09: The Kinshasa Temple: An Oasis of Peace (Episode 4)

 

In this blog post, we introduce the first of a series of episodes that tell the story of the construction and dedication of the Kinshasa Temple. In addition, we share a short video, “My Favorite Temple,” where Kyle Houghton of Westland Construction shares his feelings about a painting that hangs in his office.

The coming of the first House of the Lord in the DR Congo ushered in a period of relative calm in Kinshasa—and in the hearts of many individuals who have been touched by the temple’s influence. In this busy, turbulent city, the temple has become an oasis of peace.

There were several dark moments in the few years leading up to the 2018 presidential election in the DR Congo. From the time of the country’s independence in 1960 to the rule of Joseph Kabila, there had never been a peaceful transition of power through elections. Every previous leader of the country had been overthrown or assassinated.

Before the election, emotions in the country were running high.^[2]

Before the election, emotions in the country were running high. Some people were worried about problems with the integrity of the election—or that it would be delayed indefinitely.

DR Congo Kinshasa Mission President Hervé Baehrel in the back of the boat during our evacuation from Kinshasa to Brazzaville, 13 December 2016.[3]

During a period of election-related unrest in December 2016, my wife Kathleen and I, along with other couples and mission leaders Hervé and Ginette Baehrel, were required to leave the DR Congo and spend about two weeks in the Republic of Congo—on the other side of the Congo River.

What happened in the end? At the temple open house, a member of the Church in Kinshasa told us:

“Tbe temple has brought us peace.”[4]

The temple has brought us calm, peace. Because our country has suffered much from war. There were wars just about everywhere. Since we have laid the cornerstone for the temple here in the DR Congo, war has begun to cease. …

We had elections. The politicians stirred things up. But, in the end, with the proclamation, power was handed from one man to the other in absolute calm.There was no break. There was no quarrel. There wasn’t even a gunshot. It took place calmly as we were promised.

Our dear apostle Thomas Monson said that when the temple would come to the DR Congo, there would be no more war. See, the House of the Lord is among us. It has awakened us. So we must love.

Of course, the peace that the temple brings to Kinshasa is not just a pause in warfighting. More importantly, it is “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.”^[5] Ultimately, God’s lasting peace is not bestowed on a place, no matter how beautiful and tranquil that place, but dwells only in the human heart.

To receive that kind of peace, the human heart must be prepared through faith, humility—and sometimes great hardship.

Norman Kamosi dressed casually in his working clothes, 1 September 2017.^[6]

In this episode, we tell the story of the preparation of the great heart of a humble servant of God: Norman Kamosi, eighty years old. After years of spiritual and physical wandering, the Lord led him back to the DR Congo, where he played an essential role in the building of the Kinshasa Temple and found lasting peace for himself and his family.

Norman’s life is a story of rags to riches to rags again—

Norman and Jinky Kamosi with Elder Neal L. and Sister Kathy Andersen during the events of the Kinshasa Temple Groundbreaking, ca. 12 February 2016.[7]

Norman Kamosi with Elder Dale G. Renlund during the events of the Kinshasa Temple Dedication, ca. 14 April 2019. Left to right: Ellen and Kyle Houghton, Elder Renlund, Norman, Stan and Merilee Houghton.[8]

and finally ending with his finding the supernal spiritual riches that are only available in the House of the Lord.

Some of Norman’s friends and co-workers on the Kinshasa Temple, ca. 2018.[8]

Norman’s enthusiasm inspired his friends and co-workers.

Norman demonstrates how to balance a load on the head.[10]

His joy was contagious.

Norman meets two of our sons for the first time, 25 March 2018. He had kindly expedited their visas, without which their trip might not have been possible.[11]

His love of God’s children was immediate and universal.

Norman Kamosi received his endowment at the Salt Lake Temple on 5 September 2012.[12]

His faith was unshakable.

Norman and Jinky Kamosi with their children Erika, Jason, and Kimberley in Washington DC.[13]

And the spiritual legacy he left to his family and friends is eternal.