Family, friends and partners have been asking about our safety following the entry of Rwandan backed militia M23 into the city of Goma here in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Though we are safe, we covet your prayers for the precious people of Congo who’ve suffered so much. This is a pivotal point in their history, and they need the support and prayers of the Body of Christ. (1 Timothy 2:1-4). 

Prayers for our team and Bible school students are also welcome.  Yesterday was exceptionally tense here in the capital of Kinshasa with protestors burning tires, blocking roads, looting and paralyzing much of the city. Fire was set to the French Embassy and the embassies and missions of Belgium, the Netherlands, the United States, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and the United Nations were all targeted. 

 For the first time ever, we had to dismiss classes an hour early to allow students to get home safely. Roads were blocked and tires burned just yards from the front door of where classes are held. This type of protest often invites rock throwing or attacks on vehicles of westerners and foreign diplomats. Since we have a couple from Arkansas and another instructor from Spain with us this week, our students and team insisted they be transported in a vehicle with tinted windows with the driver assuring they keep out of sight long enough to get them out of harm’s way. Arriving back at the residence the tumult continued in the neighborhood below the apartment with a significant amount of gunfire ringing out (likely police firing warning shots to disperse crowds). 

 Though these happening are unpleasant, they are not uncommon either here or in Haiti where we’ve spent so much time over the last 13 years.  The safest place in the world is the center of God’s will and no one on the team ever gave place to fear. They gave themselves instead to a fruitful time of prayer in the Spirit for peace in the DRC.  Today the protests were mostly calm with students marching in support of the Congolese armed forces and in hopes of drawing international attention to the plight of the Congolese people. Most of our Bible school students returned to class today and continued their ministerial training and we are hopeful this reprieve from the unrest will continue. 

 While the events of the last days here in Kinshasa have been unpleasant, the Congolese people and refugees suffering on the front lines of this conflict in the East have much more serious issues to deal with. They are the ones who especially need your prayers.  We believe the best is yet to come for the people of the DRC who we love so deeply and are privileged to live amongst. Thank you for standing with them and thank you for standing with us!   

In Him,

Ken & Tonja

Nations180 is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organisation with a vision to:

• Facilitate church planting movements

• Establish ministry training centers

• Provide faith-building publications and media

For the 34 nations and 11 territories of the French-speaking world.