MY ACCOUNT
The bodies of seventy Christians were recently found in a church in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This horrifying attack against persecuted Christians in the DRC has left fellow believers reeling and in desperate need of prayer in a region where violence from militant groups is common.
According to ACN, Members of the Islamic Allied Defense Forces (ADF) reportedly rounded up Christians in the district of Lubero and took them hostage before massacring them in the church.
“Many of them had been bound and some beheaded,” a local believer told ACN. “Among the victims were women, children and the elderly.”
“We are living through very, very difficult times,” the source continued. “We are expecting the rebels to enter the city any moment now. … We have seen how other regions were overrun by chaos, and now it seems it is our turn. … Prayer is what keeps our hope alive amidst this situation we are living through.”
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) estimates that 96% of the population of the DRC are Christians. Nevertheless, persecuted Christians in the DRC are subjected to violence and threats to their religious liberty from terrorist organizations like the ADF, which has ties to ISIS.
“More than 100 armed groups operate in the country’s north- and south-east provinces,” USCIRF reported. “The prolonged civilian security crisis in the region has entrenched intractable cycles of violence, triggered extended humanitarian crisis, and created a self-reinforcing war economy, all of which inhibit efforts to establish sustainable peace.”
Global Christian Relief’s Red List—a report on the countries where Christians experience the most persecution–noted that the DRC is among several African nations, including Nigeria, Mozambique and Ethiopia, where believers are hunted by extremist organizations. Nearly 10,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria alone between November 2022 and November 2024.
The DRC also ranks fourth on our list of nations where Christians have been forced to flee their homes due to violence. According to the UN Refugee Agency, more than 990,000 people from the DRC are currently living as refugees and asylum seekers across Africa.
“We don’t know what to do or how to pray; we’ve had enough of massacres,” said a pastor, according to Fox News. “May God’s will alone be done.”
Please say a prayer for persecuted Christians in the DRC, especially those mourning their loved ones who were martyred in this recent attack. Pray that the Lord would keep them safe and that they would be able to live out their faith with courage and peace. Ask God to remind them of His promise in Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
About the author
Chandler Peterson is a writer and editor for Global Christian Relief where she shares stories of Christian persecution. Read the latest Christian persecution stories on our website and learn more at GlobalChristianRelief.org.
Vulnerable Christians face increasing levels of persecution, not only in the DRC but all around the globe. Become a Frontline Partner today and your monthly, recurring gift can provide emergency relief and long-term support—plus Bibles, safe shelter, trauma counseling, medical aid, food and more for those in dire need.
