Rev. Jacques Ilunga leads a French-speaking church here in the United States while continuing to preach to a congregation in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo via Facebook and YouTube.

This video is part of the “I Am Your Immigrant Neighbor” series, which reframes the immigration conversation with empathy and compassion. Individuals share their unique stories of how they came to the United States and the importance of showing God’s love to every neighbor.

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Video Transcript:

My name is Pastor Jacques Ilunga, and I am your immigrant neighbor. I am originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where I served as a pastor. For 20 years, God told me He would send me to a foreign country to preach the gospel. Three years ago, I immigrated to the United States through the diversity visa lottery, fulfilling that calling.

Here, the church gave us the opportunity to start a French-speaking service, and we launched a francophone ministry. While leading this ministry, I also coordinate my church back in the Congo, preaching live from the U.S. through Facebook and YouTube to the congregation in Kinshasa.

It’s essential for the church in the United States to support immigrants, helping them to settle, find work, and serve God effectively. As a pastor, I also have to work because I lack the resources to fully focus on ministry. To preach well, one needs time to study the Word of God, pray, and prepare, but material support would enable immigrants to better fulfill their calling.

We hope our arrival in the United States has been a blessing to the children of God, and we pray that this work will continue to grow. We ask that the Lord bless both the church here in the U.S. and the church in Congo, connecting them to increase God’s glory.

I am Pastor Jacques Ilunga, your immigrant neighbor in the United States.