Life Stories

Clarice Hogberg Friday Market – Limpoko Dr. Titus Johnson – Sweden Dr. Titus Johnson – Order of the Leopard Ceremony Memory Bench – Elizabeth Hope Carlson Village / Canoe – Limpoko This is the 6th episode in this 7 part series about the mission work of the Evangelical Free Church in the Belgian Congo. The work started in 1920 with Titus Johnson being the visionary and initial driver of establishing the work. Episode 1-5 discussed the difficult journey to get to the Ubangi region in NW Congo and the long process to establish the first 3 stations. From there, every ten years or so, several more stations were expanded into. But the cost of the loss of life was significant, with many adults and children succumbing to sickness or disease, as medical care was minimal initially. Then in the early 1970's, the government restricted the mission efforts, the local church wanted more control. In this episode, covering 1973 to 1997, we discuss continued governmental restrictions placed on the mission. A university level seminary was established, the Ngbaka Bible translation of the New Testament was completed, and Zongo was established as a mission station. Work then spread to the water people who lived in the swamps south of Tandala. Two evacuations occur during this time period. You will hear about the passing of Clarice Hogberg in 1973 and Dr. Titus Johnson, the founder of our mission dying in 1974.  Another infant dies and a career missionary also passes away. I extend special thanks to Dr. Maynard Hogberg for sharing about the loss of his sister, Clarice. Also Mary Ann Ahlgren who was at Clarice's bedside during her last hours. Dan and Karen Carlson share about losing their daughter, Elizabeth Hope. Thanks too for Jim Aiken and Dave and Patsy Alfors for sharing details about Zongo and Limpoko, respectively. David Oldberg recites from his father's Master's thesis. Also thank those that provided voice-overs for this episode. **Rated in 2026 to the TOP 25 Best “Life Stories” Themed Podcasts Worldwide – https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/

Karawa station Dr. Paul Carlson Funeral Cessna 185 – 9Q-CMU This is the 5th episode in this 7 part series about the mission work of the Evangelical Free Church in the Belgian Congo. The work started in 1920 with Titus Johnson being the visionary and initial driver of establishing the work. Episode 1 discussed the difficult journey to get to the Ubangi region in NW Congo and the long process to establish the first 3 stations. Episode 2 saw 3 more stations established. Yet these advancements included missionary adults and children succumbing to the harsh climate and disease. One person died at from a German submarine torpedo in the Atlantic. Episode 3 included 4 more stations established and an infant and 1 adult tragically passing away. The 4th episode entailed 3 more stations set up and 3 more people dying on the field. This episode covers 1963 – 1972, which included a rebellion, evacuation, a coup d'etat and considerable political turmoil.  Dr. Paul Carlson was martyred by the rebels, and that became international news. But from that, a medical foundation was established. Paul Noren shares about Loko and Doug Thorpe elaborates on Karawa.  Also, an airplane was secured, which eased traveling considerably.There was a 50 year celebration commemorating Dr. Titus Johnson's initial efforts in establishing the mission work. But the transition from the missionary oversight of the church to the Congolese was fraught with disagreements and friction, as well as governmental intervention, nationalization and other changes. Thanks too for Craig and Marv Wickstrom's insights regarding this difficult time period.   I extend special thanks to Lois Carlson Bridges for sharing about the loss of her husband. Also thanks to those that provided voice-overs for this episode. **Rated in 2026 to the TOP 25 Best “Life Stories” Themed Podcasts Worldwide – https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/

