In Memoriam: Rev. Albert Bilongo, Esteemed Leader of Faith

Rev. Albert Bilongo’s journey was marked by a resolute commitment to his divine calling. He inherited a legacy of faith and service, dedicating his life to the ministry.

Born on January 1, 1958, in Kimbedi (Mindouli), Congo, Rev. Albert Bilongo was the son of devout parents deeply rooted in the Christian faith. His upbringing laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to serving God and his community.

After completing his primary, secondary, and university education, Rev. Bilongo felt a strong conviction to pursue full-time ministry. Inspired by the example of his predecessors, he enrolled at the Evangelical Theological Faculty of the Christian Alliance (FATEAC) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in 2000, where he deepened his theological understanding and prepared himself for the challenges of pastoral leadership.

Upon completing his studies, Rev. Bilongo embarked on a remarkable journey of service. He served as a teacher at the 1st May Technical Commercial High School in Brazzaville, imparting knowledge and values to the youth of his nation. His dedication to education was a testament to his belief in the transformative power of knowledge and enlightenment.

In 1993, Rev. Bilongo answered the call to pastoral ministry and was ordained as an Elder in the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Congo (EACMC). Throughout his pastoral career, he served with humility and compassion, touching the lives of countless individuals with his message of hope and redemption.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Bilongo played a pivotal role in the leadership of the EACMC, serving in various capacities over the years. From regional president to national church president elected in 2016, he demonstrated exemplary leadership and a deep commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God.

Under his guidance, the EACMC experienced significant growth and expansion, with new churches planted and ministries established in communities across the country. The Alliance family has more than 3,600 members worshipping in 62 churches around Congo. Rev. Bilongo’s vision for a vibrant and thriving church inspired others to join him on the mission of spreading the gospel to every corner of the country.

Rev. Bilongo was a man who greatly appreciated humor. To demonstrate his ever higher morale, he said, “It’s a boy” – as the Ivorians say, to speak of a strong man ready to reverse the trend. A hard, rigorous, and even tireless worker, despite his obviously precarious health, he kept reminding people as if in humor, “Don’t be too fond of earthly things.” And again: “Death is gain to me.”

Rev. Bilongo’s health began to decline in the final months of his life, culminating in his passing on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and sacrifice that will continue to inspire generations to come.

The news of Rev. Albert Bilongo’s passing has reverberated throughout the Christian community in Congo and beyond, as friends, colleagues, and congregants mourn the loss of a beloved leader and friend. His memory will be cherished, and his legacy honored as the church carries on the work to which he dedicated his life.

Rev. Albert Bilongo was laid to rest in Brazzaville, Congo, on April 3, 2024, surrounded by family, friends and members of the EACMC. Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by his life and ministry.

Let us pray for his wife Claire, who recently suffered a heart attack, his four children (two boys and two girls), and the Alliance family in Congo.