Perspective

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Tragedy ignored

The tragic loss of life in the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo* is almost certainly the most under-reported major crisis in the worldwide media. The American media, especially, have virtually ignored what is among the longest-lasting conflicts of the past century. Countless people have fled for their lives into the jungles and are living on whatever they can scavenge.

The situation in Congo is producing the single greatest loss of life from violence in Africa, but it represents only one of several African countries in serious turmoil. After accompanying Africa Regional Director Mike McClaflin on a trip to East Africa, I interviewed him about several of the conflicts on the continent. That interview is included in this issue and is intended to provide both information and a call to prayer for this vast region in such desperate need.

The Congo crisis illustrates the indisputable fact that many of the most critical problems in this world cannot be solved by finances alone. None of us can comprehend how God works through prayer, but we know that He does. His Word commands us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18, NIV).

Please pray regularly and fervently for God’s intervention in this tragic war and for our fellow believers in Congo who are suffering. As many as 1,000 churches are located in the affected area, representing tens of thousands of believers. Pray for God’s wisdom for church leadership and for open doors of opportunity for us to do more to help.

RANDY HURST is communications director for Assemblies of God World Missions.

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