Crowd in India takes oath to boycott businesses

Pray for our persecuted family in Chhattisgarh
This is the situation in Chhattisgarh state where Christians—which make up less than 2% of the state’s population of 29.4 million—have been brutally attacked for their faith in a series of assaults and thousands displaced from their homes since last year. 

A day after Easter when a Hindu boy was found murdered by unknown assailants, extremists held a rally against Muslims and Christians where they called for the statewide protest and a complete financial boycott.  As this new protest and call for financial boycott indicates, the situation for Christians (Muslims) in Chhattisgarh remains extremely volatile. Many hundreds of Christians are still living in poorly equipped shelters. Those who return to their villages don’t just face violence—they’ve also lost their livelihoods, possessions and homes. And this statewide boycott will likely force even more Christians to leave their homes and communities in search of housing and survival. 

As Dhruv asks, let’s pray boldly for our persecuted family. 

• Pray for peace, safety and security for believers who are living in fear.
• Pray that Indian authorities take action to support and protect Christian communities and businesses.
• Pray that God would soften and change the hearts of these persecutors. 
• Pray that this boycott would not succeed and these business owners would find favor with their communities. 
• Pray that our sisters and brothers would find peace and strength in Scripture, prayer and each other as they walk through this storm. 
• Pray for provision for church leaders whose livelihood often depends on their congregation’s gifts. Ask God to protect and care for them and their families.
• Pray that the global church would wake up to what’s happening to our global family and take action through prayer and support. 

I murdered him for Allah but God raised him up to forgive me.... SHOCKING STORY OF REDEMPTION!!

Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34, ESV)

Matthew 37Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ^c 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ^d 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

RECENT NEWS - Source: Morningstar News Correspondents

Nigeria
April 28, 2023 - Fulani Kill 18 Christians, Wound Pastor in Plateau State.

April 25, 2023 - ISWAP (Islamic State's West Africa Province) Kills Pastor, Herdsmen Slaughter 134 Christians.

April 17, 2023 - Terrorists Kill 33 Christians in Village in Kaduna State.

ERITREA: Over 100 Young Christians Arrested

Source: VOMC
Sources: Release Eritrea, Human Rights Without Frontiers, Church in Chains

In mid-April, a group of 103 young Christians, some of whom are students from the Mai-Nefhi technical college, gathered in the Eritrean capital of Asmara. Their purpose was to sing songs of praise, which they recorded to share on YouTube. However, since these believers are not members of a government-approved church, their meeting was deemed illegal. 

(A music video previously produced by the same group can be viewed at VOMCanada.com/video/mahalians.)

The authorities arrested all who were present and, according to reports, these Christians were taken to the notorious Mai Serwa prison. Since 2002, thousands of Eritreans from churches banned by the government have been sent to prison, often held inhumanely in metal shipping containers and subjected to volatile conditions and torture. Those arrested are typically held without charges against them, sometimes for many years.

Estimates vary as to the number of religious prisoners currently being detained in Eritrea. With these latest arrests, the number is estimated to be over 500. Most Christian prisoners are believed to be Pentecostal or of other evangelical denominations. 

For more information on the persecution experienced by followers of Jesus in Eritrea, go to our country report.

Pray for the safety and well-being of these young people who have been unjustly detained for their faith, asking our Heavenly Father to provide each one of them divine protection, strength and courage as they await their hopeful release from Mai Serwa prison. 

Please also continue to intercede for the deliverance of the many other suffering Christians who are presently being held in Eritrean prisons – often for years without charges or proper court hearings. 

In the meanwhile, through the steadfast faith and testimonies of the detained believers, may the lives of many Eritreans in need of eternal salvation – including fellow prisoners, guards and judicial officials – be spiritually rescued from darkness and transformed in God's marvellous light.

NIGERIA: Total of 33 Killed in Kaduna State

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, VOA, Church in Chains, Daily Post, Vanguard

Nigerian Christians face ongoing violence. Photo: VOMC (video screenshot)

Late in the night of April 15th, more than 200 gunmen entered the village of Runji in Kaduna State, Nigeria. By the time they withdrew from the area an hour later, 33 villagers had been killed, at least six others were left injured, and more than 40 houses had been torched. Almost half of those killed during the attack were children.

Government troops were able to intervene, killing some of the militants. Without their intervention, it is believed that the number of casualties could have been considerably higher. However, as the attackers left, they informed the surviving villagers that they would return.

