Source:                        www.opendoorsuk.org

Date:                             June 13, 2024

Your prayers continue to be urgently needed for Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo following yet more devastating attacks.

At least 80 Christians have been killed in a spate of attacks in the North Kivu province of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The attacks happened between 4 and 8 June in several villages, the deadliest day being 7 June when armed militants attacked Masala, Mahihi and Keme, killing more than 50 believers. Homes have also been burnt, and several people are reported missing.

The horrific attacks continue despite the “Cheng Gong” operation underway in the region. It’s led by UN peacekeeping forces (MONUSCO), and the coalition between the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).

The victims are members of various churches, including the 3e CBCA, CEBSE, Catholic and CECA20 churches. Many were working on their farms when attacked. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group with ties to so-called Islamic State (IS), are believed to be responsible.

“Really, it is prayer, nothing but prayer,” says Pastor Kambale Aristote from CECA20 church. “We have understood that the objective of the ADF is to convert everyone into a Muslim and this is a persecution of a great level. We ask all Christians to continue to intercede for us.”

Pastor and wife kidnapped

Prayers have also been requested for Pastor Paluku Katahiindwa Claude and his wife, Katungu Vyahasa Esther (pictured), who were reported missing on 15 May. They had gone to their farm for harvest, but have not been seen since. A Bible belonging to the pastor was found on the road leading to the farm. They have nine children.

“Let us unite our prayers together, that God will bring the pastoral couple back to peace,” says Pastor Kakule.

“Our prayer is that God will bring the pastor back with his wife, being at peace and alive so that we can continue the Lord’s work. Again, our request is that all Christians in the world hold hands while praying together with us. May peace return to our communities. Let us pray that the servant of God will be free and may we be rejoicing when we see him being with us.”

Devastation and displacement

“The rate at which the ADF continue to attack Christian communities in eastern DRC is horrifying,” says Jo Newhouse*, Open Doors spokesperson for work in sub-Saharan Africa. “Christians are forced to flee and some churches in the affected villages have closed because of the latest attacks.

“These unabated attacks come at a time when Christian farmers were preparing for harvest. The impact is that many families are without means to feed their families, and the unprepared displacement has put pressure on the livelihood of Christian families now on the move to unknown destinations.

“We call on the international community to do everything in its power to ensure the government of DRC faithfully and transparently protects all affected communities and that the displaced receive the support they need in these circumstances.”

*Name changed for security reasons