Prayers of gratitude and intercession

  • Alarming situation: discrimination and violence 

    “We understand that God doesn’t discriminate,” says Nathan Mudiji, “but that before God, everyone must acknowledge their sin and do their best to repair the relationship broken because of sin.” 

    In the DRC, the Batwa (an indigenous people mainly settled in the Equateur and Mai-Ndombe provinces), suffer discrimination and inhumane treatment at the hands of the Bantu majority. 

    These abuses take many forms: massive expropriation of land, social marginalization, economic exploitation and even violence in places that are supposed to offer protection and equality. 

    Nathan Mudiji, pastor with the Mennonite Brethren church in Congo (CEFMC) and director of the Mission Department at the national level, bears witness to cases that illustrate this harsh reality: a Batwa woman who died for lack of care in a hospital where Bantu doctors refused to assist her, or a young girl expelled from school for outperforming her Bantu classmates. In Bantu-run churches, Batwa are often forced to sit on the floor after entering last. 

    These exclusions, ignored or tolerated by local institutions, fuel a sense of injustice and exacerbate conflicts between the two communities. 

    Espaces Conviviaux pour la Paix: a place of transformation 

    Amid this challenging situation, Nathan Mudiji created Espaces Conviviaux pour la Paix (ECP – friendly spaces for peace), an original project aimed at transforming relations between Bantu and Batwa. Supported by CEFMC, this program is based on the conviction that peace and justice are possible when both communities learn to respect each other. 

    ECPs are designed as welcoming, egalitarian places where young and old, Batwa and Bantu, can meet, dialogue and take part in joint activities.  

    Their activities include the following: 

    • a listening and information centre for conflict transformation; 
    • training in income-generating activities (IGA); 
    • facilitating intergenerational dialogue; 
    • play areas. 

    These aim to restore the dignity of the Batwa, who are often marginalized, while raising awareness of the prejudices and discriminatory behaviour of the Bantu.

    Nathan Mudiji baptizes a Batwa girl. At this event, 229 people were baptized.
    Nathan Mudiji baptizes a Batwa girl. At this event, 229 people were baptized.

    A vision of peace and reconciliation for the DRC 

    “Relationship repair applies to Bantu and Batwa alike,” says Nathan Madiji.  

    His approach is rooted in his hope in God’s perfect peace plan for all. Drawing on Isaiah 65 and Revelation 21, he reminds us that the kingdom of God is a world without tears or pain, where all can live together in God’s presence.  

    “We testify that God’s vision for Batwa and Bantu is for them to live together without discrimination against each other.” 

    A model for the DRC and beyond 

    For Nathan Mudiji, the interest in Espaces Conviviaux pour la Paix is not limited to the territory of Kiri. Over time, he hopes to see this model deployed in other regions of the DRC, and even on a continental scale. His ambition is to promote social justice and mutual respect to offer a lasting solution to community conflicts. 

    In the DRC, the Batwa (an indigenous people mainly settled in the Equateur and Mai-Ndombe provinces), suffer discrimination and inhumane treatment at the hands of the Bantu majority.

    —Nathan Mudiji Makumbi is a Mennonite pastor and teacher of religion and information technology at FATEB Kinshasa Academy. He is committed to transforming the conflict-filled relations between Bantu and Batwa in the Kiri territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

    Read more about DR Congo

    Collaborative response
    Pastoral letter
    Online Prayer Hour video

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    Nathan Mudiji with a group of children

  • “We are deprived of the Bibles, water, soaps and even food,” writes a representative of the youth organization of a Mennonite Brethren church in Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “We are soliciting the accompaniment of your prayers and materials.”

    Mennonite World Conference has convened an inter-Anabaptist task force to respond to the current humanitarian crisis in the Eastern part of DRC arising from events of the past weeks.

    “We invite your donations to any of our partners to support their response to this urgent need,” says César García, MWC general secretary.

    Global Church Sharing Fund

    Partners reached a consensus that the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) will take the lead in the response, leveraging their expertise in relief and development.”

    Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM), Mennonite Church Canada Witness, Mennonite Mission Network and Multiply are at the table.