Goyongo Chapel This is the 4th episode in this 7 part series about the mission work of the Evangelical Free Church in the Belgian Congo. The work started in 1920 with Titus Johnson being the visionary and initial driver of establishing the work. Episode 1 discussed the difficult journey to get to the Ubangi region in NW Congo and the long process to establish the first 3 stations. Episode 2 saw 3 more stations established. Yet these advancements included missionary adults and children succumbing to the harsh climate and disease. One person died at from a German submarine torpedo in the Atlantic. Episode 3 included 4 more stations established and an infant and 1 adult tragically passing away. This episode covers 1953 – 1962, which included Congo's independence and the subsequent evacuation and political turmoil. More stations were procured, constructed and established during this time. Several were easily procured and several faced barriers to entry. You will hear about 4 mission stations: Ngwenje, Tandala, Goyongo, and Bumba, as described by Dr. Tim Wester, Thelma Landrud, John Lundquist, and Dan Noren. And 2 infants and 1 adult pass away in the time period. I extend special thanks to Aldy Almquist for sharing about the loss of his brother, and Dr. Gretchen Berggren for sharing about the loss of her son. And to David Lundblad for sharing about Clyde Carlson. Also thanks to Jeff Peterson, Rick Selin, the others that provided voice-overs for this episode. **Rated in 2024 through 2026 to the TOP 25 Best “Life Stories” Themed Podcasts Worldwide – https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/

Timothy Lambie Norton Grave – lived a day and a half Evelyn Noren – Struck by lightning This is the 3rd episode in this 7 part series about the mission work of the Evangelical Free Church in the Belgian Congo. The work started in 1920 with Titus Johnson being the visionary and initial driver of establishing the work. Episode 1 discussed the difficult journey to get to the Ubangi region in NW Congo and the long process to establish the first 3 stations. Episode 2 saw 3 more stations established. Yet these advancements included missionary adults and children succumbing to the harsh climate and disease. One person died from a German submarine torpedo in the Atlantic. This episode covers 1948 – 1952, which saw considerable growth in the mission footprint, the church, and advancements in spiritual maturity by the Congolese. Wasolo, Libenge, Badja, and Gemena stations were all procured, constructed and established during this time. Several were easily procured and several faced barriers to entry. You will hear about Timothy Norton's tragic death in 1949 from his older brother, who was there.  And about Evelyn Noren’s instant death, as told by one of her students, back in 1952.  Thanks to Dean and Gretchen Samuelson, Bev Nyberg, Jay Dangers and Roger and Sally Eales for sharing about living at each of the new mission stations; Wasolo, Libenge, Badja, and Gemena. And special thanks to Dr. Will Norton Jr. for sharing his memories of his little brother Timothy's 2 days on this earth and the impact on his family. And David Lundblad recounts discovering his school teacher, Evelyn Noren, deceased in their classroom, followed by the funeral and time of loss. I also thank those that provided voice-overs, including Juliana and Ellie Shay, Tim Snow and Jeff Peterson for this episode. **Rated in 2026 to the TOP 25 Best “Life Stories” Themed Podcasts Worldwide – https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/

Founder of Lycee’ Lua, Bau, D.R. Congo Ship sunk by German submarine 12-2-1942 Sunk by German U-Boat 12/2/42 Kala, D.R. Congo Marion Nelson Memorial Church Ruth Robinson – Died 3 days after giving birth This is the 2nd episode of 7 in this series about the mission work of the Evangelical Free Church in the Belgian Congo, that started in 1920. Titus Johnson, who you heard about in Episode 1, had the vision and got the work started, opening 3 stations by 1935. In 1936, the work continued to expand and this episode will cover the period till 1947. The Covenant mission came alongside the Free Church missionaries during this time as the Free Church didn't have the funding or staffing to serve all the needs. Lake Kwada was discovered and developed into a vacation spot. Then, Gbado, Bau, and Bokada are opened. How these stations were purchased, constructed and their ministries will be explained by people that lived there. Short wave radios became a key part of inter-station communications during this time as well.  Some philosophical differences between the Free Church and Covenant start to become an issue during this period. And, 3 adult missionaries passed away along with a child. One was on a ship returning to the United States that was sunk. Each one has an amazing story. I'd like to thank Craig Wickstrom, Cookie Burkinshaw, and Sandy Widman Bernahl for sharing about their experiences living at Gbado, Bau, and Bokada. And thanks to Lois Thornbloom Sundberg for sharing about her sister Beverly's passing in 1942. Many amazing voice-over artists contributed, including Anthony and Juliana Shay, Mike Davis, Dawn Eales, and Rick Selin. **Rated in 2025 to the TOP 25 Best “Life Stories” Themed Podcasts Worldwide – https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/