According to a local Christian leader, this was the third attack on followers of Jesus in that particular area over the past week. During a mass funeral held on Monday, April 17th, Anglican Bishop Jacob Kwashi stated: "It has always been obvious and clear that the government is capable and able to stop this evil, be it the government of Kaduna State or the government of Nigeria. They're capable, they're able to stop this evil; but the truth is, Are they ready and willing to stop this evil?"

Militant attacks in Nigeria continue to spread relentlessly. According to a separate report, more than 130 Christians were killed in the states of Borno and Benue during the first week of April alone. While the violence has ethnic, political and economic elements, the attacks by various militant Islamic groups are especially concentrated around predominantly Christian areas, often specifically targeting churches and Christian villagers because of their faith. 

To learn more about the extreme challenges facing our Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ, and/or to review previously posted reports addressing these concerns, go to our country report.

Prayerfully remember the families, friends and neighbours of all those who were slain in these recently occurring attacks. 

As the surviving villagers must now face the risk of another potentially imminent invasion, pray that the Lord will meet their emotional and physical needs – providing comfort, peace and protection from future attacks. 

Additionally, pray that the officials of the country's state and national governments would increase their efforts to stop the violence and bring about greatly needed peace to this troubled West African nation.

ERITREA: Burial Refused for Deceased Pastor

Source: VOMC
Sources: Release Eritrea, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Church in Chains

Pastor Tesfay Seyoum was the founding leader of the Eritrean Meserete Kristos Church. Because of his Christian faith and involvement in a non-approved religious group, Pastor Tesfay spent ten years in prison.

While imprisoned, he developed a serious brain tumour. Members of his church, along with his family, tried to arrange for the detained Christian leader to receive medical care, but their requests were denied. Eventually, prison officials sent him for treatment at a hospital in Asmara, where he died (only five days later) on April 9th.

Cultural norms in Eritrea call for burials to occur as soon as possible and to take place within the deceased person's home area. Yet, as Pastor Tesfay's family members mourned the loss of their loved one, they were forbidden from burying his body in either of the local cemeteries located within their hometown because of his evangelical faith.

The Christian leader's body was initially taken home but then had to be returned to the hospital morgue for keeping until the situation was resolved. Finally, the body of Pastor Tesfay was laid to rest at the St. Teklehaymanot Cemetery in a suburb north of Asmara on April 22nd – 13 days after his death. Pastor Tesfay, who was in his 60s, leaves behind a grieving wife and their only child. 

Additional information about the ongoing oppression of Christians in Eritrea, as well as related video podcasts/documentaries, are available at our country report.

During this time of mourning, please lift up the family members and friends of Pastor Tesfay before God's throne of grace. 

Pray that the Lord's abiding presence will be tangibly experienced by each one; and that His perfect peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds – giving them strength to carry on.... 

Pray that the Gospel message will continue to spread throughout Eritrea, and that God's people will remain faithful and strong despite the government's intense opposition.

UZBEKISTAN: Easter Worship Services Raided

Source: VOMC
Sources: Forum18, Church in Chains

Pray for wisdom as Ubek Christians gather. Photo: VOMC

While members of the Baptist church in Karshi, Uzbekistan, were gathered for worship on Easter Sunday, April 9th, police broke open the door and forced their way inside. Using electrical prods, they incapacitated some of the attendees while others cried and prayed. Ten members, including young people, were taken to the police station where they were held in custody until mid-afternoon. The detained believers were released after records of offence were drawn up against them.

Church members say that the raid followed their attempts to rent local halls for a presentation of the Christian faith to commemorate Easter. Visiting German musicians were to be involved in these services, but all rental attempts were blocked. The next day, police raided another worship service in the city of Denov, where the musicians from Germany were performing. The authorities claimed that the meeting was illegal and forced those who were present to disperse. While the music group had intended to visit other various locations of the country, there were concerns that the arrests may have taken place due to the presence of the travelling team.

During the Second World War, the German-speaking Council of Churches [for] Baptists was exiled to Siberia and Central Asia (this includes Uzbekistan). During the time of Soviet rule, church registration was used to control and persecute Christians throughout the former USSR. Because of this history, as well as theological reasons, this group of churches refuses to abide by the registration requirements. 

To learn more about the persecution of Christians in this Central Asian country, go to our country report.

Ask the Lord to provide Christians who are encountering opposition in Uzbekistan ongoing wisdom, guidance and strength. May they remain faithful to Christ, as they presently face potential punishment. 

