Uncompromising Faith

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

As Islam gains influence in this country, militant Muslim groups continue in their aggressive pursuit for greater political hold. Traditional African religions are also growing in number with members claiming that Jesus is a "God of white people." The following are two prayer requests that have been brought to our attention by VOM Australia's ministry representatives.

Nadine, 27, became a believer three years ago. Her parents, who worship the gods of water, tried to convince her to leave Christianity. When Nadine refused, she was rejected by them and forced from the family home. Thankfully, she is now living with a Christian family.

Mbuta, 43, converted to Christianity 11 years ago. While working at a business owned by a Muslim man, it was discovered that Mbuta was a Christian. He was then asked to forsake his faith. When Mbuta didn't comply, his boss forced him to resign. To date, this uncompromising Christian husband and father of five has been without work for three years. Despite the fact that he and his family are suffering, Mbuta has remained steadfast in the Lord.

Praise God for the faithfulness of Nadine and Mbuta who have chosen to follow Him rather than succumb to compromise in the midst of persecution. Pray that His miraculous provision will be made known to these suffering believers, proving to them His sustaining grace and His ability to provide for their every need. Please also pray for the VOM workers who are serving as instruments of the Lord by giving necessary support, encouragement and practical help. May He continue to strengthen the faith of all His people in the DRC so the church there can grow in both faithfulness and number.

  • Country Information

    Population
    111,859,928 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    More than 200 ethnic groups of which the majority are Bantu

    Religion (%)
    Christian (93.1), Kimbanguist (2.8), Muslim (1.3) other (1.2), none (1.3) (2014 est.)

    Leader
    President Felix Tshisekedi (2019)

    Government type
    Semi-presidential republic

    Legal system
    Civil law based on Belgian law along with customary and tribal law.

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for DRC

    Pray for protection for Christians in DRC facing violence in the midst of a war-torn nation. Remember the pastors and members of churches destroyed by militant Islamic groups. Remember all those who have been displaced due to violence.(Acts 20:24). Ask God to encourage them to keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith, and not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 10:32-39; Hebrews 12:1-3).

DR Congo News

  • Multitudes Killed While Attending Funeral Wake
    An open grave with many deceased individuals is surrounded by a large group of people.
    Mourners gather for a mass burial.
    Photo: Open Doors US

    On the night of September 8th, Christians who had gathered at a funeral home in Ntoyo, a village in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), were brutally attacked by militants armed with guns and machetes. The assault resulted in the fatalities of numerous believers, the kidnapping of many surviving victims, and the burning of 16 homes.

  • Dozens Killed in Church Attack
    A church building is surrounded by palm trees.
    A church in the DR Congo
    Photo: Pixnio / Brian W.J. Mahy

    During the early hours of Sunday, July 27th, more than 40 Christians were killed when Islamic militants attacked a church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The worshippers had gathered for a late-night prayer meeting at their church in Komanda, a town located in the province of Ituri, when members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) suddenly entered the building and began to shoot those who were present. In addition to attacking the church, the militants set fire to several houses and shops in the community. Reports also indicate that at least 20 children were taken hostage during the raid.

  • Church Attacks Result in Fatalities and Kidnappings
    A group of Christians are praying together.
    Photo: Wikimedia / Steve Evans (cc)

    Members of the Eglise Message du Temps church are calling for "fervent prayer" after being struck by an attack on January 30th. The church is located within the community of Baeti in the northeastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The attackers have been identified as members of a militant group associated with ISIS.

  • Increasing Violence by IS Terrorists
    A large fire
    IS celebrated killing ''over 100 Christians'' in March.
    Photo: al-Naba

    According to an analysis conducted by BBC Monitoring, the self-declared terrorist group, Islamic State (IS), and its affiliated members have significantly escalated a campaign of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the first half of 2023, the terrorists claimed to have instigated 58 violent attacks in the DR Congo, targeting those whom they identify as Christians. These attacks are concentrated in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.