“Thank you again and again” – the impact of your generosity in the DRC

Thousands of lives have been upturned by extremist violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. But, with the help of your support and prayers, families are seeing hope in their futures once again. Thank you!

Thousands displaced, homes destroyed and livelihoods stolen – this has been the traumatic experience of many families across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since last year. For many, life has become a question of surviving the day ahead, relying upon harsh labour or the hospitality of others to get by.

Despite the efforts of the national military to combat the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) who have been carrying out the brutal attacks, the extremist group has continued its expansion of territory and power in eastern DRC. Many families cannot return home for fear of further assault. Their futures seemed precarious – until, by the grace of God, you stepped in.

Through local Open Doors partners, more than 200 Christian families in the North Kivu province of eastern DRC are receiving life-transforming relief aid. Here are some of their messages to you.

Messages of thanks

Tsongo is a father of six who was forced to flee the most recent ADF attack earlier this year. “As rumours spread, my wife and I fled Musenge before the ADF arrived. My two daughters, Immaculée and Dacisse, stayed behind to shelter displaced Christians in our home. On 24 January 2026, they went to the farm to gather food but never returned. A week later, their bodies were found.

“My wife and I now live at my younger brother’s house. We struggle to eat, and when nothing works, my son risks his life by returning to that same farm for food.

“When I received a message to return, I could not have imagined what I would find. The support we received today will help us survive. Thank you very much, and may God bless you,” says Tsongo.

Amaza is a mother of seven and shares, “In 2025, the ADF attacked the neighbourhood where I lived in Magurejipa. With nowhere to go, we moved to another part of the village. We are now internally displaced and have lost access to our farms. I survive with my family by selling doughnuts in a small kiosk. Truly, I thank the brothers and sisters who supported us today. A part of this support will feed my children, and the rest will strengthen our small business. May God bless you, and please continue to pray for security in our villages.”

Esperance was displaced with her family of seven. “The ADF stormed our village, and I fled with my husband and six children to Butembo, leaving everything behind. After a brief calm, we returned and planted beans, but the ADF came back. We were forced again into Butembo, where we are living in extreme poverty. All of us have to sleep in two small rooms. The children are no longer in school, and to feed them we walk over 30km to collect grass to sell to livestock keepers. When we cannot collect grass, we carry sand or plaster houses for survival. I never expected this help! Thank you for your generosity, and may it be returned to you a hundredfold,” said Esperance.

Muindo* is a new believer who also benefited from your vital support. “When my family discovered I had converted to Christianity, they threatened me and demanded I return to Islam if I wanted to stay. Eventually, they kicked me out, and the church welcomed me. The church strengthened my faith, supported my marriage, and today I received support and a Bible. What more can I say except thank you, thank you again and again.”

Pastor Kambale Sylvain, father of four, is also displaced because of the ADF’s attacks. “I left everything in Musenge when fleeing from ADF attacks. We are now internally displaced in our own country. Sometimes kind people help us, but often we risk our lives returning to our farms for food. With the support we’ve received today we will buy a pig, which will one day help sustain our children. Thank you, and may God bless you”, he shares.

Because of your generosity, our brothers and sisters are being strengthened and equipped. They are reminded that they are part of the body of Christ and not forgotten by their global church family. Thank you!

*Name changed for security reasons