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DRC

• Church Attacks Result in Fatalities and Kidnappings

  

  Members of the Eglise Message du Temps church are calling for "fervent prayer" after being struck by an attack on January 30th. The church is located within the community of Baeti in the northeastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The attackers have been identified as members of a militant group associated with ISIS.

• Increasing Violence by IS Terrorists

  

  According to an analysis conducted by BBC Monitoring, the self-declared terrorist group, Islamic State (IS), and its affiliated members have significantly escalated a campaign of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the first half of 2023, the terrorists claimed to have instigated 58 violent attacks in the DR Congo, targeting those whom they identify as Christians. These attacks are concentrated in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.

• Thousands Flee Militant Islamist Violence

  

  
  Children in a displacement camp in northeast DR Congo
  Photo: Open Doors via World Watch Monitor

  Islamist militants are suspected to have killed between 20 and 40 villagers in the eastern areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Late in the evening on May 3rd, attackers carried machetes and axes into a village located within the North Kivu province. "Between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., the enemy managed to get past army positions and kill peaceful residents in their homes," reports local administrator Bernard Amisi Kalonda.

  A Christian missionary adds that thousands of people have already fled the area since the militants' unexpected attack. "It was eerie; hundreds of houses (have been) abandoned and thousands of people displaced," the missionary says of the mass exodus. "I saw four coffins and a funeral or two on the road. I saw people carrying their mattresses and things in cars, on motorcycles, on foot. Hundreds of homes along the road are abandoned. Where there was a thriving community, there is now a ghost town."

  The local population in the related area is overwhelmingly Christian (95.8 percent), and the resulting impact on them has been immense. Referencing the attack, a pastor of a church in the community reported that the people are terrified. While some contemplated fleeing again, others have opted to stay in hopes that things will normalize soon.

  Thank you for joining us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones, and for the community at large after having experienced forceful expulsion from their homes. May they take comfort in the knowledge that wherever they go, God will always be with them (Deuteronomy 31:6). Uphold those in need of healing from physical injury or emotional trauma due to the attack -- whether the Lord works through the giftedness of medically trained experts or another means of His divine intervention. Also intercede for the perpetrators responsible for this horrific attack. May they come to know the God of those they persecute and, as a result, be able to proclaim Him as their own Saviour and Lord.

• Uncompromising Faith

  

  As Islam gains influence in this country, militant Muslim groups continue in their aggressive pursuit for greater political hold. Traditional African religions are also growing in number with members claiming that Jesus is a "God of white people." The following are two prayer requests that have been brought to our attention by VOM Australia's ministry representatives.

  Nadine, 27, became a believer three years ago. Her parents, who worship the gods of water, tried to convince her to leave Christianity. When Nadine refused, she was rejected by them and forced from the family home. Thankfully, she is now living with a Christian family.

  Mbuta, 43, converted to Christianity 11 years ago. While working at a business owned by a Muslim man, it was discovered that Mbuta was a Christian. He was then asked to forsake his faith. When Mbuta didn't comply, his boss forced him to resign. To date, this uncompromising Christian husband and father of five has been without work for three years. Despite the fact that he and his family are suffering, Mbuta has remained steadfast in the Lord.

  Praise God for the faithfulness of Nadine and Mbuta who have chosen to follow Him rather than succumb to compromise in the midst of persecution. Pray that His miraculous provision will be made known to these suffering believers, proving to them His sustaining grace and His ability to provide for their every need. Please also pray for the VOM workers who are serving as instruments of the Lord by giving necessary support, encouragement and practical help. May He continue to strengthen the faith of all His people in the DRC so the church there can grow in both faithfulness and number.

• Priest Flogged to Death

  According to reports from the region, nine members of Democratic Republic of Congo's anti-Christian "Muene" sect killed a Catholic priest on August 17 and plundered the Kizu Parish, near Tshela, in the country's northern Bas-Congo province.  One of the parish priests, upon seeing the assailants, fled into nearby forest while a second priest was tied up and flogged to death.  Tshela police said no arrest had been made.

  The Voice of the Martyrs has a partner ministry in DR Congo. Pray that God will give them wisdom as they deal with increasing persecution in their country. Pray that those who are grieving the death of the murdered priest find comfort in the Lord and support from one another (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). Also pray that those who are responsible for this crime will be prosecuted.