Please join us in praying for HEAL Africa, our ministry partner in Goma, DR Congo. They are facing unthinkable circumstances.
Goma has been surrounded by M23 rebels for two years now. The city of one million has increased to two million as refugees have left their homes seeking safety. As of Sunday 26th January, the rebels have now taken control of the city of Goma. M23 rebels have been patrolling Goma's main streets following a lightning advance against the Congolese army that saw tens of thousands of people fleeing neighbouring towns.
Key roads surrounding Goma are blocked and the city's airport can no longer be used for evacuation and humanitarian efforts. The UN will be pulling all of its non-essential staff out of Goma. Some of the displaced people camps have been abandoned by occupants and they can be seen wandering the streets of the city with nowhere to go.
HEAL Africa Hospital is now taking contingency plans to help traumatised people. The electricity and water to the city have been cut off. The hospital has a large generator which is currently supplying electricity and they have rooftop water tanks, but these will likely be depleted soon. The city is at a high risk of outbreaks such as cholera in the coming days, which will add extra pressure to the hospital. Fuel for the generator is becoming scarce and access to food is another issue - everyone is exposed to the consequences of famine if this problem remains unsolved.
Please pray with us for the people of Goma and eastern DR Congo. Pray for a peace plan that will quickly allow for food aid to reach them. Pray for the hundreds of employees at HEAL Africa, who are working tirelessly to care for vulnerable people.