Titus Johnson – Bicycle as primary means of travel Titus Johnson Africa D.R. Congo – Ubangi region is upper left corner Reinhold Andersson Grave – Died from Blood Poisoning Stanley David Tweed Grave – Kala, D.R. Congo This is the first episode of a 7 part series about the mission work of the Evangelical Free Church in the Belgian Congo, starting in 1920. It is a long journey started by one man, Titus Johnson and his vision to start a work in the NW corner of the Congo.  This series will focus on the chronology of the mission and church work, as it expanded to other mission stations. Each station will be described as to its procurement, construction and ministry. Someone that lived at each station will share memories and personal insight as to the character and focus ministry. Also, 20 people died over the 100 year journey; children and adults alike. Each person has a back story and in most cases I am able to interview people that were present at the time to share about the passing of a child or loved one. My family was part of this effort starting in the mid-1960's through 1990 and some of my memories of events will be interspersed in the episodes. Episode 1 will cover 1920 to 1936, including Titus Johnson's 10,000 mile journey to Karawa and the procurement of 3 mission stations. The pioneers struggled with governmental delays, slow communications and travel, disease and a rough climate. Also, 2 adults and 3 children perished in the process from illness and disease, and their tragic stories will be heard. Rest in peace, all. Episode 2 will cover 1936-1947 where more mission stations come to be and more adults and children are laid to rest. Also, a lake is discovered that becomes a special vacation spot for the missionary community. Thanks to John Aiken for his insights relating to the mission station Kala and the various folks that provided voice-overs, including Rick Selin as the voice of Titus Johnson. Also, the book Deep Track in Africa by Sig Westberg and Frances Mason and the book Bread upon the Waters by Paul Rosell were resources in providing parts of the story. **Rated in 2025 to the TOP 25 Best “Life Stories” Themed Podcasts Worldwide – https://blog.feedspot.com/life_stories_podcasts/

This is part 5 of 5 of the series titled: The Boarding School Dilemma – Balancing Mission and Family – The Conclusion: Moving Forward From Here. This series started withContinue readingEpisode 38 – The Boarding School Dilemma – Balancing Mission and Family – The Conclusion: Moving Forward From Here – Part 5 of 5 – 5/31/25

This is part 4 of a 5 part series, titled: The Boarding School Dilemma – Balancing Mission and Family – The Kids' Viewpoint. So far in this series, you learnedContinue readingEpisode 37 – The Boarding School Dilemma – Balancing Mission and Family – The Kids' Viewpoint – Part 4 of 5 – 5/10/25

This is part 3 of a 5 part series titled: The Boarding School Dilemma – Balancing Mission and Family – The Parents' Viewpoint.  Part 1 laid out the dilemma ofContinue readingEpisode 36 – The Boarding School Dilemma – Balancing Mission and Family – The Parents' Viewpoint – Part 3 of 5 – 4/26/25

This is part 2 of a 5 part series, titled : The Boarding School Dilemma – Balancing Mission and Family – The Ubangi Academy.  Part 1 shared about the dilemmaContinue readingEpisode 35 – The Boarding School Dilemma – Balancing Mission and Family – The Ubangi Academy – Part 2 of 5 – 4/12/25

        Many people feel God's call to serve in missions. With that is the responsibility of raising their children and ensuring they are educated. This can proveContinue readingEpisode 34 – The Boarding School Dilemma – Balancing Mission and Family – Introduction – Part 1 of 5 – 3-29-25

