the democratic republic of congo

THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

‘THE WAR THE WORLD FORGOT’

But God has not forgotten the DRC - nor must we.

Photo:Richard Hanson/Tearfund

By January 2013, as a result of the ongoing violence, it was estimated that conflict in the eastern DRC had forced approximately 2.7 million people to abandon their homes. Yet the immense suffering continues to be overlooked by the world’s media.

Internally displaced people planting beans in fields around their camp Kirotshe.Photo: Richard Hanson/Tearfund

BACKGROUND

Photo: R

ichard Hanson/T

earfund

We know God has not forgotten the people of the DRC and we must show them that we haven't forgotten them either.

This prayer guide is based on not forgetting seven key issues in relation to the DRC.

‘When you feel overwhelmed, what keeps you going?

It is the word of God and prayers.’

Arivera, a 41-year-old Congolese farmer

1. Don’t forget… THE CONGOLESE PEOPLE

‘Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the afflicted.’(Psalm 10:12) Pray for God’s presence and protection over homeless, hungry, sick and injured people, and victims of rape and violence.

Habiba and familyPhoto: Corrie Sissons/Tearfund

‘We pray for peace because without that we can’t do anything.’

Nyange, a farmer with a family of six in Bikuchu, eastern DRC

2. Don’t forget… THE ONGOING CONFLICT

AND THE INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

‘But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.’ (Psalm 9:18)

PRAY• Pray that deep, true and lasting peace and security will reign in the DRC.• Pray for strength and patience for the people of the DRC as they hope for peaceto come.• Pray that there will continue to be fruitful and fair negotiations between the government and other parties, leading to lasting stability and peace in the DRC.

Photos: Richard Hanson/Tearfund

Nzulo internally displaced peoples camp

3. Don’t forget… THOSE IMPACTED

BY SEXUAL VIOLENCE

'Only last month our village was attacked… my wife was raped.'

Simon, 31, a pastor in a church in eastern DRC,

March 2013

'God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.’ (Hebrews 6:10)

Pray that God will bring comfort and healing to women who have suffered abuse, and ask that they will have strength and protection to speak out.

A patient at Heal Africa HospitalPhoto: Richard Hanson/Tearfund

4. Don’t forget… THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH

‘The church contributes to our internal healing.’

says a survivor of sexual violence

'The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’ (Deuteronomy 31:8) Pray that churches in the DRC will show leadership in the fight against poverty and challenge the prevalence of sexual violence in Congolese communities.

Pastor Samuel Mayele of Heal Africa Credit: Geoff Crawford /Tearfund

5. Don’t forget… THE ROLE OF SURROUNDING COUNTRIES

‘We pray for peace because Congolese believe that despite the long years of

suffering, peace is achievable.’

Christine Karumba, Tearfund Deputy Country Director in the DRC

'If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.' (Romans 12:18)

Please pray for leaders of the DRC’s neighbouring nations such as Rwanda and Uganda, that they will encourage peaceful and understanding relationships and actions with the DRC.

6. Don’t forget… THE NEED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE

AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

'We also pray that our government would have love for their nation.'

Nyange, a farmer with a family of

six in Bikuchu, eastern DRC

'I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority… This is good, and pleases God our Saviour.’ (1 Timothy 2:1-3) Pray that the DRC government will rule justly and wisely, acting for the people of the DRC and putting their needs first.

Photo: Corrie Sissons/Tearfund

7. Don’t forget… TEARFUND IN THE DRC

'I pray that God blesses Tearfund and all their staff!'

Muholeza, aged 32, a widow who is involved

with Tearfund’s food security projects in Musochi, eastern DRC

• Give thanks to God for the work of Tearfund and our partners who work among families displaced by the conflict and with victims of sexual violence. • Pray for staff as they continue to help people who are most in need.

Water supply at internally displaced peoples camp, Minova, provided by a Tearfund DRC partner.Photo: Richard Hanson/Tearfund

AND FINALLY: A PRAYER FROM THE DRC

O God, loving parent of all, comfort your children – displaced, wounded, lost or

orphaned by conflict in the DRC - and give the people of that country courage to seek

enduring peace with justice and freedom, that their children might grow up without fear.

For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Adapted from the Anglican Swahili prayer books: Tanzania (1995) and Congo (1998).

Thank you for praying. Please continue to keep the DRC in your prayers.

Visit www.tearfund.org/pray to see our current prayer news and sign up for our One Voice prayer email.

Pendeza and her family Photo: Corrie Sissons/Tearfund