After violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo resulted in thousands of people fleeing their homes, Samaritan’s Purse distributed food and other essential items to those in need.
Since September, more than 131,000 people have been displaced because of renewed rebel fighting in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most people have been forced to flee the violence with only the clothes on their backs and without any way to provide food for their families.
This fighting is between rebel group Front for Patriotic Resistance and the Congolese government soldiers. It adds to violence that was started in April 2013 by rebel group M23.
GiveSamaritan’s Purse has been a first responder to the needs of these people through food and non-food item distributions. We have distributed kits that include cooking utensils, clothing, and other essential items to 2,719 beneficiaries in the village of Malo in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo and provided food with the help of seven local church churches to 4,800 beneficiaries through an emergency food distribution in Nyankunde.
Francine Baraka fled with her eight children in early September when rebels attacked her town and walked 14 miles to Malo. The rebel attack caught the family off guard, and they weren’t able to pack anything.
Children like these are being forced from their homes and must walk miles to find safe areas where they can stay.
They’re now living with a family in Malo and working odd jobs in town in exchange for food and money. The displacement has been hard, and it’s difficult for Baraka to find food to feed all of her children. However, by attending the distribution in Malo, she was able to receive items her family needed.
“We are very grateful for the help from Samaritan’s Purse,” she said. “We now have hope for tomorrow and a reason to smile.”
The distributions that Samaritan’s Purse is doing in eastern Congo are showing the love of Jesus Christ to people suffering from the effects of violence and upheaval.
“Samaritan’s Purse’s delivery of food through local churches was the first food delivered to internationally displaced people during the crisis and was a testimony to the love of Christ in action,” said Samaritan’s Purse country director Aaron Wolcott.
While we have been able to help some of those who have been displaced due to ongoing violence, there are still thousands of people in need of food and basic resources. Please pray for these people who are in desperate need and consider supporting Samaritan’s Purse as we endeavor to provide essentials to those who have been left with nothing.
“It’s critical to have prayer for stamina during the response in these displacements,” Wolcott said. “Staff work long hours to meet the needs of the displaced people. Pray that our staff would have the strength to be able to respond. Pray also for the security in area. Pray for peace. Pray that the government would be able to restore control so that people can return home.”