                            The Rwanda Genocide that occurred in 1994 was one of the most recent large-scale genocides inContinue readingEpisode 33 – The Rwanda Genocide – A Refugee Camp Volunteer's Perspective – 4-6-24

This episode contains four (4) Short Stories. The first one is telling the difference between “who you know” and “who knows you”. Which is better in life and in business?Continue readingEpisode 32 – Short Stories (4) – Volume II – 1-20-24

This episode is about teaching in a Congolese High School. The physical conditions of the classrooms, and lack of supplies and textbooks made the job extremely difficult for both theContinue readingEpisode 31 – Teaching in a Congolese High School – 11-7-23

/> This episode is about a gopher. Not the little critters that tear up golf courses and your back yard, but a specific role that I played for 1 yearContinue readingEpisode 30 – The Gemena Gopher – 8-21-23

Death, funerals, grieving and the associated rituals vary from culture to culture. This episode explores the differences and similarities as to how Americans handle end of life and grieving vs.Continue readingEpisode 29 – Death and Funeral Rituals – USA vs. D.R. Congo – 6-30-2023

This episode is the story of a special Lake in the NW corner of the D.R. Congo, Africa. It was called Lake Kwada. Kwada, in the Ngbandi tribal language meansContinue readingEpisode 28 – Lake Kwada: The History, Story, and Legend

This episode is literally just a bunch of various hunting stories from Congo, Africa. Stories from the 1950's until the late 1970's are shared here in this episode. Hunting forContinue readingEpisode 27 – Amazing Hunting Stories from Congo, Africa – 11-28-22

Hunting was a part of everyday life for a kid growing up in Central Africa. It was a source of food, a sport, and a deterrent to the African's gardenContinue readingEpisode 26 – Hunting in the Congo – 10-14-22

  Soccer was prevalent overseas in the 1960's and 1970's before it gained a foothold in the USA. Growing up in D.R. Congo exposed me to the sport at aContinue readingEpisode 25 – Soccer in Congo…and Beyond – 8-12-22

This podcast episode is actually the culmination of a Radio Broadcasting class I took at Saddleback College in the Spring of 2022. My hope in taking the class was toContinue readingEpisode 24 – Live Solo Radio Show – Soukous Music and Zifa – FM 88.5 KSBR- 6-30-22

  Congo's history is one of difficulty, exploitation, political unrest, corruption and challenges for the common man. This is Part 6 of a 6 part series of the country's history,Continue readingEpisode 23 – The History of Congo – Part 6 of 6 – Epilogue and Tribute to the Congolese People – 4-1-22

The story of Congo's history is not very well known. This country has been exploited for its ivory, slaves, rubber, copper, uranium, coltan and other minerals. It's had political unrestContinue readingEpisode 22 – The History of Congo – Part 5 of 6 – 1997 Kabila Take Over to the Present – 2-24-22

  This is part 4 of a 6 part series on the History of Congo from the 1991 evacuation when President Mobutu's government was faltering and the expatriots evacuated, throughContinue readingEpisode 21 – The History of Congo – Part 4 of 6 – 1991 Evacuation to Kabila Takeover – 1-29-22

  This is part 3 of a 6 part series on the History of Congo: from 1965 when Colonel Mobutu seizes control of the country and takes over to 1991Continue readingEpisode 20 – The History of Congo – Part 3 of 6 – 1965 to 1991 Evacuation – 12-14-21

The History of Congo is not well known, as this country has been exploited, causing political instability and corruption. This is the 2nd of a 6 part series. Part 2Continue readingEpisode 19 – The History of Congo – Part 2 of 6 – 1960 Independence to 1965 – 10-22-21

The history of Congo is not known to many people. The story is one of exploitation, corruption and political instability. This is the first of a six part series. PartContinue readingEpisode 18 – The History of Congo – Part 1 of 6: King Leopold II to Congo's Independence – 9-18-21