In the meantime, please intercede on their behalf, praying that there will be no ramifications from the recent incidents, and that any formal charges brought against them will be dismissed. 

Also pray that each of the officials responsible for the raids would be convicted of their own personal need for eternal salvation and the forgiveness of sin, to the point of fully surrendering to the powerful message of Jesus' death and glorious resurrection by placing their faith in Him.

NIGERIA: At Least 35 Killed During IDP Camp Raid

Source: VOMC
Sources: Open Doors Canada, Daily Post, The Peoples Gazette, Channels, Leadership

Photo: Voice of America

On Friday, April 7th, a camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) was raided by militant forces believed to be members of the Fulani tribe. The camp in Benue State, Nigeria, houses approximately 30,000 people, mostly Christians who have been forced to flee their villages due to previous attacks.

The militants surrounded the village at around 7 p.m. and began indiscriminately killing anyone they encountered. While the statistical information provided by the above-mentioned news sources vary, at least 35 people, including pregnant women and children, were slaughtered during the attack. Of the numerous surviving victims who sustained injuries, more than 50 of them were reportedly transported to hospital.

While the violence plaguing Nigeria has ethnic and political elements, Christians are often specifically targeted by militant Islamic groups seeking control. 

For more information on the violence perpetrated against Nigeria's Christians, and/or to view available video reports, go to our country report.

Please prayerfully uphold the tremendous number of surviving inhabitants still residing in this Nigerian refugee camp, especially the family members and friends of those who have been recently killed, asking God to surround each one of them with His comforting presence during their time of mourning. 

Additionally, ask Him to minister physical healing to the many who were injured during the attack and psychological healing to all who have experienced so much trauma in their lives due to the ongoing persecution. 

May these displaced villagers be able to resettle in safe locations where they are shielded from future violence. 

Further, pray that the leaders of the camp, as well as the country's governing officials, will ensure greatly needed measures are taken to protect those who are vulnerable

IRAN: Retrial Ordered for Sara and Homayoun

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Church in Chains

Sara Ahmadi and Homayoun Zhaveh Photo: Article18

Sara Ahmadi and Homayoun Zhaveh, a Christian couple who had been detained since last August, were informed on April 9th that their third application for a retrial was accepted by Iran's Supreme Court. The first two applications, both filed in 2021, were rejected.

The Iranian believers were convicted in November 2020 because of their membership with a house church. Homayoun, who suffers from advanced Parkinson's disease, was sentenced to two years in prison, and his wife Sara to eight years.
(see this page for more details).

After their conviction, these Christians were told to await an order to report to prison. After months of waiting, they were summoned to the administrative office of Evin Prison in August 2022. Believing they were going to collect their confiscated personal property, Sara and Homayoun went to the prison, only to be unexpectedly taken into custody. They have remained in prison since (read more).

Sara and Homayoun's case will be reviewed by Tehran's appeal court on May 9th. Due to Homayoun's serious health condition (prior to their arrests, Sara was his caregiver), relatives and friends have been very concerned for the couple. They are hopeful, however, that the retrial will bring about positive results.

Remember to pray for Sara and Homayoun as they patiently remain in prison, asking the Lord to strengthen them – in spirit, soul and body – and to provide for all of Homayoun's medical needs. 

May God's Holy Spirit also work deeply in the hearts and minds of the judges, so that this Christian couple will be justly acquitted and released from prison. 

Also intercede on behalf of the many other followers of Jesus who are presently serving time in Iranian jails because of their faith. May they too experience the sustaining comfort and strength of their loving Heavenly Father, knowing that He is trustworthy and faithful.

Testimonies of Afghan Christians Living for Christ Under Taliban Rule

Finding Christ at a Café

INDIA: Christians Arrested at Wedding Reception - (Correction, this happened in November 2022)

Source: VOMC
Source: International Christian Concern

Nine pastors and a recently married Christian couple were arrested in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, on March 27th. According to witnesses, the pastor of an Assemblies of God church in the community was hosting a wedding reception at his home for his daughter and son-in-law. Militant Hindu nationalists claimed that the gathering was a conversion program and called the police. Though the pastor explained that he was simply holding a wedding reception, the authorities ignored his pleas and arrested him, along with the newly married couple and eight other pastors in attendance.

Uttar Pradesh passed legislation in November 2020 outlawing religious conversions by "misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or any fraudulent means." It is one of nine Indian states with such legislation. Regrettably, these laws have been misused by those who want India to be an exclusively Hindu nation. 

