The visit by the members of the media to the open house of the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple on Monday, March 11, 2019, sparked deep feelings of appreciation and awe as journalists described the impact of the special guided tour of the new temple.
The tour was conducted by members of the Africa Southeast Area Presidency, who later addressed a press conference during which they explained the importance of temple worship for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Area President Elder S. Mark Palmer, along with his counselors, Elder Joseph W. Sitati and Elder Joni L. Koch, addressed questions on a range of topics, including those on the history and the doctrine of temple worship, temple marriage and the organization of the Church in the DR Congo.
Some 51 members of the media attended the temple tour and press conference. The media tour preceded a special VIP tour of the temple by government, business and community leaders, and other dignitaries. More than 200 VIPs participated in the VIP special tour.
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What follows is the reaction from some of the journalists after their visit to the temple:
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“What I enjoyed at the temple is the calm. Calm is something important in a person's life. And something else that impressed me is the presence of God. There is calm and there is also the presence of God. Because God is someone who loves the calm. Where there is God, there is calm.”
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“And something else that interested me was the colors. Because where you really need to get in touch with the Holy Spirit and God, there has to be [a place that is] peaceful, [where it's] clean, organized — things that that I found in the temple. And beautiful artwork that really inspire people to be in touch with God.”
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“Here, well, what I enjoyed at the temple is that it's clean, the church is also very, very [well-maintained]. I wish good things. That’s it.”
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“Those who pray here (I am a Catholic Christian), we all pray to the same God, this God is Jesus Christ.”
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“I enjoyed [learning about] the Church. People on the outside said it was a temple of magic. Today [I understand that they are] mistaken. I thought it was a temple of magic, but I'm really converted. I’m converted that I should even worship here.”
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“When I walked in, I felt the presence. I really felt that I was standing in front of Jesus Christ. I felt something: The Holy Spirit.”
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“What first captivated me when I entered it was the beauty of the decor. The really warm welcome and the impressive building — even more amazed after we made our visit. I was pleasantly surprised to see the quality, finesse, and respect that is given to this house of God. The cleanliness at the entrance [where we put] on something to cover our feet, the purity, the clothing room — things that I have never seen in other churches. And, in addition, many things surprised me about this church that I have now discovered – before I saw [it] from a distance - [but now I am in] contact with the members ...”
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“We are here at the Temple of the Church [of Jesus Christ] of Latter-day Saints. [We have now made a] visit. In any case, it's great! You have no idea! It's like paradise! [...] Everything was impeccable! Thank you. You are very, very, very well organized. In any case, I liked it. There were refreshments. In any case, great! Many people came to visit the temple. Thank you, thank you very much! I'm very happy.”
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I felt something, anyway, I tell you, [with] members of the Church there is really the presence of the Holy Spirit in this place. I liked [it] anyway. Where there is calm, where there is cleanliness, there is also the presence of the Lord.”
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The Kinshasa DRC Temple will be dedicated on Sunday April 14, 2019, marking its official opening by a member of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who will also lead the traditional cornerstone ceremony.