Leprosy is a disease that is misunderstood by most people. People associate the disease with poverty, third world status and being relegated to leper colonies. Those with the disease areContinue readingEpisode 17 – Leprosy: Myths and Facts – 7-22-21

This episode contains Four (4) short stories:  1) My best cup of coffee ever  2) How to hypnotize a chicken   3) How to cool off on a warm dayContinue readingEpisode 16 – Short Stories – (Four) – Volume 1 – 6-23-21

  The Congolese village woman is relegated to a hard, subservient life in a patriarchal culture. Their lives are filled with physical and emotional challenges.  But there is change andContinue readingEpisode 15 – The Congolese Village Woman – 5/19/21

Third Culture Kids (TCK's) have a dilemma every time they are asked the question “Where are you from?” as they are from their home country but also from a foreignContinue readingEpisode 14 – Where Are You From? The Response Dilemma – 3/20/21

Wycliffe Bible Translators / SIL's (Summer Institute of Linguistics) world wide mission is Bible Translation and other materials into under-served language groups. How to choose the language group, selecting theContinue readingEpisode 13 – Capturing The “Language Of The Heart” for Indigenous People – 2/24/21

Unique and exotic pets we raised and released back into the wild in the D.R. Congo. From hornbills to tree hyrax's to monkeys to elephant shrews to pangolins to hawksContinue readingEpisode 12 – Exotic Pets in the Congo – 1/28/21

Adventures with driving in central africa: mud, sand, dirt, getting stuck, scary bridges, ferry crossings and mechanical breakdowns. With guests Pete Ekstrand and Gene Bradford. Check out this video clipContinue readingEpisode 11 – Road Trip Adventures in Congo (9 chickens, 2 ducks and a goat!) – 12/24/20

Part 2 of 2 – A look beyond the technological genius of Bob Thornbloom. A servant, a giver, and a compassionate man that was a member of the Ngbaka tribe.Continue readingEpisode 10 – Bob Thornbloom – A unique life serving his fellow Congolese – 10/4/20 – Part 2

Part 1 of 2 – A look beyond the technological genius of Bob Thornbloom. A servant, a giver, a compassionate man that was a member of the Ngbaka tribe. HeContinue readingEpisode 9 – Bob Thornbloom – A unique life serving his fellow Congolese – 10/4/20 – Part 1

A typical village church service in the D.R. Congo. The building description, drums, choirs, dog fights during the service and the whole church experience: With James Edstrom and John Aiken,Continue readingEpisode 8 – Congolese Village Church Experience – 7/28/20

From film strips on a Coleman lantern projector to 16 mm reel-to-reel movies to VHS tapes – Film and movie showings in the villages and jungles of D.R. Congo.  RogerContinue readingEpisode 7 – Showing Movies in African Villages – 7/10/20

Congolese foods; villager's daily staples, delicacies, and mystery foods with Dan Noren Here is a video clip of a girl pounding manioc leaves by hand. Click on “Girl Pounding ManiocContinue readingEpisode 6 – Congolese Cuisine – 5/24/20

The Ubangi Academy dormitory at Karawa, D.R.Congo; a typical day explained with my roommate from 50 years ago, Roger Wickstrom

The story of a Cessna 185 airplane. Its impact and service to thousands of people. With Dan Carlson – African Bush Pilot; a career flying around Congo

Experiencing the first major Zaire Ebola outbreak in 1976 in Northwest Congo. With special guest Dr. Tom Cairns, the first non-African Ebola virus survivor.

The story of a 5 day truck trip across Africa in February, 1983. Driving a Chevy K-20 diesel pick up truck with no spare tire (someone stole it). Immigration problemsContinue readingEpisode 2 – Cameroon to Zaire 5 day truck trip – 2/24/20

Why am I doing this? I'm doing this for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren (in the future) to have a place to hear about my growing up years. And it'll beContinue readingEpisode 1 – The Beginning of the Podcast Journey – 2/15/20