It has been three years since the Democratic Republic of the Congo was thrust into another war; its second during our career as American Baptist missionaries in the Congo. Today, peace seems as elusive as ever. Foreign armies occupy the country having split it into three parts, each side fighting the other. There are ongoing tribal rebellions within its borders. The economy continues to decline in a tailspin. Security in the interior is problematic with frequent episodes of abductions, massacres and attacks on women and children. It is estimated that three million people have lost their lives as a result of this war, and living conditions for the remaining are more abysmal than we could describe in this letter.
Children: The Silent Victims
Our second term as missionaries in Congo has given me (Bill) a unique opportunity to traverse the country as a medical doctor representing a Christian based International Aid and Relief program (SANRU). We have been able to visit areas we would not typically have access to as missionaries, rendering service and assistance to populations in need. We have been struck, most recently, by the number of children involved in this war, children put on the front lines or taken into camps; boys and girls, silent victims of the current Congolese conflict.
There are some missions and private shelters where such children who escape are able to find temporary respite and protection. I visited one such enclave in Eastern Congo and was struck by a group of a dozen or so boys living in a tent in a walled off compound. Many of these children had physical scars or signs of abuse, while others were malnourished and ill. Some looked at us with curiosity, others with apathy, many with fear; all, robbed of an innocence we call childhood.
I am at a loss as to what to offer such children; we have little tangible offerings besides clothing, blankets, vaccines, medicine and food. I try to engage a few in conversations or make contact with others; but reaching these boys, I know will take years. How does one let such children know that there is a God who loves them and knows their pain and suffering and current situation? A God who himself gave up his own Son, who was also mistreated, beaten, forsaken and ultimately killed.
Our Christian relief program has delivered over 40 tons of medicine in the interior of Congo in the past six months; we have helped to rebuild and equip hundreds of health clinics and hospitals across this vast and isolated country. Hundreds of wells and water systems have been refurbished, providing potable water to numerous villages. Dozens of nurses and doctors have received essential training; all efforts to curtail the escalating mortality rate in war-torn Congo. But in this instance, we have little to offer a dozen small and frightened boys, child soldiers of the Congolese war.
Praying for Peace
It is my hope and prayer that God will use these encounters, these experiences, these tragedies, to bring light and peace and change to this world…. and that God will use us effectively, to bring the Good News of a redeeming savior, to places where hope seems as elusive as the prospect of a “regained childhood.”
“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me…” (Mk 9:37)