Refugee families from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continue to flood neighboring Rwanda and Burundi, and local ministries are struggling to meet the desperate needs constantly on their doorsteps. But each time they provide assistance to a family in need, these missionaries are also reminded of God’s grace and the critical work He’s given them to do.
In Rwanda, missionaries have focused their assistance on urban-based refugees and are currently supporting 61 families, a total of 258 people. “These families have benefited from food support, hygienic materials, and bed covers,” the ministry leader said. “On top of these, the members of the benefitting families have witnessed the caring and redeeming Jesus. At every distribution, our staff shared with refugees the love of God and the self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”
“They fled their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.”
The situation is similar in Burundi, where missionaries organized visits to Congolese refugees who have been unable to find assistance in formal refugee camps. “Their conditions are dire,” the ministry leader said. “Their stories are heartbreaking: individuals who have not eaten for days, and one mother suffering severely from starvation after the recent death of her child. They fled their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.”
The Power of the Gospel
In both countries, missionaries are seeing an incredible opportunity not only to share God’s love, but to also see people come into His arms. “A Muslim family, deeply touched by the aid and compassion shown, expressed immense gratitude and stated they are now considering converting to Christianity,” the ministry leader in Burundi said. “This is a beautiful reminder that practical help opens hearts to the gospel.”
“I appreciate the gospel in action, not just in words.”
Muslim Congolese refugees in Rwanda are also growing increasingly interested in Christ. After receiving aid, one elderly woman with 12 family members said, “The Jesus I met in Rwanda—Jesus who remembers me when I am broke with my large family—I have to make sure I share the Good News to my children and grandchildren. I appreciate the gospel in action, not just in words.”
“We have found a way to evangelize through this support to refugees,” the Rwandan ministry leader said. “They receive the love of Jesus irrespective of their religion or denomination.”
Why Are Refugees Still Flooding Bordering Countries?
As of March of this year, Burundi continued to host approximately 109,000 Congolese refugees; Rwanda, around 84,000. Congolese of all ages fled their native country last year as the rebel group called M23 began launching attacks on strategic cities—and ultimately securing several—in ongoing fighting against Congolese security forces. Now, because of the violence, the DRC is home to one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world.
“The refugees we met articulated desperate needs for food and nutritional support, basic non-food items like clothing, blankets, and cooking utensils, and essential equipment such as medicine,” the ministry leader in Burundi said. “The scale of need here vastly exceeds current resources.”
You Can Help Congolese Refugees
As this crisis continues, please consider a donation today. Your assistance will help local ministries meet the critical needs of refugees who are struggling to survive. And please pray along with these missionaries, who request your partnership through this prayer: “Please pray for wisdom, protection, and abundant resources to bring tangible help and the hope of Christ to our suffering Congolese brothers and sisters.”
