God’s love for Goma
The CMS family responded generously to our emergency appeal for DRC. What’s been done, what is the situation now and what does the future hold?
Photo: Our partners brought comfort and counselling to people who had witnessed horrors in Goma (Kivu Care)
In January 2025, following a period of intense fighting, M23 rebels took over the city of Goma, DR Congo.
During the violent conflict, millions of people were displaced, thousands were killed or seriously injured and homes and livelihoods were destroyed. Those caught in the crossfire were left fearful, traumatised, weary and crying out for peace after yet another breakout of brutality.
The wider world and the media lost interest in the crisis in Goma pretty quickly – but CMS supporters rallied and responded with prayerful generosity. Thank you.
“This assistance…came at the right time when we were struggling to get something to eat. Our faithful who were hospitalised found enough to pay the hospital bed bills…”
Rev Jean-Paul
So, what’s been done, what is the situation like now and what does the future hold? Let’s take a look.
Rapid relief, hundreds helped
In the aftermath of the violence in Goma, CMS partners were able to provide rapid assistance to more than 700 people, enabling them to get basic necessities like food, water and medicine.
In addition to this, our partners brought comfort and counselling to people who had witnessed the slaughter of their loved ones, and who needed someone to talk to begin working through their grief.
And with increased numbers of people looking to the church for help and hope, pastors received resources and support to cope with the demand, and to begin discipling newcomers to their churches.
“Your gift is more than just material assistance; it is a powerful sign of love, unity, and commitment to God’s mission. It strengthens our faith and reminds us that we are part of a greater family in Christ.”
Rev Joseph
Life on the edge
The situation in eastern DRC remains critical, as people work to recover and rebuild. The rebels in charge ordered all displaced persons to return home – but many have no homes to return to. There are reports of hospital raids, mob violence, sexual assaults and an atmosphere of fear and exhaustion.
Martin Gordon, CMS mission partner and Bishop of Goma
Commitment to Congo
The people of DRC have suffered the effects of violent conflict for 25 years. It’s a longstanding struggle that requires long-term commitment to bringing about change.
CMS is committed to seeing long-term transformation in DRC and other countries where armed conflict has wreaked havoc for far too long.
“…we have seen that we are loved…”
Rev Caroline
Against a backdrop of destruction, we are steadfastly dedicated to raising up disciples – people who will show what it means to live in the way of Jesus. To promote love instead of hate and peace instead of war. Strengthening church leaders, helping people – especially children – work through layers of trauma and empowering people to break cycles of poverty and violence are all pieces of the puzzle.
Only Jesus can bring about the kind of change we want to see in DRC and beyond. So, let’s keep going with Jesus, with each other, to the edges.
