Pray for the Congo

We are asking you to pray for the Congo. Starting in mid-October some fighting began about 50 miles West of Gemena (the city where the Elikya Center is located) among fisherman. Here is an excerpt from an E-mail we received today from Dr.Tom Cairns from Reachglobal:

"The fighting which began with some local tribes fighting over fishing rights in the southern reaches of the Ubangi has escalated significantly. At least 90,000 people have fled their homes, many to Congo Brazzaville across the river. Others are living in the forests. President Kabila flew to Gemena last week and promised immediate action to end the uprising. He has sent into Gemena several thousand soldiers with weapons who have gone on down to that area to resolve the situation. Some are being brought back wounded and getting care at the hospitals. The problem is that the presence of soldiers instills fear and reminds people of the violence of the previous war. As a result people at Tandala have all fled into the forests except for the doctors. People in Gemena are making plans to flee. Some have fled and are being encouraged to return to their homes, including President Bosokpale’s [president of the local Free Church] wife, Jeannette. The church leaders are figuring out ways to hide valuable equipment and records. President Bosokpale has been in Kinshasa for church meetings. He hopes to return Wednesday"

Gemena is currently a secure area, however most people are responding in fear and fleeing to the forests. These are people that we know and love. Our hearts are heavy over this and we ask you to join us in prayer for peace throughout all of the Congo. We don't want to overwhelm you with details, but to ask you to pray and we will update you as soon as we know more information.