For additional reports on the persecution encountered by Christians in India, go to our country report.

"These days are very challenging days in our state," remarked a Christian leader from Uttar Pradesh. "More than 200 churches were shut down in the last few months, and 52 pastors and Christians are reeling in the prisons across the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is challenging for Christians to gather for worship.... Today's incident of nine pastors that were sent to jail tells the bigger story of how Christians cannot gather for any purpose whatsoever."

Please uphold this newly married couple in your prayers, along with the nine pastors who have been imprisoned on false pretenses. 

Pray that each one of these believers will be vindicated of any charges laid against them. 

Intercede for the militant Hindu nationalists involved in this recent incident – as well as all those who stand in opposition to Christianity within this part of the world – in hopes they will also come to realize the truth of God's Word and turn in sincere repentance to Him through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. 

In general, despite the increased incidents of persecution in recent years, may the ministry of the Gospel continue to spread throughout the nation of India.

INDONESIA: Church Building Sealed

Source: VOMC
Sources: UCA News, International Christian Concern, Morning Star News

A church in Indonesia Photo: DayakSibiriak (cc)

The process of establishing and leading a church in Indonesia can be onerous, particularly in areas controlled by militant Islamic groups or where there are few Christians. In an attempt to establish "religious harmony," legislation was passed during 2006 requiring all places of worship to obtain a government permit. In order to receive authorization, approval must be granted by at least 60 non-Christian residents in the area, and churches have to consist of a minimum of 90 members.

While technically required for all religions, permits are practically only enforced for non-Muslim groups. Because the approval process is quite difficult and applications may potentially be rejected, many Christians gather together without the mandated permit. 

For more information on the challenges facing followers of Jesus in Indonesia, go to our country report.

For the Simalungun Christian Protestant Church in Cigelam, opposition has led to the forcible closure of their church building. On both March 19th and 26th, the congregation's worship services were interrupted by local Muslims demanding an end to all church activities. When the church did not comply with the demands, local officials were notified. On April 1st, the Purwakarta regent, Anne Ratna Mustika, along with members of the police and military, sealed the church building. Regent Mustika suggested that the congregation use a different building. However, the suggested location is too far away and therefore difficult for congregants to access by means of transportation.

The church leaders acknowledge that their congregation consists of only 60 members, which is less than the required 90. However, they also state that the closure should be done through a court decision and not the actions of local leadership. "The government should tell us what requirements we should fulfill; we are of course willing to deal with the locals around our church," said Krisdian Saragih, who serves as the leader of the Purwakarta GKPS Elders Council. "We want to be part of the local community. We really want to know what they expect from us."

Please join us in praying for God to grant the leaders of this church greatly needed direction, wisdom and encouragement as they determine their next steps. 

May His peace prevail between Christians and Muslims in this community, and among others across Indonesia, overriding any attempts of outside activists to stir up further trouble. 

Additionally, pray for the Lord's intervention and mediation in regards to the sealed church building, so this congregation can continue worshipping together and reaching out to others throughout the surrounding area with the hope of the Gospel.

ERITREA: New Arrests and Prison Releases

Source: VOMC
Sources: Church in Chains, Release International

Photo: VOMC

According to a recent report, 30 Christians were arrested in mid-March while gathering for worship at a believer's house in the Eritrean city of Keren. Unfortunately, no further details are available at this time. The recently arrested followers of Jesus join more than 400 other Christians who are presently being held captive in Eritrean prisons because of their faith. 

For other reports and ways you can pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in this East African nation, go to our country report.

In an unrelated development, it was also reported that nine Christians were recently released from prison – four from the Mai Serwa prison in Asmara and five from a prison in the port city of Assab. One of the believers released from Assab was house church pastor Abenet Yemane. Pastor Abenet has been in and out of prison throughout the past 20 years because of her Christian faith and ministry.

A year ago, Dr. Berhane Asmelash from Release Eritrea was interviewed by Closer to the Fire podcast host Greg Musselman about the ongoing arrests and persecution of Eritrean followers of Jesus. 

To view this informative video interview, visit VOMCanada.com/video/Asmelash.

Praise God for the recent release of these nine believers! As they now adjust to life outside of prison, may each of them (and their respective families) experience the Lord's protection, restoration and joy. 

Please remember to also pray for strength and comfort on behalf of the hundreds of other Christians who have been arbitrarily detained in Eritrea for their faith – including the 30 newly arrested worshippers. 

