We want you to know that we as the Congo Initiative family are here for you. You are important to us, and while we won’t be aware of every single way in which your life has been affected by COVID-19, we know that it has undoubtedly touched you in some way. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
During this time of uncertainty, we are all experiencing a new reality – empty store shelves, school and business closures, and “social distancing.” In moments like these, our vulnerability is exposed as we struggle to find new ways of being through these difficult times. But here is something truly remarkable: What each of us is dealing with on a daily basis is similar to what our Congolese sisters and brothers have been facing for the past 18+ months in their struggle against the Ebola virus. They, too, had to dramatically alter their normal routines, increase handwashing, greet each other differently, and maintain social distance in ways that surely felt awkward and uncomfortable at first.
One of our great joys as the CI global community is to elevate the voices and experiences of our Congolese sisters and brothers in ways that teach, encourage, and inspire you – our friends and partners in the US and elsewhere. Therefore, as you grapple with COVID-19 and its impact on your daily life, we want to encourage and inspire you with stories of hope from Congo, and in particular, from Congolese sisters and brothers who have just lived through Ebola. Perhaps they, through their experience and lessons learned, can teach us as we seek to make sense of this strange new world in which we find ourselves. What a beautiful opportunity to be drawn together across distance and cultures. We need one another. We are, and will continue to be, TOGETHER.
Over the next several weeks, and in celebration of CI’s 15th anniversary this year, we will share these stories through messages from our Congolese community (technology permitting). As we do so, we invite you to let us know of specific ways we can be praying for you. If you would like, you can share your experience with COVID-19 and prayer requests with us confidentially using this form. It would be our privilege to pray for you and your specific needs during this season.
Before closing, a story of hope for you:
Just a few weeks ago, surrounded by the song and dance of her caregivers, the last individual treated for Ebola left the treatment center in Beni. If no new cases are found by April 12th (Easter Sunday), the outbreak will be declared officially over! For this, we give thanks to God and all those who sacrificed their time, skills, and resources to overcome the disease. Your partnership and support made a lasting and positive impact on those we serve during one of the most critical times in Congo Initiative’s (CI) history. Thank you!
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