Today is the International Day of Peace. As we celebrate this important day, we recognize the ongoing conflict in Congo which continues to displace millions of people and cause instability, danger, and limited access to food and resources. Join us in praying for food security, for safety, for better access to education and resources, and ultimately, for lasting peace in Congo. ![]()
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Excerpts from “A Prayer for Peace” by Kayla Craig @liturgiesforparents![]()
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“O Prince of Peace,![]()
We come to You,![]()
For our hearts don’t feel peaceful ![]()
And our world doesn't either.![]()
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We see the peace of Your Kingdom,![]()
And we ask You to help us![]()
Be makers of peace too–![]()
In our community,![]()
[In Congo],![]()
In our world.![]()
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We pray for those [in Congo]![]()
For whom conflict is a close companion,![]()
For whom violence waits in the shadows,![]()
For whom war is never far away.![]()
We ache for the day ![]()
When warring nations will be at peace,![]()
When brother will not fight against brother.![]()
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We pray that our hopes for a more flourishing world![]()
Would be renewed with Your unfailing mercy.![]()
Help us build and repair where harm has been done,![]()
Both in our land and in our hearts.![]()
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If we shout,![]()
May we shout good news to the poor.![]()
If we fight,![]()
May we fight injustice.![]()
If we push,![]()
May we push doors open toward freedom,![]()
If we wrestle,![]()
May we wrestle with you.![]()
If we break,![]()
May we break the chains of captivity.![]()
If we defend,![]()
May we defend the vulnerable.![]()
If we tear down,![]()
May we tear down walls that divide.”![]()
#prayforpeace #internationaldayofpeace2023 #internationaldayofpeace
A special thanks to the students and staff who helped move books from the library to a new space last week!![]()
UCBC
Héritier is a 2018 Theology Faculty graduate and is currently the CEO of Holistic Ministry. Inspired by the ‘World View’ class he took at UCBC, Héritier returned to his village after graduation to start an NGO aimed at helping young people involved with arms groups in the area. He took what he learned in the course and adapted it into training modules to teach kids and teens about the ‘glasses’ they put on and how it affects the way they see the world around them. Héritier says, “The greatest discovery in this adventure was the realization that these young people didn't understand the real cause of their dissidence…what kind of glasses they had been made to wear, prompting them to act in this way.” Through his courses, many young people bound by militant groups have renounced that way of life. Though his work is extremely dangerous, Héritier knows what he does is of vital importance and trusts that God is protecting him. “I'm very grateful for the training I received at UCBC. I was able to start from nothing and fear of pursuing a good cause is not in my vocabulary. UCBC is truly a transforming machine. Glory be to God.”![]()
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#changemaker #congoeducation
The Congo Basin is the world’s second largest rainforest, covering 178 million hectares - that’s approximately 500 million acres and is bigger than the state of Alaska. Of that, 107 million hectares are located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. ![]()
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The rainforest has a lush and diverse ecosystem. It’s home to 10,000 plant species, 400 species of mammals, 1,000 species of birds and 700 species of fish. Many endangered animals including forest elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees can be found in the Congo Basin. ![]()
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The Congo Basin has the largest area of peatlands in the world. Peatlands are “carbon sinks” - they absorb more carbon than they produce. The peatlands in the Congo Basin store 29 billion tons of carbon – roughly equivalent to three years’ worth of global greenhouse gas emissions.![]()
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Over 75 million people live in the Congo Basin and rely on it for their livelihoods - from food and medicinal plants, to agriculture and shelter. However, in recent years the increase of commercial agriculture operations, mining, and a large number of internally displaced people from armed conflict, have caused degradation to this valuable natural resource. We are inspired by organizations working to better protect and sustain the Congo Basin and its resources, including UCBC’s Natural Resource Governance program.![]()
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Sources:![]()
WWF![]()
UN Environment Programme![]()
Mongabay.com
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