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Conflict has marked the Northeastern Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, for generations. Fueled by tribal, political, or religious tensions, fighting has left farmlands destroyed and villages burned, with inhabitants massacred, abused, abandoned or pressed into service with rebel groups. Bunia, the capital of the province has become a relatively safe haven for those fleeing the violence, and many escape the smaller villages to live with family in the city, approximately 147,000, or in one of three IDP camps sheltering 53,000.
Rev. Bisoke Balikenga and his wife, Furaha, serve the displaced living in Bunia and the refugee camps through a variety of vital ministries: aiding street children, widows, and orphans, educating children, feeding families, and promoting peace and reconciliation. Rev. Bisoke's top priority is the Peace Center. Located less than 10 miles west of Bunia and near the Rwampara Refugee Camp, the Peace Center offers counseling, healing and deliverance from trauma, prayer, discipleship, basic education and training in practical skills. Their ministry is growing, with the Rwampara Church expanding from 15 people at its inception in 2017, to over 350 adults and 400 children! Currently, the Peace Center has local stick-built structures that are inadequate for the many activities offered. Through this project, you can help the Peace Center build a permanent Conference Hall which will accommodate up to 400 people. This building will be used as a 24-hour prayer center, a hall for meetings, seminars, church services, and education.
Rev. Bisoke Balikenga is an Anglican priest and also Provincial Youth Coordinator of the Anglican Province of the DRC. Rev. Bisoke and his wife Furaha moved their family back to Bunia in 2003 after completing their education at Daystar University in Kenya. Their life’s work has been to help bring peace and stability to the area, to promote reconciliation between individuals and rival groups, and to care for widows, orphans and the many displaced.
Hearts for the Congo is a group of Anglicans in the US who love and support the ministry in Bunia, and is working together with ARDF to raise funds and pray for this priority project.
The mission of Hearts for the Congo is to share Christ’s love with those impacted by conflict in and around Bunia, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are in partnership with Rev. Bisoke and his ministry at the Peace Center, Furaha and her work at Bunia Children Hope Center, and their teams as they offer hope and support for the hungry and malnourished, the homeless, orphaned and grieving, and those suffering from countless physical and emotional traumas. They aid them with prayer and support as they work daily to accomplish their goals of promoting reconciliation, peace and healing; equipping the disenfranchised with tools for sustainable living; inviting people to Christ.
Rev. Bisoke passes out much needed medicine.
This is the current stick-built structure where services are currently being held.
A glimpse into the Rwampara IDP camp.
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