"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's."
2 Chronicles 20:15
As a faithful supporter of Congo Peace, you are a gift to this ministry. We want to keep you apprised of what is happening in East Congo.
As you may have heard in recent news reports, the M23 militia group now occupy Bukavu. The conflict continues, but our New Hope Reconcilliation Center staff is committed to staying the course and are ready to open New Hope Academy as soon as the situation allows. The teachers are hired, students selected, and everyone is waiting to start.
We are grateful that the staff, school building, and Community Center housing the offices in Minembwe remain unharmed despite the unrest and conflict. In Minembwe however, 15 villages were recently attacked, causing loss of life and property. Families are displaced and in need of food, shelter and clothing. Children are missing school and need counseling and basic securities. People do not know what the future holds.
Explaining the complex history, armed groups and competing agendas that have created long-lasting conflict and devastation is difficult. At present, there is a lack of leadership to unify the tribes and country together. Instead, there is division.
We continue to be in awe of the commitment and resilience of the staff on the ground in Congo. They persevere in their work, furthering God’s mission and vision of reconciliation, unity, and peace. The NHRC team has established a well-respected reputation over the last five years working with all tribes. The NHRC-sponsored radio broadcasts provide a way to reach up to 45,000 people with messages of hope, reconciliation and where to go for help. Radio is an incredibly important way to communicate in the area, particularly under these difficult circumstances.
We want to share a message we received from one of the leaders of NHRC very recently as they continue their work despite the conflict that impacts their daily lives.
“Although this region has already been the site of cyclic violence, the NHRC team remains optimistic and will continue its work to promote peace and unity in collaboration with pastors and local leaders among others. We emphasize the importance of supporting efforts for reconciliation between different communities…Despite the violent attacks, the tribe members are willing and committing to live in harmony.”
Here are stories of two Minembwe women from different tribes who are just some of the many successes the NHRC reconciliation and entrepreneurship efforts have achieved so far.
- One is a member of NURU cooperative and is from the Banyamulenge tribe, having been displaced from Komombo. She has six children and is caring for two orphans left by her deceased son, a casualty of the violence. She started her own business in 2022 with an investment from NHRC of only $70. She raises and sells goats. Today she has eight goats and one cow, showing a twelvefold increase in the investment.
- Another, a widow from the Bafiliru tribe with 10 children, is a member of the Agape cooperative. She started in 2023 with capital from NHRC of $55. Today her entrepreneurial activities have produced a sevenfold increase in results. She cultivates vegetables and runs a small shop selling food items like maize, flour, rice, salt and sugar in Ilundu village.
Please continue to pray and support NHRC and the vital work they are doing in bringing the kingdom of God to a troubled world.
In Christ’s Peace,
Alexis Ruhumuriza, Executive Director, and the Board of Directors
Photos: (Above) families flee their homes gathering at New Hope Reconciliation Center in Minembwe; (Below) NHRC Staff broadcasting their weekly radio show sharing critical messages of help, hope and reconciliation.
