Thousands of displaced families in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are still reeling from the flooding and landslides that tore through their province of South Kivu last May. Many lost loved ones. Entire villages were destroyed. This week, let's stand with the people of the DRC and pray that they will be filled with hope for their future.
Sunday 28 April
Heavenly Father, sometimes the pain and suffering we hear about is almost too much to bear. Help us to hold our prayers before you, trusting you to lead and guide our thoughts. Thank you that, over this week, we have the privilege of lifting the people of the DRC to you. Amen.
Monday 29 April
‘The day of the floods, my husband died and we lost everything we had in our home,' says Antoinette. ‘The children were safe because they ran away in different directions.' Lord, you know the needs of this family. You see each one of them. You love each one of them. May they know you are close to them at this time. Amen.
Tuesday 30 April
‘As pastor, I am urging people to stay strong,' says Baderha Katula, pastor of a local church in South Kivu. ‘People must not give up, they must take up their hoes and continue farming the land – knowing life is still possible.' Pray for Pastor Baderha as he leads his church and supports the community after the floods and landslides.
Wednesday 1 May
‘The floods took my children who were at home alone,' says Cidorho. ‘The children I have with me now were saved by neighbours. Since all this happened, I have experienced trauma. I feel I may go mad.' Lord, we pray that Cidorho will feel your loving arms around him, and for him to experience healing. We pray that support from his church and community will give him the space and time he needs to talk through his trauma. Amen.
Thursday 2 May
Victor, aged 18, would like to be a doctor when he grows up. Esther, aged 14, would like to be a nurse. While these two young people have faced unparalleled destruction and loss over the last year, we pray today that young people like them will not lose hope but will hang on to their dreams for the future.
Friday 3 May
Praise God that in Goma, DRC, Ezequiel has started a honey business and is now growing his bee enterprise. Ezequiel took part in an entrepreneurship programme for young people run by a local Tearfund partner, Effective Life Vision. Pray that the young people of South Kivu will have similar opportunities to start their own businesses and begin to thrive again.
Saturday 4 May
In Isaiah 41:10, it says: ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' Pray this verse aloud today for people in the DRC.
