Trouble in Congo

This story is from our September 2009 Update. You can download the complete color mini-mag in PDF format here. If you would like one mailed directly to you, including all of the articles like this one, please contact Far Reaching Ministries in the United States at (951) 677-4474.


“I want to inform you that the Rwanda rebels who did genocide in Rwanda in 1994 are trucked out in the villages/mountains of Uvira and people are running away finding save areas especially in Uvira city.” - Pastor Sepa Mamboleo in Uvira, DRC

I had heard rumors from other missionaries in the area that there was more trouble in Congo. For us, hearing that there is trouble in Congo is like being told that a baby is crying. That’s just how it is. The real concern, though, was that the trouble had moved into the region known as South Kivu, a region where we do ministry.

The men and women leaders of
 Eglise Calvaire de l’est du Congo. (Pastor Sepa is at top left)

The Backstory

I’m honestly not sure if all of the pages of the 22-volume 1954 Encyclopedia Britannica (the one I grew up with) are enough to tell the full story of the troubles in Congo. It all started hundreds of years ago with an unscrupulous Belgian King, followed by European colonization in East Africa, World War II, unscrupulous African leaders, power hungry warlords, tribalism, hate, and greed. Ultimately it started long before that with our common father, Adam, and his decision to willfully rebel against our Father and Creator God. This rebellion gave birth to sin and death, taking shape most commonly as the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. But getting back to modern times... the short summary is that there are a whole lot of people vying for power, money, natural resources, and pride. They use tribalism, politics, and violence to attain their desired ends, and they all hover around the countries of Rwanda, Burundi, and Eastern Congo. Do a search online on Wikipedia if you are like me and want to know every depressing detail.

Current Troubles
The current troubles involve more Hutu rebels wreaking havoc as they hide from Congolese, Rwandan, and other government forces sent to quell them. Like a cornered animal, they rape and pillage both land and people for food, drink, and natural resources while running from and fighting against their foes.

The most unsettling part is how far south the conflict has now moved. According to my friend in Uvira, the rebels are now entrenched in the mountain villages just outside of Uvira, a city I was just in a few months back, and one that few missionaries will any longer visit. Because of the violence, many villagers are fleeing into the city for refuge.

This latest trouble won’t stop the work the Lord is doing, but only creates additional obstacles. Please pray that the Lord would protect His own and bring many into His kingdom through this tumultuous time. Also pray for the local pastors and church leaders to be used mightily by God to His glory. And lastly, please pray that God would give us wisdom on how we can aide and minister to the people of South Kivu and specifically those in Uvira.