Nord Kivu
Mothers’ Union worker: Munyere Nzambi. Trainer: Kafupi Lea
Mothers' Union, amid difficult situations, has continued to show God's love. Seminars have been held on violence, HIV/AIDS, political and electoral education, family development, the Christian mother. Their peace and reconciliation work has been vital and many widows and orphans are served and supported by Mothers' Union.
They started a piggery project, but unfortunately the pigs became ill and died. Until it is suitable to restart this project they have bought some sheep. These are income-generating projects for local people.
Micro-credit and income-generation projects have been established, and the agricultural activities producing palm oil, bananas, oranges, peanuts and rice have been hugely successful. There have also been development projects in craft making, tree planting and soap making. Members are taught to read and write, and learn about animal breeding.
Mothers' Union members meet regularly for prayer and fellowship, which forms a vital foundation to the important work that is being undertaken in the country.
We were fortunate to meet Bishop Enoch and his wife Phoebe Kayeeye when they visited Manchester before Lambeth 2008. The regularly send updates of their situation.
Summer 2010 Update
We have recently had 2 letters from Bishop Enoch. In them, he tells us that Phoebe has had an accident when she slipped (during an archdeaconry meeting) and hurt her arm and wrist. She has consequently not been able to write to us. She had to travel into Uganda for X-rays and has now had to go for treatment in Kampala. She is now much improved but still in pain, especially in her leg. He asks us all to remember her in our prayers.
He thanks us for the scarves and badges which we sent at Christmas.
He also reports that rebels are still around the Diocese, terrorising people and women and children are still being raped. They run away into the forest without food, clothing, medicines or shelter. They very much appreciate our support, which has changed lives bringing people to the church and to give their lives to the Lord.
“People have suffered enough, we pray to God that peace can prevail. Please, please, pray for us.”
$7166 dollars - generously donated by people in Manchester Diocese
Phoebe Kayeeye, January 2010
"We thank you once again for sending funds to support these suffering women.
Mothers' Union members are so grateful. We are now known by preaching the gospel in action.
In the next 2 weeks, we shall go to Lubero. They told us they would like material and medicine. We have discussed with the Doctor in charge what sort of medicine is relevant to them. and he will help us buy it. For Vuhinga where there are 37 raped women; they asked us to buy for them; Rice, Beans and Taplins. We hope to do that and give you a report.
We were able to reach Lubero but we could not go further to Kayna, Kirumba and Kanyabayonga. The security is still fragile."
Phoebe has accounted for the funds sent from the Lenten appeal and details are available from the office. In total they have helped 2338 displaced and raped women. She writes,
"They do not easily want to be identified because they are traumatized, humiliated, rejected by their husbands and some people despise them. We had time with them, prayed and gave some counseling messages and spoke to some few individuals, to understand better their situation. Most of them don’t want you to take their photos.
The number of displaced people is very high; choosing whom to give and whom to leave was not easy. We only chose them by asking them their age and by looking at them, we mainly gave cloths to those who are above 40 years. It was a real struggle.
It was like a drop of water in the Ocean but meaningful and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to bring hope to those who had lost hope."
Phoebe has sent us some photos including a girl of 8 raped by a 28 year man, and elderly ladies who have also been raped.
Please continue to pray for the situation in DRC, and for Nord Kivu in particular.
Before Easter 2009
Following the extreme violence, there were 6000 displaced people in the diocese, all needing food, clothing, shelter and help with finding relatives to relocate. The diocese received a Relief Fund grant of £6000 but this only enabled them to help around 1500 people.
Bishop Enoch Kayeeye accompanied by a missionary from Jersey, UK, Janet Taylor, the Archdeacon of the area, Rev. Canon Mupagazi Bwanamuzuri and the Mothers' Union team, went to visit the displaced persons in the war area of Lubero. His wife, Phoebe says:
We set ourselves ready to travel a dangerous journey having been warned about the rebel activities on the way. We had been praying to God about the journey and felt assured by God about our safety. The Angel of the Lord would go before us and besides us and it was so. The distance is 120 kilometres away from the Diocesan offices and about 200 kilometres North of Goma. We passed through many road blocks but without any fear. There were acceptance and friendly atmosphere. The vehicle in which we were travelling broke down on the way in the middle of the Congo Jungles. It was a terrifying experience. However, God was with us; there wasn’t any harm on us even during the night. Praise the Lord!
Distribution of Blankets
In the Lubero, Kirumba, Kayna and Kanyabayonga areas, there are about 6000 households of displaced people and returnees. We supplied only a quarter of the households. These pictures show the desperate needs of the people. The population is desperate, the government leadership in the areas are anxious and pray to God for special provision and protection and quick end of hostilities from all armed groups.
The implementation of the distribution of the blankets to 1500 people out of 6000 was like a drop of water in the ocean. This exercise was done in the presence of the local government authorities, who also expressed their gratitude to us and Mothers' Union, Mary Sumner House, Mothers' Union here is beginning to be recognised now. Needs are overwhelming. However, our visit brought much hope and encouragement even when blankets were not enough for everyone. We are so grateful for your support.
