Persecuted Christians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have already endured months of ongoing attacks from the radical Islamic group the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). But now they face yet another challenge: an Ebola outbreak.
According to a Red Cross official, the Ebola epidemic has not yet peaked, and could last for a year, Reuters reports.
In the part of DRC where the Ebola outbreak is happening, more than 95% of people are Christians. These believers face severe pressure amid violent conflict. The ADF – religious extremists with ties to the Islamic State group – have deliberately targeted Christian communities through massacres, abductions and the destruction of churches.
The Ebola outbreak began in April; early deaths were overlooked by health workers, but now it’s spread much more widely.
As of mid-June, almost 200 people have died from the virus.
“We lack everything to survive, and now Ebola has arrived.”
Karba
Displaced families in the region, already suffering from violence, now face the added threat of Ebola. “We live in terrible conditions in the camps,” says Karba, a displaced resident. “We lack everything to survive, and now Ebola has arr ived. Only God can help us.”
According to a local Open Doors field partner, nine pastors (and one of their wives), have died of Ebola in Ituri Province alone.
The Ebola outbreak is also hindering church activities.
Authorities in Ituri require strict disinfecting operations and barrier measures to curb the spread of the virus. These include one-meter social distancing, no more than 50 people in attendance at services and strict measures for all burials.
In Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province where six pastors have died from Ebola, one church suspended services after losing two pastors and a congregant to Ebola. “Our community comes together every month to thank God, but this prayer has been suspended (to stop the spread of the virus),” explains Pastor Eugene.
“Ebola impacts the church on spiritual, emotional, economic and social levels.”
Faith leaders are adapting worship practices to limit transmission. At another church, pews that once held nine worshippers now seat only five, while Sunday school classes have been suspended. Memorial services and funerals have been replaced by the government with a one-minute prayer at the burial grounds.
Baptisms have also been halted across Ituri and North Kivu Provinces. “Our community just suspended baptism because of Ebola. It is impossible to organize such an important activity now,” explains Marie, a member of a congregation.
“We live with stress, and only God can rescue us.”
Pastor Samy
Local churches are responding with prayer and public health messaging, urging members to respect hygiene measures and avoid misinformation. “Some of our faithful members are in isolation, others under observation,” Pastor Samy shares. “We added a special prayer in our liturgy for this situation.”
He asks us to pray with him and Christians in East DRC. “We live with stress, and only God can rescue us.”
please pray
- Pray that God brings healing to those infected with Ebola and delivers communities from the spread of the disease.
- Pray for families who have lost loved ones. Pray for peace, hope and restoration in the midst of grief.
- Ask God to strengthen the faith of His people through this crisis and the constant insecurity in the region.
- Pray for protection, wisdom and endurance for healthcare workers, pastors, and volunteers serving on the frontlines.
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