Update from BHW DR Congo Partnership Facilitator 

Recent Events 

The last six months were intense with teaching and preaching in the prison. Jacqueline and a team of Bible School students went on weekends into the central prison of Bunia where they are allowed to deliver the message of salvation in Christ. Several prisoners came to hear the word of God. 

As usual, Jacqueline’s target is particularly women and children to whom she preaches from easy passages in the New Testament. Among her key messages was a sermon from Luke 18:35-43 on the blind beggar. These women are detained convicted of different crimes. They were happy to hear about the love and grace God can grant all sinners. One of them shouted: “I was really blind for long. I am happy to see new life and blessings coming my way!” 

Jacqueline counted 52 women who requested counseling and prayer. She decided to have one-on-one conversations after preaching but was able to attend to only six as the time for meeting prisoners is limited to one hour per session. They all gave their lives to Christ.

The challenge is to have these people properly discipled to help them grow in their faith in Christ. One possibility would be to get Bibles for them and Christian literature they can read as they continue to live in prison. This is a new challenge Rehema Prison Ministry will have to face.

Sadly however,  11 detainees have died in the last six moths in Bunia Central Prison. These deaths are mainly due to the shortage of food and medicines for the care of approximately 1,350 detainees incarcerated in this prison who feel abandoned, lonely and desperate.

Rehema has been providing minimal food to 50 women and children in the prison alongside evangelism, Bible study and Christian counseling. They rejoice for people who have given their lives to Christ. 

The number of prisoners has increased from 1,200 to 1,350. The prison was built for many less than that, around 300. This in itself leads to violence, frustration and desperation. 

Personal Stories 

John

The team is particularly grateful for John who was planning to take his life by suicide but changed his mind and became a committed Christian, trusting Christ. They are praying that his life will continue to be transformed. 

Partnership's Influence within the Community 

It is very hard to assess this as most of the prisoners leave Bunia on release. However, the prison authorities are extrememly thankful for the involvement of the team as it brings peace to the prison. 

Ideas for the Future 

They would like to be able to provide Bibles and other reading materials for those who become believers. 

Current Issues and Challenges 

Huge numbers of new prisoners have recently been brought into the prison. Many are from captured militia groups. These young men are aggressive, violent and dangerous. Some of the planned visits have been cancelled by the prison authorities because of unrest and rumours of prison breaks. 

Because of this, two men have been added to the team. Although most of the ministry is with the women, they do spend time with the younger male prisoners. Having the men with them is a great benefit and makes them safer. 

The breakdown in the community has seen a huge increase in crime. This is a relatively new phenomenon. Also, there are now many street children, even a year ago you would not have found even one. But now, it's very disturbing. These young people become criminals and targets for recruitment into militia groups. Forming a militia group has become a business and there are now hundreds of them. They do this so they can make a deal with the government and get a payment to disband, then they head off into another group and make another deal. In the meantime they pillage and rape and no-one is held accountable. 

Prayer and Praise Points 

1) That people are being helped and encouraged and some are finding relationship with God
2) That they wil be able to continue despite the unrest that is currently going on
3) Prayer for safety as there is little security. All the team members are anxious all the time. 

Comments

These guys are doing a great work in very trying circumstances. The ongoing influx of people from all directions around Bunia is creating many new displaced people with huge needs. The extra tension is creating more crime and violence and a constant increase in the prison population. The conditions are horrific with malnutrition, violence and disease. People are constantly dying.