Weekly Prayer Update

Crisis in Democratic Republic of the Congo

An ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has escalated in recent weeks as rebels advance through the eastern region. Tensions are mounting, especially in the capital, Kinshasa, where anxiety is high after the rebels' successful capture of the city of Goma.

As the conflict intensifies, more than 500,000 people have fled the violence, and the humanitarian crisis is worsening with reports of widespread atrocities, including forced recruitment and gender-based violence. In Burundi, between 10,000 and 15,000 refugees have crossed the border, many traumatized and separated from their families. The refugee influx is placing additional pressure on neighboring countries and the international community. Overcrowding and insufficient resources are major concerns. 

Intense conflict since the beginning of the year has led to the closure of more than 2,500 schools and learning spaces in North Kivu and South Kivu, including those in displacement camps. As a result, approximately 800,000 children in these provinces are now unable to access education, a significant increase since the start of the year. Many schools have been either damaged, destroyed, or repurposed as shelters.

The Church of the Nazarene is active in the DRC, and church and Nazarene Compassionate Ministry leaders have requested prayer for all who are grappling with trauma from this crisis. At least one church was ransacked in recent days. Nazarene church members are among those who are experiencing significant psychological distress due to ongoing violence and instability. Leaders are developing plans to stockpile food and medicine, provide virtual therapy sessions, and hold peacebuilding and conflict response trainings for pastors in the coming days and weeks.

From the NCM field coordinator in DRC, Pascal Balibanga, we share this encouragement and call to prayer:

“As a Christian community, we are called to support one another, to pray for one another, and to be instruments of peace and love in a broken world. May our faith unite us and give us the strength to persevere, knowing that God is at work, even when we do not understand His plans.

Let us remember that hope in Christ is not an illusion, but a firm assurance. As the Apostle Paul says: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; distressed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

Let us pray for peace in Goma, for our families, our leaders, and even for our enemies. Let us pray that justice, reconciliation, and love will triumph. And above all, let us keep our hearts anchored in hope, for our God is a God of miracles, and His promise of peace and restoration remains eternal.”