August 2022 update
Tribal violence exacerbated by outside international interference continues in the Eastern DRC. In Bunia, Pastor Thomas Ngendja is among those working for peace and reconciliation. In July 2021, he interviewed church workers who have fled the violence in Djugu Territory where thousands have been killed since 2017.
December 2021 update:
COVID-19 is having a huge impact on the DR Congo, particularly by constraining economic activities. The vaccination rate as of December 2021 is less than one percent (0.1 %) according to the WHO COVID-19 Africa dashboard. Only 20% of the 1.4 million doses received by the DRC have been administered partly due to lack of health infrastructure but also because of distrust of the government and significant resistance to vaccination. In July, our team made videos in seven local languages encouraging people to wear masks and to get vaccinated.
April 2020 update:
Ituri and North Kivu are experiencing renewed violence from militia groups, a recurrence of Ebola, isolation and economic impacts due to coronavirus, and food shortages.
Preaching in the Bunia Central Prison just prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Both small and large gifts are appreciated. Gifts less than $500 can buy rice and beans for distribution in the short term. Larger gifts can fund self-sustaining agricultural projects.
November 2019 update:
Pastor Thomas sent these photos of the health clinic in Ituri and people being screened for Ebola.
… and the agricultural project is underway with seed in the ground
From August 2019:
Responding to Ebola Virus Disease in Ituri and North Kivu provinces of the DR Congo
Pastor Thomas Ngendja, in the city of Bunia in Ituri Province in the DR Congo, is dealing with Ebola, tribal violence, and economic challenges.