Catholics Attacked as Rebels Take Goma

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Explosives struck a Catholic hospital’s maternity ward Monday, as well as a house sheltering priests, as M23 rebels captured the key city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Even though the DRC is a mostly Christian nation, it ranks among the most dangerous countries for believers in Christ. “The violence in the eastern part of the DRC is staggering,” Open Doors writes in their 2025 World Watchlist. “Christians face severe persecution and violence, frequently from Islamist militants the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Allied with the Islamic State group, the ADF abduct and kill Christians and attack churches, leading to widespread terror, insecurity and displacement.

“The M23 rebel group, (led by ethnic Tutsis) reportedly supported by Rwanda, also targets Christian civilians, making the situation even worse. Converts from Islam and indigenous religions face pressure from their families to return to their old faiths. Catholic church leaders who speak out for fair elections risk harassment. This mix of militant threats, family pressures and political interference creates a dangerous and fearful environment for Christians in Eastern Congo.

“So many Christians have lost everything and have been forced to flee their homes. Pray these displaced followers of Jesus will find stability and hope.

“Getting food is our main problem now that we are displaced, because we don’t have a place to farm. The situation is very bad. If life goes on like this … it’s hard to live.”

Jerome, internally displaced in DRC

“Despite the ongoing attacks on mostly Christian communities, people continue to come to faith in Christ in eastern DRC. Pray for their faith to grow strong and that they will be well discipled.”  

Lord, please have mercy. Bring an end to the violence and war. Heal the wounded. Comfort those who mourn. Speak tenderly to Your people and let them feel You near. Grow them strong in their faith, in knowledge of Your Word, in walking as one with You, and in preaching the good news. Give them Your supernatural power to forgive those who have done such terrible acts against them and their loved ones. Make Your love and peace so evident in Christians’ lives that persecutors will lay down their weapons and pursue Love instead. Give pastors and church members wisdom and courage as they help others in their congregations deal with trauma. Raise up Christian counselors, doctors, guards and lawyers to help those in need, and give Christians favor with the government and with their neighbors. Bless them abundantly so they can also bless others in need; and set them free, Lord. Protect Christian women especially from abduction and abuse. For those who are trapped, make the way for their escape. Be a Shield around every believer in DRC. Provide for them safe places they can go to be sheltered from evil attacks. Surround Your people with such a powerful wall of angels that whenever evildoers come against them, they will see those angels, fall to their knees in fear of the You, and repent. Give every Muslim or tribal terrorist such a powerful encounter with Your Son that they turn from violent paths to follow the Living God.

For 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, Vol 2, and deep Bible studies on overcoming adversity and breaking free from fear and trauma, visit MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com.

Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through a donation, or by shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, click the buttons below:

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