Ask the Lord to intervene in the lives of President Afwerki and the country's other governing leaders as well, so that the tyranny controlling this nation would abate. 

In fact, please pray that the Holy Spirit will work mightily within the hearts and minds of every Eritrean who comes into contact with a follower of Jesus – whether it be on the streets or within the country's notorious prisons.

NIGERIA: Two Nigerian States Face a Spate of Violent Attacks

Source: VOMC
Sources: Release International, Morning Star News, The Guardian, International Christian Concern

Women and children at Mara’s House (screenshot). Photo: 100 Huntley Street

Recent attacks by militants in Nigeria have resulted in dozens of deaths, along with kidnappings and the destruction of homes. Many Christians were targeted in these repeated violent attacks, often the result of their perpetrators' strict adherence to militant Islamic ideology.
For more details on the suffering of Christians in Nigeria, go to our country report.

The state of Benue has had more than 60 villagers slain in the past month. On April 1st, at least six Christians were killed in the village of Ikobi in Apa County. According to one resident, several homes were razed. That same evening, a worship service in Logo County was attacked. During the raid, militants killed a Christian man named Orolumunga Changogi, wounded five other worshippers, and kidnapped five church members, including Pastor Gwadue Kwaghtyo.

In Kaduna state during the previous month, 27 Christians were killed as a result of two separate attacks in Zangon Kataf County. On March 10th, the village of Ungwan Wakili was invaded. According to witnesses, the culprits were "Muslim Fulani herdsmen who came along with terrorists." Four days later, ten Christians were killed in the village of Langson, and dozens more were reportedly left injured.

A couple additional separate incidents took place in March involving the invasion of homes belonging to two different pastors in Kaduna. On March 10th, the residence of Pastor Dadi Babas was broken into during the middle of the night while the church leader was away for his brother's funeral. The assailants killed the pastor's son before kidnapping his wife and three other family members. Pastor Dadi's wife was released later that night because she was ill, but the other three family members remain missing. Then, on March 23rd, terrorists raided Buda 2 village near Kasuwan Magani. The attackers entered the home of another pastor, killing him and taking his wife captive.

Speaking of these recent attacks, Rev. Joseph Hayab, who serves as the chair for the Kaduna chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, lamented: "Who will we cry to and who will we run to for help except God? Imagine that since the carnage of kidnapping of Christians started in Kaduna state, no arrests have been made."

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, in coordination with Crossroads Cares, has partnered with Christian Faith Ministries to build Mara's House, a refuge for young women in Nigeria who need shelter after facing persecution and terrorism.
For more about the construction of this dormitory building, along with information on how you can help our Nigerian sisters in Christ, see this video.

Please prayerfully lift up the grieving families of the many believers who were senselessly killed in these recent attacks, that they will be assured of Christ's resurrection power and resulting eternal salvation of their loved ones. 

Also pray for the peace, strength and safe release of the surviving victims still being held in captivity. 

May the newly elected government take these ongoing incidents of violence seriously, committing themselves to the safety of vulnerable Christian communities. 

Intercede for the perpetrators of the attacks, in hopes they will turn from their sins to faith in the Risen Lord. 

Last, but not least, pray that the ministry of Mara's House will be a great blessing to the dozens of Nigerian women who are recovering from the aftermath of persecution.

CHINA: Joyous Celebration Over Church Elder's Release!

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, UCA News

Pastor Geng Zejun Photo: ChinaAid

On March 19th, authorities released Pastor Geng Zejun after he served 15 months in prison. His wife and son, along with several others – both Christians and non-Christians – brought flowers to the detention centre to joyfully celebrate his release.
A video of the reunion can be viewed on YouTube.

Pastor Geng was sentenced in August 2022 for "organizing illegal gatherings" because the Church of the Rock, where he served as pastor, refused to join the government-controlled Three-Self Patriotic Movement. While imprisoned, he found opportunities to continue ministering to the needs of those around him. Respectfully referred to as "Pastor Geng," people in the prison frequently came to him for advice. Even the prison guards treated him with respect.
To learn more about his case, go to this page.

Upon the pastor's release, his wife Hao Ying posted a message of thanks on social media. "Thank you all for your constant care and concern," she wrote. "May God remember you and keep you. Please continue to pray for God's blessing on each other."

Please join us in celebrating the release of this faithful Christian leader.

Praise God that Pastor Geng was able to minister to inmates and prison guards during his incarceration. 

