Pastor Matayo Mwungura was born in 1920 in the village of Tibitibi, located in Uvira, South Kivu Province, in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was the third child of Mushoza and Nyabutiri Mariamu. He belonged to the Abagunga clan, within the larger Abadinzi family. He grew up in the highlands of Mulenge, a region known for its hills, pastures, and eventually for becoming a center of Christian revival among the Banyamulenge people.

His Family and Early Life

Before giving his life to Christ, Matayo followed local customs and had several wives over time. His first wife, Kamanyana Esther, bore him two daughters, Nyiramvugirwa Lea and Nyirarukundo Sophia. After they separated, he married Bujigijigi, and together they had a daughter named Nyirankundwa Damari.

After his conversion, Matayo married Nyirabagirishya Rose. With her, he had eight more children: Muhizi Elisha, Ndinzi Ananias, Mwungura Nehemiya, Mugunga Amos, Nyirambabazi Abiya, Nyankobwa Dina, Butimiriza Rusi, and Nyamasoso Marigarita. Altogether, he was the father of eleven children, many of whom became active in Christian service.

Life Before Christ

The region of Mulenge, before the spread of the Gospel, was deeply rooted in traditional spiritual beliefs. The Banyamulenge people worshipped spirits such as Ryangombe and Binego, offered sacrifices, and performed rituals in sacred huts. These practices were part of everyday life, and the people sought blessings, rain, wealth, or fertility through these means.

Matayo grew up in this environment. As a young man, he was strong, energetic, and loved sports. He especially enjoyed running, high jumping, and wrestling. He was also known for his gift in poetry, especially cattle praise poetry. One of his famous sayings was, "Nimara kwegamira umuryango nzavuga irikomeye rikomerwe," meaning "When I lean on the doorway, I will speak a mighty word." At the time, this was just a bold expression. Later, it took on spiritual meaning, as he indeed became a voice of strength in his community.

He once said, “Izuba nirihata guhanika amahanga tuzayahetsa,” meaning, “As long as the sun continues to shine, we will reach the nations.” Many thought he was referring to the search for pasture during droughts, but he was actually speaking about the future spread of the Gospel. Today, Banyamulenge believers are found across the world, many leading churches and sharing the Good News. His words proved to be prophetic.

When Matayo became a Christian, his life changed in ways he could never have imagined. His wife was taken from him by his in-law and she was forced to marry another man. His young daughter was left in the care of his mother, who had to breastfeed her and raise her as her own. Matayo experienced rejection not only from his family but also from the wider community, who saw his faith as a betrayal of tradition.

The isolation and hostility he faced were so severe that he eventually had no choice but to marry someone from outside his tribe. Despite these hardships, Matayo remained steadfast in his beliefs, showing remarkable courage and resilience in the face of personal loss.

The Turning Point

Everything changed for Matayo when he accompanied his older brother Yeremiya Rutabagaya to Kilomoni in Uvira. They had gone to find veterinary medicine for their cows, but instead found two groups of people gathered. One group was learning how to read and write, while the other was learning about God. Their curiosity led them to watch and listen.

Even though they left without making a decision that day, the experience stayed with them. It reminded them of the story in Luke 24, where two men walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Though they didn’t realize it at first, their hearts burned with excitement as He spoke to them. Something similar was happening in the hearts of Matayo and Yeremiya.

Back home, Yeremiya (Jeremiah) began attending literacy classes, paying ten coins to a teacher named Nagano. Matayo, on the other hand, felt a strong desire to learn more about God and the Bible.

Through the help of a Banyamulenge Christian named Samuel Ntakandi, who had already received Christ and was working with missionaries, Matayo and his brothers began their journey of faith. Together with Karojo Samusoni, Sebugorore Pawulo, and Petero Bitwenge, they accepted Christ and began to walk in a new direction. They later moved to a place called Mushojo, where they continued to grow in their faith.

Baptism and Calling

In 1945, Matayo was baptized in water as a public sign of his commitment to Jesus. Baptism was not taken lightly. It was reserved for those who had accepted Christ, had been taught the faith, and were ready to follow Him fully. Matayo was baptized along with others like Samuel Rwihaniza, Andereya Kajabika, and Elizabeth Kibihira.

Two young men, Ntarumanga Samuel and Sebugorore Pawulo, had not planned to be baptized that day, but after hearing the Word, they too stepped forward. Their story was similar to the Ethiopian official in the book of Acts, who after hearing the Gospel from Philip, asked to be baptized on the spot.

Not everyone could be baptized immediately. For example, Rwihaniza Samuel was not baptized that day because he did not have a witness from his home church to testify to his faith. He was baptized later, once proper confirmation was provided.

A Leader and a Pioneer

As the years went on, Pastor Matayo Mwungura became one of the leading spiritual figures among the Banyamulenge. He helped plant churches, train leaders, and bring many people to Christ. Along with a few faithful men, he worked hard to spread the Gospel in areas that had never heard it before.

These men faced rejection and hardship, but their faith and determination laid a strong foundation. Their sacrifice became a bridge for others to walk into salvation. Their lives and testimonies continue to inspire new generations.

A Legacy That Lives On

Pastor Matayo’s life is a powerful example of God’s grace and calling. He started out as a young man caring for cattle and became a spiritual shepherd to many. God called him in the middle of ordinary life and transformed him into a leader whose voice would echo across the hills of Mulenge and far beyond.

Today, countless Banyamulenge Christians around the world trace their faith back to the movement he helped start. His influence lives on through churches, ministries, and families built on the Gospel.

As Scripture says in Revelation 14:13, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord... for their deeds will follow them."

The deeds of Pastor Matayo Mwungura surely have. His story continues to speak.

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