The Church: A Beacon of Hope in the Ebola Crisis
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has had a recent outbreak of a rare strain of the Ebola virus. The World Health Organization has declared this a public health emergency of international concern with more than 1000 cases and near 250 suspected deaths. There have been additional cases in Uganda.
Bishop Martin Gordan in Goma, DRC writes, "The Anglican Church is at the forefront of the response, offering health care, providing hope, raising awareness and helping communities respond across the region."
The Reverend Bisoke Balikenga, serving the church in Bunia has shared the desperation of the people in one of the hardest hit areas in Eastern Africa. Many at the Rwampara IDP camps have little or no provisions of food or protective clothing. Despite quarantines, the church is now part of an education program to teach people how to prevent the spread of the disease.
The situation is dire, and the Church in the affected communities is in urgent need of our prayers.
Prayer Points:
For a quick mobilization of resources to test, isolate and treat patients
For safety of health workers
For the quickest possible development of a treatment and a vaccine
For provision of the physical and emotional needs of the people
For a lasting peace in one of the worst war-torn areas in the world
May the Church continue to be voices of hope.
Hearts for the Congo (HFTC)
The mission of Hearts for the Congo, Inc. is to share Christ’s love with the people impacted by conflict in and around Bunia, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Reverend Balikenga ask for prayers and financial support as they respond to the physical needs of the people during the outbreak and work toward the containment of this disease. Donate to help.
Anglican Diocese of Goma
If you want to give to the Diocese of Goma's Ebola response please do so here.
Anglican Relief and Development (ARDF)
ARDF has partners and projects in the DRC and will support church partners to quickly mobilize to help the communities impacted by the outbreak. Learn more and help in the relief efforts.
Lollie Twyman
Lollie serves on the board of SAMS and NWMN. She is a co-founder of the Anglican Prayer for All Nations Network and has come to know the importance of prayer as the foundation for all mission activities. She was former mission chair for the Diocese of Fort Worth and lead the Mobilizing the Church Task Group of Anglican Partners that has produced such resources as the Litany for Mission, the Parish Mission Leader Certification Program and Anglicans in Prayer. Her passion and greatest joy is to raise up the next generation of missionaries by sharing the gospel with children.