    MCC
    AIMM
    MC Witness
    MMN
    Multiply

    MWC extends the invitation to all Anabaptist agencies working in the region to join the coordinated response. “We want to work in a cooperative and collaborative way,” says César García.

    MWC member church Communauté des Églises des Frères Mennonites au Congo (CEFMC, Mennonite Brethren) has 34 congregations with more than 4 000 members in the region . At time of writing, CEFMC reports 600 families from their congregations are among the tens of thousands displaced.

    Some of the people fleeing the violence are staying in camps in the region. Some have fled to other parts of the country where CEFMC, Communauté Evangélique Mennonite, Communauté Mennonite au Congo and Communauté Mennonite de Kinshasa congregations are offering assistance.

    Some have evacuated to nearby countries such as Burundi, Uganda and Tanzania where other Mennonites have been able to provide support.

    “The situation requires an urgent response but also a multi-year plan,” says Annie Loewen, MCC interim disaster response director. Food, shelter and hygiene supplies are critical needs now. Over the longer term, trauma healing resource and supplies to restore households will be needed.

    “We want to react swiftly to the needs of people in the region, but our response must be coordinated with other partners, to build on each others’ strengths and create synergies,” says Doug Hiebert, Multiply regional team leader for Sub-Saharan Africa.

    “Interdependent coordination between international agencies and local churches is crucial for long-term peacebuilding,” says Tigist Tesfaye, Deacons Commission secretary. “Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters. Our solidarity in prayer is a key part of our response as an Anabaptist family.”

    Read the pastoral letter to DRC churches and add your own prayerful messages here

    A pastoral letter for Anabaptists in DR Congo

    Background

    As a global community of faith that exists to facilitate relationships between Anabaptist-related churches worldwide, Mennonite World Conference takes the initiative to call its members together for interdependent action when crisis strikes to avoid duplication and ensure cooperation.

    Starting in 2017, MWC facilitated collaborative Anabaptist response to disasters around the world. When catastrophic flooding affected 11 Mennonite Brethren congregations in Peru, several Anabaptist agencies were ready to provide assistance. MWC convened a six-month collaborative Anabaptist response between Mennonite Central Committee, MWC, ICOMB and Multiply (then-MB Mission).

    MWC facilitates interdependent response to flooding in Peru

    MWC brought together seven Anabaptist partners from North America and Europe to coordinate interdependent response to crisis in the Kasaï region of DRC.

    Anabaptists respond to violence and displacement in DR Congo
    Out of the horror, Kasaï survivors rebuild lives

    Also in 2017, monsoon floods washed through Nepal and parts of India and Bangladesh. Anabaptist partners MCC and Brethren in Community Welfare Society helped families recover their livelihoods, and provided shelter materials and supported repairs to homes.

    MWC responds in solidarity to disasters

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mennonite World Conference formed a task force with the support of more than 10 global Anabaptist agencies to respond to the needs arising from the pandemic in the Global South.

    MWC responds to COVID-19
    Global Church Sharing Fund
    a group of African people wave at the camera

  • Beloved sisters and brothers

    **Jump to 22 February update **

    **Jump to Online Prayer Hour video from March 2025**

    “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
    —Romans 12:15

    We received a request for prayer from our leaders in DR Congo.

    Pastor Jean-Pierre Muya, president of MWC member church Communauté Mennonite de Congo (CMCo), writes: “This is a difficult time in our country. Please continue to pray for the restoration of peace and for the injured.”

    We recognize how the resource-rich eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced ongoing violence and conflict for years, exacerbated by natural disasters.

    And we hear how, in late January, the M23 army escalated fighting and seized Congolese territory in the Great Lakes region, including the city of Goma, and are threatening to march on the capital Kinshasa in the west. More than 700 people have been killed and 3 000 wounded.

    We are concerned for the hundreds of thousands of people who have been internally displaced. Food and water, medicines and electricity are in short supply and prices are high.

    Pastor Kimbila Antoine, president of MWC member church Conférence des Églises des Fréres Mennonites au Congo (CEFMC) writes that the church has six congregations in Goma out of its 34 congregations in the East region, with a membership of more than 4 000. “The Mennonite brothers and sisters in our churches have been crying out every day since the hostilities began,” he writes.

