Byang Kato

Byang Kato: From Juju Worship to Gospel Leader

Byang Kato spent his childhood in Nigeria in a family devoted to juju—a traditional religion filled with magic and superstition. As a boy, he even planned to become a juju priest one day. But everything changed when he met Christian missionaries and heard the good news of Jesus.

Readers will follow young Byang as he eagerly learns about Christ and shares his new faith with others. God used him in amazing ways—to pastor churches, teach in Bible schools, and write books that encouraged believers across Africa and beyond.

Carefully researched and sensitively told, this story helps young readers to understand the diversity of Christ's worldwide church, and specifically the challenges of the church in 20th century Africa. Because of Byang Kato’s leadership and bold faith, many people discovered their true identity in Christ. His life shows how God can use anyone willing to follow Him—even a boy once determined to serve a false religion!

Endorsements

“Simonetta Carr has done a fantastic job here. She tells the story of Dr. Byang Kato, the father of the evangelical movement in Africa. Even though written for children, the book is a gem and a resource for those interested in African Christian thinkers of ages past. May we learn to tell our stories in ways even children can understand. I recommend this book without reservation.”
—David Tarus, executive director, Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa, a project of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa [AEA] (the organization Byang Kato served as its first African general secretary) 

“Byang Kato is one of my spiritual heroes! He served the Lord at a critical time when most African countries were gaining independence from colonial governments. Kato provided much-needed gospel clarity to ensure that, in appreciating their African culture, the church did not slide into syncretism and apostatize. The impact of his message continues, almost a half century after his tragic death. I rejoice that he is being introduced to our children through Simonetta Carr’s new biography about him!”
—Conrad Mbewe, pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church and founding chancellor of the African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia

About the Author

Simonetta Car was born in Italy and has lived and worked in different cultures. A former elementary school teacher, she home-schooled her eight children for many years. She has written for newspapers and magazines around the world and has translated the works of several Christian authors from Italian to English, and vice-versa. Presently, she lives in San Diego with her husband Thomas and one of their eight children. She is a member at Christ United Reformed Church.