News / Thoughts

DRC: At least 17 Christians killed throughout July

Please pray for the church in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Last month, more than 17 Christians were killed in a series of attacks across the country, and church leaders are asking for your prayers. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militant group are suspected to be behind the attacks on Christians and churches.

The Reverend Joel Tibasima Bamaraki (pictured left), a father in his 30s, and two church elders were killed in an attack in Kabasungora village in the Bahema-Boga locality on 23 July.

The ADF attacked again on the 24 July, killing at least seven Christians and setting two churches on fire in Kayera village.

Further attacks took place on 27 and 29 July, and 1 August.

Reverend Besisa Birahure, who leads a church in one of the areas that was attacked on 1 August says: “We are overwhelmed. What can we do? … Keep praying for us; whatever difficulties become harder and harder, may God sustain us to stand firm.”

Who are the ADF?

Persecution in the DRC mostly takes the form of violent attacks. Although a very high percentage of the population are Christian, the Islamic extremist group ADF is responsible for the persecution of Christians in the east of the country, brutally attacking Christians and churches. Christian leaders who advocate against corruption risk harassment and interference from the government.

“We really need your prayers,” says Reverend Marcel Kisembo, dean of the Anglican cathedral in Boga. “At this time I would like to ask you to pray for us, for the situation we are going through since this month of July.”

Pray now…

• That God will comfort the bereaved, heal the injured, and pour out His peace on the church in DRC
• For strength for the church leaders ministering under such difficult circumstances
• For wisdom for the authorities to take the relevant measures to bring an end to this cycle of violence.

Four things you can do now:

1. Learn more and pray: Get our free glow-in-the-dark World Watch List Map and find out more about the places where faith costs the most. Get your map here…

2. Pray regularly: Every Monday night at 7pm we’ll be praying one prayer for one minute for the one in seven Christians around the world who face persecution. Set an alarm and tune in…

3. Choose to Lose: Raise money by getting sponsored to lose something you love for a short time. Sign up and we’ll send you a fundraising pack…

4. Send a message of hope: Imagine getting a letter from a Christian on the other side of the world who’d heard about you and was praying for you – encouraging right? Well, you can send encouragement now to young Christians facing persecution. Do that here now…