Energy for Mission has completed its first workshops in the eastern DRC since armed rebels unexpectedly overtook the area early this year.
We involved 30 pastors, community leaders, and local Christians in government in a three-day Faith Restoration workshop in the Lac Vert region. Thousands of refugees fled here rapidly following the rebel takeover, and there is significant humanitarian need. For over three months, banks were closed, people were unable to get food from markets, farmers couldn’t get crops, and prices soared. Local church leaders have felt overwhelmed by the needs of their people, who are often in despair. Because we at EFM believe strong churches contribute to strong communities, we sought to resume our workshops in this place where so many are experiencing poverty, disease, hunger, and broken spirits.
Marcel encouraged participants with examples of biblical saints who at times felt discouraged or hopeless, like Job, who was faithful to the Lord, but saw his days “passing away like smoke.” Despite sufferings, Marcel reminded them, the Lord is the God who “raises up the poor from the dust … [and] lifts the needy from the ash heap.”
“Hope is a small voice that gives us the assurance that we have not lost anything yet. It is a way of seeing life and its various problems not as bad things but as a promise of Life. For a Christian, hope is a state of seeing everything that appears in a new way.”
– Marcel
After delivering this successful workshop, Marcel moved to Mugunga and Rusayo localities, where we’ve conducted workshops before. A total of 50 pastors, 14 community leaders, and 4 government officials attended these sessions to renew their hope in the Lord. One of the participants, who works for the government, was on the brink of divorce, but reconciled with his wife when he returned home.
Our supporters have carried us in prayer and giving through a challenging time. We are looking forward to the doors God will continue to open as we trust Him throughout 2025. This is more than we expected!
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