The violence is never finished. The threat never recedes.
Christian communities in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have endured constant, unspeakable violence for years.
And it only gets worse.
In less than two years, the Islamic State Central Africa Province has slaughtered nearly 1,400 believers in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu.
Islamist terrorists massacred up to 60 Christians and burned down dozens of homes in Bafwakoa, Ituri Province. Can you send a message of hope to your persecuted brothers and sisters?
The killings come with a message. “This then is a call to every Christian in Africa,” says Islamic State. “Embrace Islam and you shall be safe.”
But what message will you send?
“Our faith gives us the strength to carry on,” says a Christian in Ituri Province left bereaved and traumatised by the relentless violent attacks. “In our Christian community, we seek to support one another, encourage one another, and protect the most vulnerable.”
Yet this Christian community extends beyond north-eastern DRC. It includes all the members of Christ’s global Church.
It includes you.
“We want a community that doesn’t just survive, but one that can regain its strength and hope,” say persecuted Christians in D. R. Congo
Barnabas Aid project partners are looking to respond in three key ways. Firstly, those worst affected by the violence will receive trauma counselling and emotional support.
Secondly, pastors and community leaders will be trained in how to gain early warning of the terrorists’ movements, how to share that information, and how to take defensive measures against attacks. Once trained, they will form Community Protection Committees.
Thirdly, these pastors and community leaders will also be supported in documenting and detailing attacks, to support a campaign of advocacy for the persecuted.
By praying for and donating towards this work, you can send a message of hope to your brothers and sisters.
How you can pray
Father God, please look upon the distress of your people in D. R. Congo, how numerous are their enemies, and deliver them from all their troubles (Psalm 25:18-19, 22). We pray for the success of this work to support them, protect them and strengthen them. Please encourage them in their faith and meet all their needs, for we ask it in our Saviour’s Name.
How you can give
$35 could pay for one Christian to attend a trauma counselling workshop
$110 could contribute towards the costs of an expert in community security and protection who will train members of a Community Protection Committee (ten gifts of this amount could cover the total)
$275 could contribute towards a session providing training in risk analysis, community protection planning, and incident documentation (ten gifts of this amount could cover the total)
PR1571 (DRC General Fund)