I attended TASOK.
I thoroughly enjoyed your series on UBAC and was flooded with great memories. I want to encourage you to continue with the podcast. This is a legacy that must be told. And it is done in such an engaging way. Thank you so much for this act of service to so many of us.
Shawn (Smith) Lantz