For many years, people in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have been living through ongoing ADF terrorist atrocities.

Many families have lost loved ones, homes, and everything they had because of the armed conflict. Many others have been forced to leave their villages and move to cities where they live in difficult conditions.

Today, the situation is even more harrowing, as the M23 movement occupies large parts of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, while the Ebola outbreak has added another challenge. In the middle of all this suffering, many people are questioning their lives and their faith.

“Since the terrorist group called ADF-NALU started to massacre innocent people, mainly Christians in our region, and has caused many people to be displaced from their villages and come into the city, where they are living in very bad conditions without any adequate assistance, the situation is not good,” Bishop Isesomo of the Anglican Diocese of North Kivu said.

This insecurity has affected many families. People who once had homes, farms, and normal lives have been forced to leave everything behind. When they arrive in the city, many lack food, shelter, or other necessities. They are simply trying to survive.

These conflicts bring fear and uncertainty. People want to live in peace, work, care for their children, and worship God without fear. But many have lived for years without knowing when the next attack may happen, Bishop Isesomo added.

A Light in the Dark

On top of the insecurity, people are now facing another serious problem: Ebola.

“Adding to what I have pointed out, there is now the Ebola outbreak, which is killing people day after day,” the bishop said. “Ebola has brought more fear to communities that are already suffering. We are encouraging people to follow hygiene rules to protect themselves and others. But it is not always easy because many families and communities do not have the materials needed for Ebola prevention.”

In this critical time, the church is staying close to the people. It continues to encourage them not to give up but to continue trusting in God. The church is doing many important things. It is giving people spiritual encouragement and also helping them understand how to protect themselves from Ebola.

The message is that even in difficult times, people should care for one another and remain hopeful.

“The church is still doing its work by encouraging people to continue to stand firm and trust in God, Romans 8:35-39,” Bishop Isesomo said. “The church is also telling people how to be protected from Ebola by respecting the hygienic rules. But we are limited in obtaining some useful materials, such as washing basins, soaps, and thermoflashes. These things may look small, but they are important in helping people protect themselves from disease.

“Without enough soap, washing basins, thermoflashes, and other basic materials, it becomes harder for the church and the community to respond to the Ebola outbreak. So, we need prayers from Christians around the world.”

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