How do you recover from inter-tribal violence and turmoil when friends and family are injured or killed, homes burned, cattle stolen, and you have had to flee to a refugee camp? Many East Congolese refugees touched by such trauma have arrived in the communities here in Bellevue, WA and across the nation. They are an integral part of the diverse Christian worshipping community and offer an amazing testimony to the power of God’s love.

In response to the enduring crisis in their homeland, Pastor Alexis Ruhumuriza has a vision for the future for this area – one of reconciliation, forgiveness, peace, and a sustainable future. The New Hope Revival worshipping community of Bellevue was formed in Bellevue Presbyterian Church (BelPres) in 2016. From these humble beginnings, along with the ongoing support of many dedicated and passionate volunteers, Congo Peace, a non-profit 501c3 charity, was born.

Congo Peace is dedicated to addressing the decades-long devastation inflicted by conflict in the Minembwe region of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We are focused on healing the wounds caused by intertribal conflict and working with all peoples of that area to bring reconciliation between tribes. For us, this is not just another place of injustice that needs help – it is the homeland where our brothers and sisters in Christ were born and raised, as well as many other people and tribes. It is a place where people continue to suffer the loss of loved ones, property, security, and dignity.

We are a grant-making organization partnering with New Hope Reconciliation Center (NHRC) in South Kivu – a separate non-governmental organization in the DRC. NHRC is a multi-tribal team that operates in South Kivu, one of 26 provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Through the visionary leadership of Pastor Alexis, the generosity of the Christian community, the tireless efforts of NHRC, and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we believe God is writing a new story for East Congo, transforming this community through love and forgiveness.

For those who have witnessed their loved ones being massacred and have barely survived with their own lives, forgiveness and reconciliation are hard. But in the words of Pastor Alexis, nothing is impossible with God. Where others see roadblocks, he sees possibilities. “God’s way is to bring people together, creating a new way, transforming a traumatized community into a new community of love, forgiveness, healing and hope,” says Pastor Alexis. He reminds us – it is God’s plan, not his.