What does it look and feel like to live in fear for your life? For your family’s lives—every day with no end in sight?
While we may be tempted to look away or pretend it isn’t happening, this is the reality for our brothers and sisters in the eastern
Democratic Republic of the Congo. Attacks by militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (or ADF, a radicalised extremist group with formal ties to Islamic State) and other armed groups are almost a daily occurrence.
The attacks have deliberately targeted Christian communities and churches. Survivors report that the atrocities (massacres, kidnapping, destruction of churches and mass displacement) are intended to eradicate the Christian presence.
As a result, DRC Christians are struggling to find any sense of hope. For them, looking away or pretending isn’t an option.
“Fear is increasing. Please intercede for our safety and for the strengthening of faith.”
Pastor Nkulu
Pastors and Open Doors local partners in the affected regions are asking the worldwide Church to join them in prayer. “Activities have slowed down. Fear is increasing,” says Pastor Nkulu, a DRC church leader. “Brothers and sisters, please intercede for our safety and for the strengthening of the faith of Christians.”
A dire situation
To help you understand the urgency of the situation, we’re sharing the major recent incidents our field and international media have reported —and specific prayers to help us bring our DRC family to the throne room.
14 Christians beheaded
The attack is the first time ISCAP (Islamic State-Central Africa Province) targeted Christians in this area. A local field contact notes that locals have observed the terrorist group moving their activities to other areas as the Ebola virus spreads.
God, we pray for comfort and strength for the families and friends of these believers ... our family. We ask You to give them tangible reminders that their loved ones are now safe with You.
Farmers abducted
On June 28, ADF militants abducted several farmers, causing widespread fear and mass displacement. The farmers were working in their fields when they were taken. The violence has prompted a mass exodus from surrounding villages, and the influx of internally displaced people has added pressure on local communities already struggling to support those affected by the violence.
Lord, we pray for the safe release of these farmers and for Your protection over them. We pray you will be ever-close to them in captivity.
10 young boys kidnapped
ADF fighters reportedly kidnapped around 10 young boys. Community leaders have expressed alarm over the growing number of abductions and the continued targeting of civilians.
Father, we lift up these young boys to You. Calm their fears and assure them that You are with them. Please keep our brothers under Your wing and bring them safely home to their families.
20+ people killed in three attacks
African media report that more than 20 people were killed in Beni territory between July 12-16. Our Open Doors local field contact confirmed the deaths of six people, including a church elder and a worship singer, in an evening attack by the ADF. Six more people were injured, and one person is still missing, reports Pastor Nkulu. The pastor later also confirmed another 14 died in an evening attack on July 16. While mostly men died, militants also killed a young girl traveling with her father.
Father, we grieve with our brothers and sisters in the DRC. We ask You to comfort every mourning family, bring healing to the injured and protect those in danger.
Ebola virus in the violence
The current outbreak of the Ebola virus adds another layer of trauma and isolation for Christians who are already traumatised and displaced after ADF attacks. “We wake up with news of deaths. We see on our phones the messages of bad news. So, we are afraid,” says one DRC church leader. Where he lives, at least six pastors have died from the virus.
Pray with this pastor: Tender Father, we are grateful for your kindness, which is renewed every morning in our favour. We beg You, by Your grace. We trust in You. We trust in your power. Blessed be Your Name. Blessed be the healing of our loved ones. Blessed be the end of this virus. In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, amen.
In the DRC, Open Doors serves the church through partners and churches who provide food relief, discipleship training and persecution survival training. Our vision is for a Congolese church that offers physical and spiritual support to persecuted Christians to enable them to be resilient in the face of persecution.
Arise Africa Petition
You can add your voice to the Arise Africa petition, answering the call of the African church to join them in calling for protection, justice and restoration.
If you’ve already signed, please share with your church, family and friends – we have a global target of a million signatures by 2026. The aim is to take the petition to the UN, EU, Africa Union and other local governments and decision-makers.
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