Press Releases
NAZARENES KILLED, THOUSANDS FLEE
“NEVER AGAIN!” the world declared after the facts became known about the Rwandan genocide 12 years ago this April.
Tragically, Rwandan militia who escaped to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been waging what has been
referred to as “The Silent War”-silent, because not much of the world has taken notice that in the last eight years,
3 million people have died and millions more have been displaced. The conflict, which now involves 9 African nations
and threatens 50 million Congolese, has deeply affected our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Recent attacks in the South Kivu district killed 58 people, injured dozens more, and displaced 150,000 people. In the
North Kivu district, several villages were burned to the ground displacing over 60,000 people. We have almost 8,000
Nazarenes in these 2 districts. There are 112 Nazarene churches and 18 schools with 3,460 students taught by Nazarene
volunteers. Eight churches and 2 schools have been destroyed. Four lay Nazarenes and 2 pastors from the South Kivu
district were killed and 18 injured.
 Over 2,600 Nazarenes have fled
into the bush looking for a place to hide. Most have lost all their possessions and their homes; 68 of the women were
attacked. HIV/AIDS is a serious concern. Our churches have counted more than 1,600 orphans needing assistance. Food
prices have skyrocketed and urgent needs are food, clothes, medicine, and blankets. Iron sheeting for rebuilding will
also be needed.
Byonga Nazarene Church is located in a village that has been attacked 98 times since the war began. Pastor Mulonda
Batubula has lost 3 children in the last eight years, one by gunshot and two to malaria as they hid in the bush
during some of the worst fighting. A faithful member of the Nazarene church since 1993, Pastor Batubula has been
arrested 3 times in recent years. Twice the rebels took him because he refused to send young people from the church
to fight, and once the government accused him of consorting with the rebels.
“Pastor Batubula says these people need the message of holiness the most,” shared District Superintendent Celestin
Chishibanji. “He would choose to die rather than leave the area. He is preaching holiness as the only hope, and trusting
the Lord for a better future here or everlasting life.”
Africa Regional Director Eugenio Duarte stated, “The struggle facing Congolese people is one of the greatest challenges
that threaten peace and stability on the African continent. Innocent and defenseless people lose their lives for no reasonable
cause. Sensitive Christian hearts ask why and ask what can be done to prevent or minimize the suffering.” He continues, “When
the law of love guides our response, something significant happens. No matter how hard the questions are, any small response
lessens the effects of injustice on the lives of these people, enabling them to become who God intended for them to be.
Congolese Christians are making the difference with their acts of courage.” Join the response today through your prayers
and support.
Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for DRC relief efforts can mark their checks “DRC Relief ACM1199” and mail
them to the General Treasurer, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to
the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3.
 On-line
using VISA or MasterCard- OR In the US, make checks payable to: General Treasurer
- and mail to:
General Treasurer
6401 The Paseo
Kansas City, MO 64131
- In Canada, make checks payable to: Church of the Nazarene
- and mail to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3
All donations remitted through NCM and the General Treasurers Office
will receive 10% Mission Special credit if the local church is identified.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2006
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