Pray that, in the days to come, he would receive many more opportunities to reach people with the "Good News" of the Gospel. 

As he now readjusts to life outside of prison, may Pastor Geng and his reunited family experience a meaningful time of recovery, peace and joy.

CHINA: House Church Leader Released After Lengthy Sentence

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Elder Hu Shigen Photo: ChinaAid

In July 2015, Hu Shigen was taken into custody and accused of inciting "subversion of state power." Convicted the following year, he was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years' imprisonment. While in prison, Elder Hu suffered a heart attack in 2019, and his family was assured by officials that he would be released due to the seriousness of his condition. However, despite this promise, the elderly Christian leader continued to be held in custody. (Review this previously posted report.) With thanksgiving, we are pleased to report that Elder Hu was finally released after serving a lengthy sentence and had returned home on March 26th.

Elder Hu is a house church elder and prominent pro-democracy advocate. A former university lecturer, he led several house churches in Beijing prior to his arrest. The authorities referenced his religious activities and ties to foreign groups and human rights lawyers as the basis for his sentence, stating that he had used "illegal religious groups" to "spread subversive thoughts and ideas."

In total, the Christian elder has served over 24 years in prison for his work. In a recently published report on the 68-year-old's condition, a former church member stated: "Elder Hu Shigen has finally returned home, but he has become much, much older. Teacher Hu must have suffered a lot in the Chinese Communist Party's prison.... It is heartbreaking to watch."

Praise God that Elder Hu has finally been released from custody! 

Pray that he will now be able to rest and recover from his lengthy prison ordeal. 

Throughout the process, may the Lord minister renewed strength and healing to him – both physically and emotionally – while also blessing his reunion with long-suffering family and friends. 

Please also continue to remember our other persecuted Christian brothers and sisters in China who are faithfully seeking ways to convey the message of Christ's salvation to the many spiritually needy people of their vast country.

Because He Lives (Lyric Video) song by Bill Gaither

"He is Risen": A message from sub-Saharan Africa!

Though sub-Saharan Africa is the most violent place in the world for Christians, it's also home to a vibrant and resilient church who remind all Christians of God's care for His people. Join this group of believers in sub-Saharan Africa as they praise God this Easter!

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Over 70 Christians Killed in in Two Weeks

 03/20/2023 DRC (International Christian Concern) – 

In just two weeks, 72 Christians have been killed in Nord Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by the Islamist rebel group, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). 

Mulinde Esemo, a key church leader in Butembo, DRC, confirmed that the past two weeks have been a period of “great anguish” for the body of Christ in Congo.  

He said, “We are living in a very tense situation here in Eastern DRC, both in towns and in the villages. Scores of believers have been killed in cold blood by the ADF rebels. It is a massacre like one killing animals.” 

These attacks are happening just two months after twenty-three people were killed in Makungwe on January 23, 2023. Unabated, the ADF militants have been on a killing spree as they push their agenda of the Islamization of the majority Christian Eastern side of the DRC.  

Here is the two-week chronology of the attacks as reported by Mulinde Esemo, the leader of the Nord Kivu diocese.  

On March 9, the ADF rebels attacked the Mukondi area and butchered thirty-six people.  

On March 12, nineteen people were killed in Kirindera village, and houses were set on fire by the same group, the ADF.  

Earlier this week, on March 14, seventeen Christians were killed in Mabuku, among them an Episcopal priest who was leading service when the attackers raided.  

All these villages are about 20 km from Butembo town, which has led villagers to flee to save their lives. Defiling the Pope’s call for peace and respect for human dignity during his trip to the DRC a month ago, the ADF has left thousands of displaced and living in deplorable conditions with no one to help.  

Mulinde Esemo continued,“Families that fled from all those villages are now living as refugees here in Butembo, despite the fact that the town and the suburbs are overpopulated. Women and children are the most affected since they are most vulnerable. You will occasionally hear them crying for the lack of food, as the men look for casual jobs to buy something for the families.” 

Bishop Mulinde has sent out a word to believers asking for help to the Congolese believers that have been left by loved ones due to the persecution and have fled their homes for fear of being killed.  

“I would like to share with the world and especially the global body of Christ about what we have been going through for the past couple of days here in Congo. We are asking for assistance in terms of prayer and material support or other ways to those who can help in order to provide basic needs to the many displaced people here. 

Also, continue to pray that this situation ends because we do not know what will happen today or tomorrow.”