Written by: Open Doors SA
Article source: JOY! Magazine

Violence against Christians in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is at an all-time high. This escalation in violence has been triggered by the presence and activity of jihadist groups in an increasing number of African countries.

The general impact of the violence against the persecuted Church has been devastating. By the end of 2021, a staggering 15,5 million people had been displaced, making it increasingly difficult for people to make a living. Christians are the preferred target of these jihadist groups.

A new challenge
One of the Christians who has first-hand experience of this situation is Pastor Jean* (33) from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

He was full of hope in 2019 when he was transferred to lead a church in Beni in the North Kivu province. Though not unaware of the troubles Christians in the area face, he was optimistic and had many plans on how to serve his new flock of almost 280 people.

Violent attack
However, this city has been the epicentre of repeated attacks since 2014. Many rebel groups are active in eastern DRC, with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) – an Islamic rebel group – causing the greatest pain for the Church thus far.

A year later, the ADF attacked the locality where Pastor Jean was serving Christians. A total of 15 people were killed in the attack, and at least six belonged to his church. Seven houses and several shops were destroyed and looted, and at least 20 people – especially young girls – were reported missing.

Pastor Jean giving a counselling session

‘God helped us’
From inside his house, Pastor Jean could hear his neighbours screaming as the attackers were mercilessly working their way through the village. “The gunshots were incessant. About 500 people tried to find safety in the church compound.

“The attackers tried to enter my house but left after a while. On the other side of the door, I was protecting my wife and our children, a two-year-old and a six-month-old baby. Two other children were fast asleep in another room. We prayed … and God helped us. It’s only by the grace of God that we are alive.”

Healing from trauma
After the incident, Pastor Jean and his family suffered from serious emotional and psychological pain. “We were traumatised, and my wife developed serious health issues. She is always afraid and faints when she is frightened. While I was trying to deal with the hidden wounds in my heart and mind, I felt ill-equipped to minister to my church,” he admits.

Thanks to the gifts and prayers of supporters, Open Doors helped Pastor Jean and his family through the church leadership to relocate to a quieter area, where they continued to heal and serve their local church.

open doors

Hope for the future
Today Pastor Jean stands steadfast, preaching in front of his congregation despite the past blows he has experienced. “I hold fast to God’s Word and promises that have helped me to keep moving forward and serve the Church. One day, all our tears will be wiped away. Even if we are persecuted, our tears of suffering will be wiped away.”

Through your financial gift today, you can help protect the Church in Africa by meeting the needs of persecuted believers. Make use of the banking details below to give a gift today.

*Name changed and representative images used for security reasons. | Photos: © 2023 Open Doors International

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Date published: 14/04/2023
Feature image: Pastor Jean

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