Congo lies across the Equator in west central Africa.  After achieving independence from France in 1960 and abandoning communism in 1992, civil war broke out in 1997 between the government and armed rebel forces.  In 2003 a fragile peace was agreed.

   Thousands died and 300,000 were made refugees as a result of the bloody civil war.  67,000 of these refugees still remain displaced.  There is still a major humanitarian crisis with such large numbers of refugee.

   Under communist rule, all young people were brainwashed against religion.  Churches were closed and missionaries forced to leave the country.  Since 1992 freedom of religion has been restored.

   AIDS is a huge problem in The Republic of the Congo and effects family life drastically.  At least 90,000 people have died of AIDS.

   Missionaries now have greater freedom to be resident in the country and are seeing successes in the capital and port towns.

   Pray for the lasting peace that the Congo desperately needs.

   Churches have been seriously affected by the fall-out from the war.  Many Christians, including church leaders, have left the country and many are discouraged.  Pray that they can trust God and find faith once again.

   The civil war has stopped many missionaries from returning to the Congo.  Pray that more will able to return in safety to support struggling churches and reach people who haven’t heard about Jesus.

   Concerning the Congo, Jesus’ prayer request should be repeated,

"The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." (Matt 9:37-38)

   Just recently an application came from a seasoned couple from within the Africa Region.  They feel a burden for Congo-Brazzaville.  They have made themselves available to go.  Pray with us that their application will be reviewed and approved and that the countries of Africa will bind together in their missions giving in 2008 to make it possible for this couple to be able to go to Congo as a Regional Missionary.

   Progress is being made to receive official recognition of the church in Congo.  By faith this will be done soon.  In a recent visit of the Area Coordinator and guest minister, 35 received the Holy Ghost.  To God be the Glory!