The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the most dangerous places on Earth. Years of conflict have forced more than 5 million people from their homes – including 3 million children. But wherever there is suffering in the DRC you’ll find the church there too, being the hands and feet of Jesus.
The church in the DRC actively positions itself against injustice – they are hosting refugees, setting up peace talks to resolve conflict between communities and are communicating a vision of a future filled with redemption and peace.
Faith in God
‘This country has fertile soil, there are waters full of fish. The DRC is a good country. The problem is there are never ending conflicts, which cause people to flee their households. I would really like that to change,’ shares Pastor Bagame, who leads a church in the east of the country that works with Tearfund and their local partner.
‘As a pastor, I do what I can to assist the people who have been displaced spiritually, psychologically and materially. Refugees are usually traumatised and our job is to advise them that, despite the conflict, they must keep their faith in God and hope for a better future.
‘The church also gave a large part of land to the refugees to plant their seeds, something which now allows them to be food secure.’
The seeds came from another Tearfund partner, Mavuno, who are working in communities that are hosting large numbers of people who have fled the violence. By working with the local church to secure land for planting, people are able to feed their families and earn an income.