Herbert Jenkinson recalls Assani’s story
It may be good to tell of two students who went to the school at Bongondza and whose names would become known far and wide, beyond their own country. I refer to Assani and his twin brother Bo. Their conversion was a remarkable one. Both had had primary schooling at the Roman Catholic School at Banalia and had been taught never to listen to a Protestant teacher, nor touch any of their books. ‘Providence’ led them to the small town of Buta. Bo became an itinerant trader and Assani, whom the Roman Catholics had taught to drive an automobile, applied for the position of chauffeur to a fine Christian fellow named Andre Yengo. Andre had suffered much for his faith. He had been involved in what was known as the Prophet Movement in the lower Congo in 1921.
Along with several other of the leaders Andre had been exiled 1,000 miles from home. Because of his industry and ability, he was eventually given a certain amount of liberty and was allowed to buy a truck with which he went out weekly to surrounding villages to buy food for the police and a small garrison of soldiers at Buta.
Assani got the job he applied for and had only been working for Andre a few days when his employer asked him if he was a Christian. Somewhat indignantly Assani said that he had been baptised in the Roman Catholic Church and taught in the schools and so he most certainly was. The next question was, “Have you ever read God’s book, the New Testament?” To this Assani gave a negative reply and added, “The priest told me never to read or even touch such a book.” Andre was not put off but said quietly, “I am surprised to hear you say that because I have proved for many years that it is a wonderful book – God’s message for everyone. You are now a grown and intelligent man and are capable of judging such matters for yourself.”
Assani was persuaded to do so, and the result was tremendous. The Spirit of God certainly came upon him, and he could not put the book down. Hardly would he allow himself time to eat or sleep. It got to the point where his fellow workmen declared that he had gone out of his mind, and they sent for his twin brother Bo who was on a forest trail carrying on his commerce. Hearing the startling news Bo hurried back to Buta. He found his brother a changed man, but certainly not mad, as he had been told. Assani told Bo that he had found the Pearl of great price and they both went to old Andre together and he explained the way of God more perfectly to them.
At once they were consumed with a great passion to tell their fellow men of their newfound Saviour and asked Andre for advice. He suggested that they go to the Bongondza Bible School to get more instruction as to how to use the Sword of the Spirit.
It so happened that just at that time Ma Kinso and I visited Andre, and he told us the wonderful story of the conversion of the Twins and asked if he might introduce them to us. They came with such enthusiasm that I admit I was somewhat taken aback and when they asked if they might come to the Bible School I hesitated for a moment. I wanted to be absolutely sure that their motives were correct, and it was not all a show of emotionalism. However, as Bongondza was some 70 miles away, and there was no public transport, I figured that if they had the desire and initiative to get there by themselves, it would be a reasonable test of their sincerity.
They came – and what students they were! They lapped up everything which was taught. When the Christmas vacation time came, they said they were going home to their natal village of Bopepe to take the gospel to their own people. Off they went, fully intending to return when the vacation was over. Instead of that they sent a note to say that there were over 200 new believers so what they should do [sic] – come back at once to Bible School or stay and feed this flock? I told them to stay where they were until I could get to visit them to see things for myself. Once again, I had my doubts for the simple reason that, although the gospel had been preached in the area, there had never been any response.
I went to Bopepe and was astounded by what I saw and experienced. They had built a wattle and daub meeting place, but it was already too small for the crowds that were coming, and was being extended, for the true church was being added to daily. It was a wonderful experience, and the fire continued to spread.
Reprinted by Herbert Jenkinson, UFM worker in Congo in 1931, returning in 1964 (pictured above with Alice).