Breaking News: 17th Episcopal District Requests Support for Escalating Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

TCR Breaking News: 17th Episcopal District Requests Support for Escalating Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Please see the following message shared by Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., Presiding Prelate of the 17th Episcopal District. Bishop Daniels most recently visited the area in 2022 to hold the Annual Conference. Respected Bishop, Receive my warm greetings in the Powerful Name of Jesus Christ! I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request your prayer and material support to feed our church members who have fled their dwelling places because of wars between M23 and the Congolese army. The security situation is alarming in the East Congo and it has negatively affected our churches in the Masisi and Rutshuru Territories. For more than three decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been experiencing insecurity due to the presence of armed groups in the East. The population is used to such a life. Worse enough, one year ago, the Movement of March 23 (M23) rebels took control of Bunagana, a city located at the border between Uganda and DRC. The DRC Armed Forces tried to force them out of that city but in vain. In contrast, they have taken control of other different villages in the Rutshuru territory. A lot of people have been required to live in Internally Displaced People camps near Goma. Given the fact that the camps are overcrowded, some people prefer to evacuate to Goma even if they have no one to host them. They end up spending their nights in the streets. Those who live in camps are facing several challenges: no food, no water, diseases, no shelter, etc. they are living in very bad conditions. Early this month, the rebels managed to occupy the Masisi Territory as well. People fled to Goma for their safety.  As for now, the AME Churches in the Masisi North, Masisi South, and Bwito Districts are not functioning because of the daily clashes between the Congolese Army and the M23. All the pastors and church members from war zones have fled to Goma. Since they have no other people to host them, they have come to AME Churches in Goma. They are sleeping in the churches because they have nowhere else to go. I, therefore, request your prayer and material support to take care of these people. They have no food to eat or water to drink. It has become so challenging. Since last week, church members have contributed money to feed these people. Since last week, we are receiving AME Church members fleeing for their safety. The purchasing power of Goma inhabitants has been negatively impacted because the prices of basic commodities have increased. I look forward to your feedback. May God bless you! Presiding Elder Seraphin Mutubazi   Ways to assist the 17th Episcopal District with its outreach to the DRC are: 1.  Cash App:  17th Episcopal District AME Church $17thEDAMEC 2.  Givelify:  Download the Givelify App. 17th Episcopal District AME Church  3.  Please make checks payable to: 17th Episcopal District, AME Church  c/o Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr.  301 Garvey Circle  Columbia, SC 29203

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The Christian Recorder is the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the oldest continuously produced publication by persons of African descent.   Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., Chair of the General Board Commission on Publications Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, President/Publisher of the AME Sunday School Union Dr. John Thomas III, Editor of The Christian Recorder Copyright ©  2023 The Christian Recorder, All rights reserved.