It’s been a hard week for the DRC… though we are so thankful that God is STILL ON THE THRONE, as my friend puts it. : )
For those following the conflict, you’ve seen that full out war has broken out on our home front in Central Africa.
It’s been a whirlwind of emotions and updates as every morning, before I even get out of bed, I call my team on the ground in Goma. A mineral rich city in the province of North Kivu, bordering Rwanda. (It’s here we have one of our 300 student school, our rescued child soldiers, our Iris Global Church and micro-enterprise projects)
This fight is messy. Yesterday reports officially confirmed that the M23, a Rwanda backed rebel group, has officially taken control of Goma. Today they’re saying that the rebels held a rally and that Congolese government troops, feeling completely defeated, were laying down their arms to join the group.
It’s heartbreaking but we’re choosing JOY. We can rest as God is still GOOD and there is still HOPE. Hope that LIGHT, bright light shines and pierces the darkness!
Here is a brief message I got from one of our dear friends on the ground in Goma. He’s in his final year of medical school but had to halt his studies when war broke out.
Please continue to pray!! We’ll be updating our project site more often for updated news on the conflict: www.justicerising.org
Hi my friend!
It’s good to know we are in your thoughts and prayers!!
Sandra we are a bit fine! We can’t move from the house. All the streets are desert.Rebels are now in the way to Sake to fight the army in Sake. They have already occupe Goma. When Mboto and Daniel went to the border yesterday they met M23 everywhere. And at 6 pm tonight I saw many M23 near ULPGL, they do not speak (they are Rwandan soldiers).
The war started on Saturday, UN soldiers fighted them at the aeroport but they could not. On Sunday we went to church but after 30 minutes we stopped church because of hearing bombs and big guns.
The camp of Mugunga has now more than 110 Thousands refugees and others are coming from Sake Masisi.
If I had a camera I could shoot photo, ha :(.
Now no schools,no works. I had 2 exams that now I don’t know when I will have them.
At Ndosho rebels asked people to leave Ndosho so they fight the army.So all Ndosho came on this side of Keshero with children and their stuffs on the head,ah it’s sad to see.
We hope our children and school are safe.
My family did not move. Me, my brothers and Pastor Mboto were with Daniel at his house until he left with Mboto at 3 pm yesterday.
Yes people left Goma to Gisenyi, but you know it’s my dad who have to decide a new plan.We are afraid because our soldiers say they will fight M23 from Sake to Goma.
Pastor Euclide called Mboto yesterday and he said he is fine despite fear!
Thank you for your call Sandra, I was there when you called my dad :).
I will update you more very soon Sandra!
How is your life in Cali? Ah if possible greet Amber for me!
Love,
Paul