Decades of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have caused millions of deaths and there has been an increase in violence over the last year. Tragically, two Tearfund staff members, Jonas and John, were killed in June this year. This week, pray for our work promoting peace and reconciliation and for the friends and families of the staff members who were killed.
Sunday 13 October
Jonas and John, who were travelling in a convoy from Lubero, DRC, with a group of colleagues, were tragically killed in an attack on Sunday 30 June. The rest of the team escaped. Pray that the families and friends of the two staff who died would know God as their comfort and refuge as they mourn.
Monday 14 October
Pray for the remaining 12 Tearfund staff members who were caught up in the attack. Thank God they returned home safely, and for their continued recovery. Lift up all who have been traumatised by this senseless attack. Ask that God would protect the Tearfund team in the DRC and keep them safe as they work and travel.
Tuesday 15 October
‘Our staff work selflessly to serve communities living in poverty, says Nigel Harris, Tearfund CEO. ‘This news came as a huge shock to all of us at Tearfund.' Pray for our country team in the DRC as they cope with this tragedy personally, professionally and work hard to support the staff and families affected.
Wednesday 16 October
Conflict in eastern DRC has caused around 6 million deaths since 1996. Fresh clashes between armed groups are worsening the crisis. Conflicts intensified in February resulting in desperate humanitarian conditions. Pray for peace in communities across the DRC, and for different ethnic groups to be reconciled.
Thursday 17 October
‘Tearfund is working in many provinces, carrying out peacebuilding activities through local partners,’ says Poppy Anguandia, Tearfund’s DRC Country Director. Ask God to strengthen the team in DRC as they continue to work for peace, despite their loss.
Friday 18 October
‘At Tearfund, we work with local partners to best reach communities,’ says Poppy. ‘But also to build on the strengths and resources they already have. We're partnering with Congo Initiative here.’ Pray that Congo Initiative will be welcomed into many more communities so that they can overcome grievances and help people work together to prevent further deaths.
Saturday 19 October
‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!’ (Psalm 133:1)
‘The people of Nyunzu have found grace in their hearts to live peacefully,’ says Pastor Abedi Kakese from Nyunzu Church, whose community took part in a peacebuilding initiative. ‘We can now teach these principles in our churches.’ Pray that more local church pastors in the DRC will be trained in peace and reconciliation.
