City of Refuge Church, founded and led by Prophet Mulindwa Jules, is experiencing remarkable growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the city of Lubumbashi alone, the church has expanded from just 40 people to more than 17,000 members, a growth that many describe as miraculous.
Founded in June 2009 in Goma, North Kivu Province, City of Refuge began as a ministry focused on preaching the gospel and delivering the sick and oppressed. From the early days, testimonies multiplied. People who had suffered for years reported receiving healing “in the name of the Living Christ of Congo,” drawing attention far beyond Goma.
As the years passed, people from across the country longed to access this grace, but distance and financial limitations made it difficult. Those who could afford it flew from different provinces to Goma. Many others simply couldn’t. This pushed Prophet Mulindwa Jules to begin expanding the church by training young people, anointing them, and sending them out as apostles to plant new branches.
Lubumbashi, a key city in the former Katanga Province, had waited for this grace for years. In April 2021, the long wait ended when Prophet Mulindwa sent Apostle Jack Lukengerwa to open the first branch.
“At our first service in April 2021, we were only 40 people,” Apostle Jack recalled during our interview. “Now, after just four years and a few months, God has done great things. We now have 10 branches in Lubumbashi.”
Growth That Exceeded Capacity
About a year ago, the main church in Lubumbashi began facing serious space limitations due to rapid growth. As attendance kept rising, gatherings became increasingly difficult to manage.
“We moved several times because each venue became too small after only a few months,” Apostle Jack explained. “Reporting the challenge to the Prophet, he authorized the opening of a new branch immediately. But even that wasn’t enough, new visitors kept coming every day seeking healing.”
Distance and transportation also became major concerns for many believers. Lubumbashi is a large city, and transportation costs can be high.
“We opened multiple branches to help people who live far from the main church,” Apostle Jack said. “In some neighborhoods, transport can cost 10,000 to 20,000 Congolese francs. For a large family, it’s impossible to pay that every week. So these extensions help people have a nearby place of prayer.”
Branch Statistics: A City Transformed
Apostle Jack listed several of the new branches, including Kasangiri, Katuba, Kassapa, Forest Luoshi, Ruashi, Gécamines, Wantashi, and Kalebuka.
He also estimated their current membership:
- Main Church (Lubumbashi): 7,000 members
- Kalebuka (1 year 6 months old): 2,000 members
- Wantashi (1 year 1 month): 1,800 members
- Other branches (less than 4 months old): 800 members each
The numbers reveal a movement spreading rapidly through the city.
A Message to Those Who Hesitate
To conclude, Apostle Jack delivered a message to people across the world, especially those in the former Katanga Province (Lubumbashi, Kolwezi, Likasi, Fungurume…) who are still undecided about visiting City of Refuge.
“I know many people hesitate because of false rumors about the church,” he said. “But others come, and God heals them for free. Curiosity is important in life. Instead of listening to what people say, it’s better to come and see.”
At City of Refuge Church, breakthrough and healing remain central messages. For Prophet Mulindwa Jules, a church without healing is incomplete if not false.
As he often teaches:
“Any church where people don’t receive healing has no Word of God, because God sent His Word to heal.”
(Psalm 107:20)
Mulindwa’s God has done again.
Congratulations