Christian Missionaries“My father, obviously, carried the Word of God, which fortunately weighs nothing.” (Kingsolver 19)Missionaries of all faiths have traveled throughout the world in an effort to show other people their ways. Christian missionaries in particular struggled in their efforts to convert indigenous populations. Simply bringing the Word of God, as Nathan Price does in the Poisonwood Bible, was and is not possible. With a conversion of faith comes the adoption of customs, morals, lifestyles, and even political opinions. Although young Leah Price says the Word of God weighed nothing, it was actually the heaviest burden the Price family carried with them on their journey. Every missionary who brought the Word of God to the Congo region faced many more challenges than he could have ever imagined. The Poisonwood Bible offers a look at each of the complex situations created by missionary work in the Congo. It is the turning point for religious work in the nation and describes the ongoing struggle between Congo and the rest of the world. However, to fully understand the impact of missionary work in Congo, it is necessary to also examine the beginning and future of this movement. The Congolese are a people rich in culture, very bright and extremely diverse. For a long time they were also considered among the richest countries in natural resources, until other countries exploited them. Africans in general had no need for prejudice, even when engaged in trade with other tribes or countries. Their practice of slavery was simply a way to win a war or conflict. They treated slaves humanely. However, there was much talk that Congo had always been a brilliant nation in its own way. Now, missionaries, not only in Congo, but everywhere, face the challenge of “walking into the light” with the people to whom they are bringing the Word of God. Bibliography: RESOURCES CONSULTED Consular information of the Democratic Republic of Congo. U.S. Department of State, September 14, 1999. Kingsolver, Barbara. The Poisonwood Bible. Harper Collins, New York, NY: 1998. Missionary home bombed. Independent Catholic News, Vol 2. June 9, 1997. Myers Harrison, Eugene. A light in the darkness of Congo. Scripture Press, Fairfax, VA:1954. Presentation by Dr. Nkuzi Nnam, October 31, 2000. International Ministries website. http://www.internationalministries.orgThe New American Bible. Devore & Sons, Witchita, Kansas: 2000.