FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER · Congo Initiative

A TIME LIKE THIS

In the early 2000s, as nine nations fought over Congo’s vast resources in a war that would cost more than 4 million lives, a group of Congolese leaders gathered in Beni. Gunfire echoed in the distance, yet they prayed and asked hard questions: Where has the Church been amidst all this? Where is the leadership that serves the common good and helps communities thrive? What are we called to do about it?

From those prayers, Congo Initiative was born—not as a reaction to violence, but as a response to a deeper calling: to equip a new generation of leaders committed to justice, peace, and healing in their communities. Since then, and thanks to your support, over 1,000 graduates have received a transformative education. Hundreds of children have received a primary education, a critical first step to breaking cycles of poverty. More than 45,000 women, children, and men have benefited from community engagement initiatives.

Today, as conflict in eastern Congo escalates once again, we lament the deep suffering and worsening humanitarian crisis. Since the beginning of the year, approximately 7,000 people have been killed. The violence has also left 450,000 people without shelter. Reports indicate an increase in Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV). The UN is withdrawing personnel. Local and international organizations are struggling to adapt, as a freeze on USAID funding cripples urgent relief efforts.

Yet, in the face of this uncertainty, we are reminded of the moment when Congo Initiative was formed. Our leadership in Congo did not wait for peace to come—they leaned into faith, believing that God is doing a new thing, even in the midst of crisis (Isaiah 43:19). And, they invited friends like you to join them.

The UCBC community continues to embody this hope, demonstrating that hope is not just a feeling or wishful thinking—it is a discipline, a tool that compels action even when the world feels overwhelming. As we stand in solidarity with them, we invite others to do the same—to pray, to walk alongside them, and to hope with them.

UPDATES

OUR EMERGENCY FUND

Give today to our emergency fund and help our team adapt and respond to the urgent needs caused by the conflict.

TUKA PAMOJA PROJECT

Bethesda Counseling Center hosted a psychological first-aid training for pastors and community leaders in Mbau this month. This training is the third installment of the Tuka Pamoja project. Thirteen people participated in the training and additional sessions are planned in four more cities this year.

CULTURAL EXHIBITION

On February 5th, the UCBC community gathered for a cultural exhibition. The event was a vibrant showcase of the rich diversity of the different tribes represented within the student body. Organized by the Faculty of Information and Communication Sciences as part of the Cultural Animation course, the event highlighted a variety of traditional dances and music, all illustrating the beauty and depth of the various cultures represented. The exhibition aimed not only to promote cross-cultural understanding but also to strengthen the bonds in the UCBC community.

NEW VIDEO

We invite you to check out our new video highlighting the work we do. We hope it inspires you to believe in the promise of tomorrow – a brighter, more flourishing Congo.

MEET A UCBC GRAD

“At UCBC, I had the privilege of being immersed in a holistic learning community where I was able to develop not only intellectual skills but also those of personal development. UCBC was not just an academic institution for me, rather a complete family. I found invaluable support from my professors, mentors and classmates who encouraged me to persevere in the face of challenges and to celebrate each success.”

Sage Kambale Karondwa, Engineering

“Our prayers are with our people – for divine protection and intervention.
There is hope because He lives, and He is light.
And because God lives, we can face tomorrow, and darkness will not prevail.”

Dr. Honoré Bunduki, UCBC Rector