The Sonde people live along the Kwenge River in Western DRC. Although most of the Sonde claim Roman Catholicism, they are very steeped in animism with a strong fear of evil spirits and fetishes. They are known for witchcraft and for casting spells on anyone who is a threat to them—including the perceived threat posed by Christian pastors and evangelists. There is no printed Bible portion available in their Kisonde language.
“And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their book together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.” (Acts 19:17–20 ESV)