    We pray for wisdom, resources and clear pathways as the church devises strategies to assist.

    “God remains our only hope, for he is able to give us peace through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace,” writes Jean Felix Cimbalanga, president of MWC member church Communauté Evangélique Mennonite (CEM).

    “Thank you very much for your prayers on our behalf,” writes pastor Kimbila Antoine.

    We cry out with our brothers and sisters for God’s mercy on DR Congo.

    • We pray for peace: for not only a stop to violence for also for the conditions of shalom where neighbours are reconciled to neighbours and all can flourish.
    • We call on our communities to seek justice for DR Congo and to engage our political systems in so doing.

    Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
    In the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace, amen.

    Henk Stenvers

    Henk Stenvers,
    president,
    Mennonite World Conference

    headshot of Siaka Traoré

    Siaka Traoré
    regional representative
    Mennonite World Conference

    Update: 22 February 2025

    Please continue to pray for DR Congo and send words of solidarity to the Anabaptist brothers and sisters there.

    The situation in DRC continues to worsen. The Rwanda-based M23 army has taken more territory in the East, raising concerns of escalation into a regional war. The UN estimates more than 50 000 refugees have crossed into neighbouring countries fleeing the humanitarian crisis. There are reports of grave human rights violations including sexual violence and civilian massacre.

    We received a report from a Mennonite Brethren (CEFMC) pastor who fled for his safety. His church building was appropriated by DRC government troops, then taken by the M23 forces with accusations of partisanship. His family has been separated; communication is difficult.

    Mennonites are providing support in his new location.

    Leaders of MWC member church Kanisa la Menonite Tanzania write this encouragement (read full letter in the comments box in English only):

    “As members of Christ’s body, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with you in prayer, solidarity and action. The church is called to be a refuge for the weary, a shelter for the displaced and a voice for the voiceless.

    “We urge leaders, nations, and all people of goodwill to pursue peace, reconciliation and justice…

    “We call upon the global community to provide humanitarian aid, protection and pathways for peace.

    “… Comfort the grieving, protect the vulnerable, and uphold the dignity of every human being. Your faith, courage, and resilience testify to the power of God’s love, which no war can destroy.”

    Leaders of MWC member church Meserete Kristos Church write (more in comments box):

    “The love of Christ compels us to be peacemakers, to extend grace, and to work for justice with humility and faith. In the midst of trials, may you find strength in his promises (Isaiah 40:31).

    “Know that you are not alone. We are lifting you up in prayer, asking the Lord to strengthen and sustain you.”

    Pray for good working relations and clear pathways as global Mennonites plan inter-agency responses.

    We invite you – as individuals, congregations or national churches – to respond to the cries of our brothers and sisters with prayers, messages of solidarity that will be conveyed to church leaders. We call for the courage to love through actions that advocate for an end to violence.

    Donations can be made to the Global Church Sharing Fund with a designation for the church in Congo.

    Global Church Sharing Fund
    Collaborative Anabaptist response to DRC crisis
    a group of mostly women sit under a tree on wooden and plastic chairs

  • “100 years of evangelism in Congo.” From 4-11 August 2024, Communauté des Églises des Frères Mennonites au Congo celebrated the 100th anniversary of their national church. The celebration in Kikwit – delayed by two years due to the pandemic – included preaching, singing, choir performances, a pastor’s conference and evangelism rally and ecumenical and international guests.  

    The MWC national member church began in 1922 when American Aaron Janzen started a mission for the Mennonite Brethren in the Kikwit area in 1922. In 2024, the church reports 638 congregations with 98 519 baptized members.  

    The main languages of church members are French, Kikongo, Lingala and Swahili.  

