Terror Reigned on Valentine's Day in the DRC
Bringing Hope and Dignity to African Women
Imagine sitting in church on Sunday morning, excited to worship and hear the message when suddenly … you hear the thunder of machine guns around you and shrieks of terror. Chaos breaks out, and now you must run for your life.
On Sunday, February 14, 2021, the day that much of the world celebrates love, this is what happened in the North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Africa, when terror and hate reigned, and 13 worshipers were murdered.
Here’s the rest of the story …
Men, women, and children, now classified as IDPs or internally displaced persons, first escaped the church and then fled their homes to get away from this Islamist insurgency group who has been attacking churches, killing and wounding Christians and other villagers, burning their houses, and causing mayhem since 2007.
The plight of these displaced villagers is extremely difficult. Many escaped with only the clothes on their back. The violence, rape, and terrorism induced upon women is so great, it is easy to believe that they have lost any sense of dignity that they may have once had. This, coupled with no place of shelter and little food, leaves them feeling as if all hope is lost.
The needs are great (and OMS in partnership with Mercy is addressing these), but one request stood out to OMS’ Dynamic Women in Missions: the need for women’s clothing. By providing clothing, the soap to wash it, and everyday feminine hygiene products, we can give back some of the dignity that has been taken from these sisters who had to flee their homes. We also will give them a small measure of hope. As we provide these items, we will share encouragement from God’s Word.
It costs $20 to purchase material (kitenge, a thick wax cotton fabric) and to pay a local seamstress to make a dress and scarf (pagne) and provide two large bars of soap to wash these clothes.
Now, envision North Kivu where lives will begin to be restored, hope will be renewed, and messages of God’s love will fill each person’s heart … all because they saw and experienced God in action from those unknown to them, providing for their needs.
OMS’ Dynamic Women in Missions asks you, will you Rise Up with us to be Better Together to help us supply 1,000 gift packages to the Kivu women? Every dollar you give will be matched up to $10,000. Our goal is to raise $20,000. Any additional funds raised beyond this will go to the OMS Worldwide Relief Fund.
It is also so important that we pray for all involved, that God will give grace and peace and show his mercy in this difficult time.
Click here to give.