Congolese Faith Grows Despite Conflict

(Editor's note: Following the rebel army's takeover of the Ubangi-Mongala in the northwest section of the Democratic Republic of Congo in mid-July, a few reports on the welfare of the more than 147,000 members of Covenant Church of Congo (CEUM) began to filter out. Jim Gustafson, executive director of World Mission for the Evangelical Covenant Church, met recently with church leaders and missionaries in Bangui, Central African Republic, and filed this the following update.)

People in Congo have suffered greatly both spiritually and physically. Many were close to death several times. Their testimony is that it was only God who saved them. They say thank you to everyone who prayed for them, for God does answer prayer.

Several pastors reported that people's faith has grown through this time. One pastor said that they would never have asked to go through such an experience, but that it has strengthened them. Another pastor reported that "we must Praise God for one thing – they could take everything else, but they could not take away our faith. Pray for the soldiers to change their hearts and have compassion." One report stated that some people have felt that God has left them and it was like they were living at the end of the world: "How could God let this happen to His church?" He said they have responded by continuing to preach on the theme of suffering encouraging people that the first church went through much and survived. We can, too!

Living conditions are horrible now. As of last August, many people were beginning to return to live in the villages because security was getting better. For a long time most of the population was in misery, still away from their villages and living in the forest waiting for calm to return. They also lived in fear of renewed bombings. During the seven months of fighting, the military burned numerous villages to the ground and confiscated most of the livestock, goats, cows, and chickens for food. At the Loko station, only four of 120 head of cattle remain. In the area surrounding Karawa, almost all the goats were taken by the soldiers. Roads are in terrible condition and local stores are looted.

Amidst the many tragedies, there are stories of God's provision. More than a year ago, 100 pounds of quinine powder for malaria treatment was mistakenly shipped from the Netherlands instead of the 10 pounds that had been ordered. When the war started, a recently arrived order of medicines could not be delivered and was stuck outside the country. During the entire period of the war, no new medicines were received. The result was that all the normal drugs for malaria treatment were gone and all that was left was the huge order of quinine. This extra quinine saved many lives when no other drugs were available.

The present medical condition of the population is tragic. Malaria, meningitis and malnutrition are on the increase. More often than before, villagers have no money to pay for medical care with the result that they remain away from the hospital longer before going for treatment and are sicker when they do arrive. Many times the hospitals have had to care for someone whose family had no means to pay for either medicines or the service. AIDS has been spread to more people through the actions of the soldiers. One doctor fears that more people will die after the war from disease than died from the war itself. The only hospitals operating in the area are the three Covenant hospitals and one Free Church facility.

Yet, even with all the difficulties, the faith and commitment of the leadership remains strong. One pastor testified that the courage and testimony of President Luyada has been an encouragement to everyone. Consistently, the leadership reports that they will remain faithful to preaching the gospel no matter what comes their way. Let us all Praise God for His mighty work in the Church in Congo.

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