Global Ministries Mourns the Passing of Rev. Ilumbe Ndjongo Bernard of the Community of Disciples of Christ in the Congo (CDCC)

It is with profound sorrow that Disciples Overseas Ministries, Global Ministries, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada join the Community of Disciples of Christ in the Congo (CDCC) in mourning the passing of Rev. Bernard Ilumbe Ndjongo, who died following a heart attack.

Born on February 4, 1960, in Mbandaka, Equateur Province, Rev. Ilumbe was the son of Daniel Indembe Ekangana and Marie Bolumbu Loboma, Nurtured in Bolenge and deeply rooted in his family’s home community of Nkinga in the Bakaala groupement of Ingéndé Territory, he devoted his life to serving Christ, the church, and the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Rev. Ilumbe completed his primary education at EP Polele/Bolenge in 1971 and earned a State Diploma in Pedagogy from the Institut Chrétien Congolais/Bolenge in 1978. Responding to God’s call to ministry, he pursued theological studies at the Institut Supérieur Théologique (IST) Bolenge, graduating in 1986. He later continued his theological formation at the Université Protestante au Congo (UPC), where he earned a Licentiate in Systematic Theology in 1999.

Over more than four decades of ministry, Rev. Ilumbe served the church with distinction in numerous pastoral and leadership roles. Beginning as Chaplain at the General Secretariat of the Community Presidency, he faithfully served congregations in Bongondjo, Bolenge Centre, Mbandaka III, Air-Congo Parish, Kingabwa, Mikondo, Lemba, and Mbandaka II Katanga. His ministry was marked by deep pastoral concern, faithful preaching, and a commitment to nurturing disciples and strengthening congregations.

His leadership expanded significantly through his service as Principal Supervising Pastor (PSP) of the Mbandaka Ecclesial Post from 2006 to 2017 and later as PSP of the Bosobele Ecclesial Post from 2019 to 2025. Most recently, he served the church as an Assistant Pastor at the 10th City Parish, continuing his pastoral ministry until the time of his death.

Beyond his pastoral service, Rev. Ilumbe was a dedicated educator and church administrator. He taught in several schools, including EP Polele, EP Mokumba, EP Ekof’enkema, Institut Ilela, and the Institut Chrétien Congolais. He also served as Administrative Secretary of DEVEM and later as Chief of Staff to the Community President, bringing wisdom, discipline, and a spirit of service to every responsibility entrusted to him.

Throughout his years of ministry, Rev. Ilumbe was widely recognized for his devotion to Christ, his love for the church, and his commitment to strengthening the spiritual life of the communities he served. Fluent in Kimongo, French, and English, he engaged in ministry and learning beyond the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including visits to the United States, where he cultivated relationships that enriched the church’s global witness.

Rev. Ilumbe also played a pivotal role in strengthening the partnership between the Mbandaka Post of the CDCC and the Indiana Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States. Through his vision, leadership, and generous hospitality, enduring bonds of friendship, solidarity, and mutual learning were established. These relationships led to multiple exchanges and visits between Disciples in the Congo and Disciples in Indiana, creating a legacy of shared ministry that continues to enrich both communities today.

As we give thanks for Rev. Ilumbe’s remarkable life and faithful witness, we remember with gratitude the family who journeyed alongside him in ministry. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Rosette Matezolo Nsiala, and their six children, three daughters and three sons. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to them, to the congregations of the Mbandaka and Bosobele Districts, and to the entire CDCC as they mourn the loss of a devoted pastor, teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend.

In this season of grief, we commend Rev. Ilumbe to God’s eternal care and give thanks for the many lives he touched through his faithful service. We pray that God’s abiding presence will surround his family, friends, colleagues in ministry, and all who mourn his passing. May the hope of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ sustain us in our sorrow and inspire us to continue the work to which he dedicated his life.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)

Funeral Arrangements

Thursday, August 6, 2026

• Funeral wake at Mbandaka III Parish

Friday, August 7, 2026

• 8:30 a.m. – Removal of the body from the morgue of Wangata General Hospital
• 10:00 a.m. – Funeral worship service at Mbandaka III Parish
• 2:00 p.m. – Viewing and final farewell at Bolenge Centre Parish
• 4:00 p.m. – Interment at the Pastors’ Cemetery in Bolenge
• 5:00 p.m. – Consolation gathering at the family residence

In the days leading up to the funeral service, evening prayer vigils are being held at the family residence. Congregations and choirs from across the Mbandaka Post are participating in these gatherings according to a schedule coordinated by the leadership of the Mbandaka Post.