Dozens of Christians killed in Democratic Republic of Congo

At least 80 Christians have been killed in a wave of attacks within the Democratic Republic Congo, in keeping with Open Doors. 

The attacks happened across villages in North Kivu between 4 and eight June. Over 50 Christians were killed on 7 June alone, and houses were burnt to the bottom.

Some individuals are still missing after the attacks, which have been blamed on the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a bunch that has ties to the so-called Islamic State, Open Doors reports. 

Locals are asking Christians worldwide to hope for them within the midst of persecution. 

“Really, it’s prayer, nothing but prayer,” says Pastor Kambale Aristote from CECA20 church.

“We have understood that the target of the ADF is to convert everyone right into a Muslim and it is a persecution of an incredible level. We ask all Christians to proceed to intercede for us.”

He can be asking for prayer for Pastor Paluku Katahiindwa Claude and his wife, Katungu Vyahasa Esther, who haven’t been seen since they went to their farm on 15 May. 

“Let us unite our prayers together, that God will bring the pastoral couple back to peace,” says Pastor Kakule.

“Our prayer is that God will bring the pastor back along with his wife, being at peace and alive in order that we will proceed the Lord’s work.

“Again, our request is that each one Christians on the planet hold hands while praying along with us. May peace return to our communities. Let us pray that the servant of God might be free and will we be rejoicing after we see him being with us.”

Open Doors’ spokesperson for sub-Saharan Africa, Jo Newhouse, said Christian communities were being attacked by the ADF at a “horrifying” rate.

“Christians are forced to flee and a few churches within the affected villages have closed due to the most recent attacks,” said Newhouse.

“These unabated attacks come at a time when Christian farmers were preparing for harvest. The impact is that many families are without means to feed their families, and the unprepared displacement has put pressure on the livelihood of Christian families now on the move to unknown destinations.

“We call on the international community to do every part in its power to make sure the federal government of DRC faithfully and transparently protects all affected communities and that the displaced receive the support they need in these circumstances.”