Pastor Daniel Matondo alongside Dr. Malcolm Newton and Dr. Eric Nelson

Urbana, Illinois, radiated celebration and reverence on Sunday, June 29, 2025, as the Urbana branch of EMC Church transformed its sanctuary into a hall of honor for its beloved leader, Pastor Daniel Kiyedi Matondo. Far more than a regular Sunday service, this was a vibrant community gathering to honor their beloved general overseeing pastor. The event, which was equal parts spiritual celebration and honorary convocation, marked the conferral of an Honorary Doctorate Degree to Pastor Kiyedi Matondo by the Denver Institute of Urban Studies and Adult College, recognizing his remarkable service, visionary leadership, and enduring passion for global evangelism.

A Shepherd Among Nations
If ever there were a modern-day Apostle Paul clothed in Congolese fabric and grounded in gospel reggae rhythms, Pastor Matondo might be it. From humble beginnings in Kinshasa to ministering across continents and crocodile-crossed waters, he has not only proclaimed the gospel but built an enduring legacy of church planting, soul-winning, and disciple training. With 15 churches established between 2021 and 2025 and over 200 trained through his EMC Bible School, Matondo is both architect and gardener of spiritual growth.

The Ceremony Unfolds
The day began in holy fashion, with a spirited Sunday worship service at noon that gracefully transitioned into the highly anticipated award conferral. Excitement electrified the packed church auditorium, with congregants from Urbana, nearby Champaign, and as far away as Colorado and Indiana, all gathered to witness their pastor’s moment of honor. Laughter bubbled over hugs, women in white dress suits and others in vibrant dresses cheered from pews, as men bustled in eager devotion.

As the procession, led by Pastor Daniel Matondo, flanked by fellow church leaders and the Denver Institute of Urban Studies delegation in full academic regalia, ascended the stage, a wave of gospel music soared through the sanctuary, cascading in joyful reverence. The warm entrance was a tribute to a man whose towering accomplishments are matched only by his quiet humility. The program opened with a warm introduction of the conferring institute’s president, Dr. H. Malcolm Newton. The significance of the occasion was given by the acting chairman of the DIUS board, Dr. Eric Nelson, followed by a stirring reading of Pastor Matondo’s biography. His bio, chronicling his transcontinental ministry, unwavering dedication to underserved communities, and a spirit marked by grace. Then, in a moment steeped in dignity and history, the honorary title was bestowed: Doctor of Public Service, Honoris Causa.

A Denver Delegation in the Midwest
Not to be outdone by the academics in robes, the team from Afrik Digest Magazine, flown in from Denver, captured every heartfelt moment. Cameras clicked as the congregation erupted into song, embracing the newly minted Dr. Matondo with ululation and spontaneous dance. If there were ever a time to marvel at the merger of faith, culture, and community impact, this was it. The Denver Institute of Urban Studies could not have chosen a more deserving recipient.

Words that Carried Weight
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Daniel Kiyedi Matondo stood as he always has—humble, steady, and surrendered to a higher calling. “I am neither the first nor the last to receive an honor such as this,” he began, his voice calm yet deeply stirring. “This title is not a crown of superiority, but a call to dig deeper and serve better in the work of Christ, as 2 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us.”

With characteristic grace and gratitude, he continued: “This honor is not mine alone. It belongs to those who believed in God’s vision, who crossed flooded villages with me, and those who prayed when heaven was our only answer.” It was a mic-drop moment, not of boastfulness, but of beautiful surrender. It captured the essence of a man who has tirelessly poured his life into the upliftment of others, one soul at a time.

Tributes to Blood, Allies and Delegates

Dr. Matondo extended heartfelt thanks to the Denver Institute of Urban Studies, sharing that this award belongs to an entire community, a vision-bearing generation, a devoted army of missionaries, a battalion of spiritual commandos affectionately known as ballongi.

He paid warm tribute to his wife, Jeannette Tshiaba Tshilombo, describing her as a wise and intelligent woman whose unwavering sacrifices fuel his vision. He honored his mother, Basola Muingidi; his three brothers and two sisters; and offered a tender remembrance of his late father, Papa Kiyedi Leon. Dr. Matondo also expressed gratitude to the delegations from the various branches of EMC Church, including Aurora Colorado,  Joliet Illinois, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Columbus Ohio, who journeyed to witness the occasion, naming Mama Marie Kiabueso, Papa Noel Mahisha and Brother Alain Beauvais among them, and acknowledging those who, though absent, were very much present in spirit.

Beyond Urbana, Toward the Future
Dr. Daniel Matondo’s vision marches forward with unwavering momentum, a blueprint that includes the construction of a 5,000-seat worship center, the training of 300 additional disciples, and the building of even more bridges between cultures through ministry, music, and education. Though the event concluded with a solemn benediction, the air felt charged with something deeper.

When asked why the Denver Institute of Urban Studies chose Pastor Matondo as the recipient of its prestigious honor, Dr. H. Malcolm Newton, a Harvard-trained theologian and institutional representative, offered this:
“Pastor Daniel Matondo is a courageous champion of the Gospel, a towering figure unafraid to testify and disrupt on behalf of God’s Kingdom. He brings what I call ‘holy disorder’ to a world in desperate need of Jesus. He is an organic prophet, one of a rare kind, whose prophetic boldness opens up new realms of what’s possible. With radical love and grace, he transforms evangelism into a divine embrace of all people.”

And so we say, congratulations, Dr. Daniel Kiyedi Matondo. Missionary. Visionary. Now, distinguished honoree. From Kinshasa’s vibrant avenues to communities across the United States and beyond, your gospel footprint is indelible. Your calling remains global, your impact unmistakable, and your journey, we know, is only just beginning.