Democratic Republic of Congo: Pray as rebels take Goma

Violence has surged in the east of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with the M23 rebel group taking over the city of Goma at the end of January. In mid February, they also took control of Bukavu, a city south of Goma. Long-held tribal tensions and the desire for control over mineral resources in the region have driven the escalation of this conflict.

Anglican Aid’s partner in Goma, Life in Abundance, reported that there was already around half a million displaced people in the city before the latest violence. According to the United Nations, nearly 3,000 combatants and civilians were killed in the fighting and thousands more injured. Homes have been destroyed, and services like electricity, internet, and water, cut off.

Together with Life in Abundance, we are responding to the emergency by helping displaced people find shelter in church buildings or with Christian families. Generous donations to our Forced to Flee Appeal last year have allowed us to respond immediately to our partner’s request for aid for 5,000 people including:

• Corn flour, rice, beans, and cooking oil
• Clothes
• Sanitary items
• Medicine

Our Christian brothers and sisters on the ground are caring for the spiritual and emotional needs of those affected too. With help from Anglican Aid, they’re setting up trauma counselling workshops, and offering God’s comfort through prayer.

In partnership with Anglican Aid, Life in Abundance is giving emergency supplies to displaced people.

Please pray

• Pray for peace in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
• Give thanks for the love being shown to displaced people by Christians through Anglican Aid’s partner, Life in Abundance. Pray for them as they provide essential aid including food, medicine, shelter, and clothing to people displaced by violence.
• Pray that the governments of DRC and neighbouring countries will act wisely and justly to bring peace.
• Pray for God’s comfort for those who have lost loved ones or experienced trauma.
• Pray that Bible College students in DRC supported by Anglican Aid, would be able to return to their colleges despite transport disruptions, and that they would be able to study in peace.
• Pray that God will strengthen his church in DRC to proclaim the gospel and bring lasting peace to this troubled country.

A prayer for Democratic Republic of Congo:

Mighty God, our Lord and King, while the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain, we know that you have authority over all things. All who take refuge in you are blessed.

We pray for our brothers and sisters in Goma and Bukavu in Democratic Republic of Congo, where violence has again flared. Please bring comfort, healing, and restoration to the people of these cities, now under the control of a rebel group. Would you restore order and install leaders who will govern wisely, and for the good of the people.

Thank you for our brothers and sisters from Anglican Aid’s partner, Life in Abundance who are caring for people who have been displaced in the conflict. As Life in Abundance workers show your love by providing food and other essentials, help them to share the hope they have in you.

We pray that the gospel will go out in DRC, and many will find new life in Christ. Would you enable Bible college students who are supported by Anglican Aid to learn how to correctly handle the word of truth. Prepare them to build up the body of Christ, so your people are united in the faith and in the knowledge of your Son. Please change hearts to bring lasting peace to this troubled country. Our Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, we pray in your name and for your glory.

Amen.

Syria: Pray for the nation as it rebuilds

In December, the government of President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown after 13 years of civil war.

We have been in touch with our long-term partner in Syria, Pastor Samir Yacco from Damascus Church Aid, who tells us that the takeover by the Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was relatively peaceful and his church has been able to resume its worship meetings, Bible study, and Sunday school.

However, years of war, an earthquake, and economic sanctions have taken their toll in Syria. Damascus Church Aid has been distributing food and other essentials to neighbours in need through these years.

But many in Syria and around the world are watching to see how things will unfold, particularly regarding what kind of religious freedom will exist.

“We have to watch,” said Pastor Samir. “The Lord is still supervising this universe – we have no fear. At least there has been no killing; no kidnapping; no violation or breaching of civil liberty or freedom. Only the shortages of resources are the nightmare of Syrian people now.”

Below are some prayer points and a prayer you might like to use as you pray on your own or with others.

Damascus Church Aid has been distributing food and other essentials to neighbours through years of civil war in Syria.

Please pray

• Give thanks that Damascus Church Aid has faithfully cared for neighbours in need and proclaimed the gospel through years of trouble in Syria.
• For the nation of Syria to be able to re-build and replenish after years of civil war and economic sanctions.
• That displaced Syrians returning home will be able to rebuild homes and livelihoods.
• That Christians in Syria will be free to continue meeting publicly and following Jesus under the new regime.
• For the protection of Muslim background believers in Syria.
• For God to strengthen his church in Syria.

A prayer for Syria and Anglican Aid’s partner, Damascus Church Aid:

Our Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace,

We thank you that Anglican Aid’s partner, Damascus Church Aid, has continued to care for neighbours in need through years of war and economic sanctions in Syria, all the while sharing the hope they have in you.

Would you help the nation of Syria to restore schools, hospitals, and roads after years of civil war. As displaced Syrians return to their country, help them to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. We ask that the new government will bring stability to Syria so your people can live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. In this time of transition, please strengthen our Syrian Christian brothers and sisters with all power according to your glorious might so they have great endurance and patience.

As Syrians hope for a new era of peace, we pray that many will hear the good news of Jesus and turn in faith to him, the Prince of Peace, so they can know peace beyond all understanding and enjoy new life with him forever.

We pray in his name and for his glory.

Amen.

Anglican Aid prayer

Heavenly Father, 

Whose will it is that all people will be saved, and come to a knowledge of  the truth, and whose will it is that we care for the poor, needy, widows, orphans and refugees. 

We pray for the work of the Archbishop of Sydney’s Anglican Aid. 

We pray for your grace to fulfil every good work that you have prepared for us in advance to do as we anticipate the triumphant return of our King and Saviour, in whose name we pray. 

Amen.