In the aftermath of M23 taking over Goma and Bukavu last month, banks and businesses are starting to open back up. Infrastructure services are not yet reliable, so many of our friends in Goma and Bukavu are still struggling with getting reliable water, electricity, cellular and Internet service. Since many government officials and police have fled, violence is still a major concern. We’re still very uncertain about how the interim M23 administration will operate the Kivu province, but thankful the military portion of the violence is over. ..for now.
We’ve cancelled our annual fall Congo conference beause Bukavu and Goma are the two main areas we visit during that conference week. There’s no telling how tranquil the area will be by the time August comes around. As tensions are still high in the DR Congo, the neighboring countries of Rwanda and Burundi are having spikes of violence and unrest as well. Travelers run the risk of finding out that the borders close unexpectedly, and that can leave us trapped in a country until the powers that be decide to open the borders again. Continue praying for the region, and in particular, the deaf in these cities.
In Chad, plans are underway for their 27th Easter Camp. They’ll be meeting in the city of Bongor, about 4 hours south of the capital. Pray for the campers who will be coming in from various cities across southern Chad to study the book of James. Pray for their safe travels, and pray that the attendees will benefit from their time together.
Tim Foster
Director