    Rev Londa Charly (first ordained woman CEFMC) speaks at the pastors conference. 
    General secretary and Legal Representative Antoine Kimbala speaks at the pastors conference. 
    Guests from other MWC national member churches participate in the event: Rev. Siaka Traoré, (MWC regional representative Central West Africa); Rev George Kaputu Nzila, CEFMC evangelist CEFMC; Rev. Jean Felix Cimbalanga, president of CEM (Communauté Evangelique Mennonite, DR Congo); Robert Irundu Mutundu, general secretary of finance and administration, CMCo (Communauté Mennonite au Congo); Henk Stenvers, MWC president; Rev. Daniel Nelson Canganguela, leader of the IAIMA (Mennonite Brethren in Angola); Shadreck Kwendanyama, leader of the Mennonite Brethren church in Malawi.  
    MWC president Henk Stenvers addresses a session at the two-day pastor’s conference with Nzuzi Mukawa as interpreter.  
    The celebration in Kikwit included preaching, singing, choir performances, a pastor’s conference and evangelism rally and ecumenical and international guests. 
    Choirs

  • Akron, Pennsylvania, USA – A collaborative Anabaptist response will soon reach some of the 1.4 million people displaced by armed conflict in the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) with food, household items and shelter supplies.

    The response, shaped and implemented by Congolese Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren church-based relief committees and coordinated by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), is supported by Mennonite World Conference (MWC) and other Anabaptist church organizations.

    The crisis began a year ago when a local militia group called Kamuina Nsapu and national security forces clashed over a political appointment. The armed conflict has escalated, and both militia and security forces have targeted civilians with forced conscription, mutilation, rape and mass killings.

    “It’s been hell on earth for a lot of our people, not only Mennonite people, but many peace-loving people in the same area that have gotten caught up in this maelstrom,” said Rod Hollinger-Janzen of Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM).

    Among the people displaced in DR Congo are at least 8,000 Mennonites. “There is no place where this conflict has gone where there are no Mennonite churches,” said Rod Hollinger-Janzen.

    Church leaders report that 36 Mennonites have been killed among the UN-estimated 3,300 deaths since October last year. Church buildings and church schools have been damaged or destroyed.

    National and local Mennonite leaders in DR Congo – from MWC member churches – are key to the response, which will initially focus around the cities of Tshikapa in Kasai Province and Kikwit in Kwilu Province, where many people have fled. The leaders represent Communauté Mennonite au Congo (CMCo; Mennonite Church of Congo) and Communauté des Églises de Frères Mennonites au Congo (CEFMC; Mennonite Brethren Church of Congo).

    “MWC is playing in important role today: that of bringing the members of our Mennonite family together to promote unity and fellowship and to support one member who is suffering (the Congolese Mennonites,) using its arm embodied by the various partners, united in action so that they are more efficient,” says a Congolese church leader (name withheld for security reasons). “Through this action, Mennonites will be able to share the Mennonite values that are almost unheard of in the Congo. I think that our churches will enlarge their tent.”

    A Congolese assessment team visited the Kasai region in July and found a severe lack of food and increasing malnutrition. Families had to leave their fields and animals when they fled the violence, and food that is available for purchase is very expensive.

    “Many people are going hungry or eating once a day,” said Mulanda Jimmy Juma, MCC representative in DR Congo.

    In addition, families lack basic supplies such as bedding, kitchen tools and cans for carrying water, the assessment team reported.

    “MWC supports the Mennonite national churches CMCo, CEFMC and Communauté Evangélique Mennonite, and those in Angola who are also helping Congolese refugees,” says Deacon Commission secretary Henk Stenvers. “MWC links our struggling members to the global church with calls for prayer, financial support and by sharing information about the situation.”

    Seven Anabaptist organizations are working together to raise funds and awareness of the crisis, which has been largely ignored by Western media. They are International Community of Mennonite Brethren, MB Mission, Mennonite Church Canada Witness, and Mennonite Mission Network, in addition to MWC, AIMM and MCC.

    Contributions to the emergency response in DR Congo may be made online at mcc.org/congo-relief.

    – an MCC release with files from MWC.

    Communicate community

    As you pray for brothers and sisters suffering violence and displacement in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mennonite World Conference invites your messages of encouragement and solidarity to share with our churches there.

    Take a picture with your congregation and a sign labelled “Prions pour la RDC” (Pray for the DRC). Please email messages and photographs to photos@mwc-cmm.org and post on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) with the hashtag #mwcmm.

    Send photos