Visa Denied Four Times, Then a Door Opens: Congolese Singer Reaches General Conference

Pythagore Matubu, a member of the Church from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, was invited to sing as a global choir member with The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square during the October 2025 General Conference. Despite doing everything correctly, his visa to the United States was denied four times by the US embassy.

With only one appointment remaining before it would be too late, Pythagore arrived at the embassy as number 97 in line. Only one of two offices was open that morning — and the official working there had denied every visa application all morning. Pythagore grew nervous.

Just as number 96 was called, a second embassy official entered and opened the other office. Pythagore was called to him directly. After a few brief questions, the official spoke the long-awaited words: 'Your visa is approved.'

Pythagore recognized this as a direct answer to prayer and a fulfillment of the lyrics of his favorite Easter hymn, 'Savior, Redeemer of My Soul': 'O'errule mine acts to serve thine ends. Change frowning foes to smiling friends.' The Lord had overruled his humble efforts and made it possible for him to serve in the Choir at general conference.