Covenant News

Military Forces Retake Congo Towns

CONGO (January, 1999) - Military forces allied to President Kabila have retaken the towns of Gemena, Businga and Libenge, according to recent reports from the area. Libenge is a border town close to Central African Republic, where the Evangelical Free Church of America has mission work.

"Reports indicate that many people have been killed (one source estimated as many as 200 in Libenge alone)," states the Department of World Mission of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Chicago. There has been looting in Gemena, where much of the population reportedly has fled. "We have not received specific information about Businga or Karawa, although we do know that the bombs that fell on Karawa did not fall on the mission, but rather on the government post four kilometers from the mission," the department dispatch reports.

One local source reports famine is a serious concern. "The war started just as people were preparing their fields before the coming of the rains," the source stated. "The specter of famine hangs over the Ubangi. We are counting on the mercy of God. Pray for all those who are today in the forests, without resources, without medications, without help."

"We are looking to the Lord," another commented. "Even if we don't see some (of our brothers) on the earth, our hope is that we will be with them in heaven. Christ Himself will wipe away our tears."

Congo, formerly Zaire, has been the largest mission field of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Missionaries were evacuated in January 1997 and currently are serving in other areas in Africa or in ministries at home. Individuals interested in supporting the Congo relief efforts make direct donations to the World Mission department.

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