Praying for Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Praying for the Democratic Republic of Congo

This week, we are with our Canadian Baptist Ministries colleagues and partners in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

There are good things happening with great successes in areas of food security, pastoral training and evangelism. We are encouraged to see how our partner churches are flourishing despite great obstacles. 

We thank God for the high integrity and leadership of the denominational partners with whom we serve. Our friends Rev. Dr. Gato Munyamasoko of the Association of Rwandan Baptist Churches (AEBR) and Rev Dr. Kakule Molo (CBCA) are among the highest calibre of Christian leaders in the world today. 

 Rev. Dr. Kakule Molo, President of the CBCA

One of the great challenges facing the Church in Africa is rising insecurity. In Northern Kivu in the areas of Butembo and Beni, our partner the church the Communaute Baptist Au Centre de L'Afrique (CBCA) has suffered greatly from the insecurity and kidnappings happening near the Ugandan border North of Goma.

On August 13th, over sixty people in the town of Beni were massacred by a Ugandan Rebel group known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). 

Beni and the neigbouring community of Butembo are two areas where Canadian Baptist Ministries and Canadian Food Grains Bank have made major investments for improving the lives of people and churches through education, improved farming technology, and support. 

Only months ago, our CBM executive director, Rev. Dr. Terry Smith, visited this area as a sign of solidarity with our partners and friends in Northern Kivu.

It was with great sadness that we learned how members of the church and community were slain by men armed with machetes as the rebel group attacked people in the community on August 13th. This is not the first attack in Beni. Just two weeks earlier fourteen people were killed on the edge of the town, and attacks and road side kidnappings have been common occurrences over the past few years.

As Canadian Baptists, we are asking our government to take insecurity in Eastern DRC seriously. Despite UN peacekeepers being posted in these areas, little is being done to protect the innocent civilians who are suffering from the brutality of armed groups like the ADF. 

We would ask you to join us in praying for peace in Central Africa and for an end to the insecurity endured by the people of Eastern DRC. Please pray for our friend Dr. Molo as he gives leadership to his denomination during this difficult time of mourning and anger. We continue to pray for local churches on the front lines of this conflict as they see to be forces of healing, peace and reconciliation.

A woman morning the loss of her children in Beni

You can read recent media reports here