View source for Muatende Pierre (b. 1914)

Muatende Pierre was the son of a Lulua chief in the Belgian Congo ([[Congo, Democratic Republic of|Democratic Republic of Congo]]). As a teenager, Muatende found his way to Kalamaba, a station of the [[Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission|Congo Inland Mission]] (Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission) in the West Kasai of Belgian Congo. His study in primary school was interrupted by his father, who insisted that he return to his village and accept a wife in traditional fashion. With missionary assistance Muatende was able to return (with his wife, Luanganyi) to the mission station where he finished studies in the station Bible school in 1937.

In 1938 he was appointed a village teacher and catechist. He first worked among the Badinga people, a neighboring tribe with different language and customs. He was eventually able to win acceptance in the village for both himself and his message. Later he served in a variety of areas, including a refugee camp of some 10,000 people during the political turmoil of the early 1960s in the West Kasai. Muatende was officially ordained a pastor in 1971 and soon was named regional evangelist of the Mennonite church ([[Communauté Mennonite au Congo|Communauté Mennonite au Congo]]). He often was called to resolve conflicts and call people to repentance. He had a remarkable ability to memorize Scripture which he quoted throughout his sermons.
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[[Category:Persons]]
[[Category:Communauté Mennonite au Congo Leaders]]