Leaders of the Baptist World Alliance and the All Africa Baptist Fellowship sent messages last week to Baptists in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, expressing “deep sorrow and continued solidarity with you during this time of crisis and suffering.”
BWA General Secretary Elijah Brown and Elias Amétepah A. Apetogbo sent a letter specifically to Christians affiliated with the five Baptist groups in the eastern Congo, along with a general letter to the “Baptist Community” in the DRC.
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“To all who are seeking to lead the churches of our Lord in the midst of chaos, conflict and confusion, thank you for serving as the living shepherds of Jesus Christ,” the letter to Baptists in the eastern Congo stated.
“May the protection of the Holy Spirit be with you and flow through you to the entire community.”
The letter was addressed to the Baptist Community in Central Africa, the Baptist Evangelical Convention of Congo, the Community of Baptist Churches of Eastern Congo, the Convention of Evangelical Baptist Churches of Congo, the Union of Baptist Churches of Congo and “all Baptists in the Eastern DRC.”
Violence leads to displacement and hunger
Goma in the DRC’s North Kivu Province and Bakuva South Kivu Province are controlled by the Rwanda-supported M23 rebel paramilitary group, and the Allied Democratic Forces, an Islamist rebel group, has targeted Christians in the region.
The violence has resulted in 7.8 million internally displaced people within the DRC, and 25.5 million people face the danger of hunger.
“This morning our BWA senior directors gathered and prayed for you and for just peace,” the letter to the Baptists in the eastern Congo stated.
BWA and All-Africa Baptist Fellowship leaders noted they specifically are “praying Deuteronomy 31:6 over you.”
The Scripture verse states: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Offering prayer and advocacy
The open letter to all Baptists in the DRC stated: “We are profoundly grieved by the ongoing violence, displacement and hardship that so many in your communities are enduring.”
The letter offered assurance to Congolese Baptists that the BWA and the All Africa Baptist Fellowship “stands with you in prayer and advocacy, lifting up your churches, leaders and all those affected by instability and insecurity.”
“We recognize the immense challenges you face and assure you that you are not alone,” the letter continued.
“Our global Baptist family joins in fervent prayer and advocacy for peace, justice and restoration in your land. May the God of all comfort strengthen you, and may his justice prevail in the face of suffering.”
The letter noted Wissam al-Saliby, president of the 21Wilberforce human rights organization, has worked with BWA leaders to contact officials in the United States and embassy officials.
“We are requesting diplomatic efforts be prioritized to facilitate humanitarian aid and engage regional actors in negotiations to bring an immediate end to hostilities and secure a peaceful resolution,” the letter stated.
Providing emergency aid
BWAid, the humanitarian assistance agency of BWA, provided an initial emergency grant “with a commitment to additional funding” to BWA groups working in the eastern DRC, the letter noted.
The aid agency also has sought additional donations through the BWA Forum for Aid and Development to provide additional support.
“Over the upcoming weeks we will continue to seek further avenues for advocacy and aid,” BWA and the All Africa Baptist Fellowship pledged in the letter.
“As you provide refuge, comfort and spiritual guidance to those in distress, we continue to encourage all of the Baptist conventions to work together in the established consortium and to continue to keep both their AABF and BWA families engaged.
“In this time of chaos and uncertainty, we pray that the Lord will strengthen you and work through you on behalf of peace and care for those who are suffering.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Ken Camp and originally published by Baptist Standard.
