Congo Overwhelmed by Ministry Challenges

6/18/2026   (VOM)

Violent Islamist groups, some aligned with the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS), have been attacking, abducting and murdering Christians in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Hundreds of Christians have been killed, some when Islamists attacked churches during services. “Pastors find themselves overwhelmed by the current situation, and some are discouraged” said a Congolese church leader. When Christians flee the Islamist attacks, many pastors continue serving their congregations, but the attacks take a toll on these ministers. “They are not trained to deal with such issues and are also suffering physically, spiritually, mentally,” said the leader. He asked for prayer for Congolese pastors and Christians, who are still helping others despite an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in eastern DRC. “The church remains the only place of hope and for receiving displaced people,” he said.

Please pray…

• Praise God for the faithful pastors who have not abandoned the flocks God has committed to their care.

• Pray that the Lord will sustain, comfort and encourage the pastors in the Congo who are under such severe stress.

• Pray that the Lord will use them to bring comfort, hope and peace to those who have been traumatized by the Islamist attacks.

• Pray that those who are serving in the churches in the midst of the Ebola virus outbreak will be protected and victorious in the Lord.