Prayers for Congo

Prayer Pointers: Blessed are the peacemakers

Pray for political will and determination from the DRC government and other actors, both international – Rwanda and Uganda – and national, to engage and persevere in dialogue to find resolutions to the hugely complex issues of this conflict in order to bring about lasting peace in DR Congo.

Pray for church leaders and workers, leaders of civil society, health and aid workers, and MONUSCO (UN peace-keeping/stabilisation force) as they work in hugely challenging and often dangerous circumstances. Pray for wisdom and strength as they minister and respond to needs. Remember especially Bishops Bahati (Bukavu), Isesomo (Butembo) and William (Boga).

Pray for provision of international aid resources to tackle the needs for food, shelter, sanitation, healthcare and education for those affected by conflict and displacement.

Pray for an end to impunity, and justice for those who perpetrate violence, rape, kill and maim, abduct, steal and destroy.

Give thanks to God for all those who have opened their homes to displaced people, for their sacrificial giving and sharing of slender resources, and pray for provision of their needs.

Pray for God’s protection on the minds and lives of young people, for healing and psychological treatment for those who have seen and experienced things no child should be exposed to, and for access to education.

Give thanks for the work of HEAL Africa in Goma and Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, and other church groups working amongst rape victims, and pray for God’s blessing on their multi-faceted work tackling medical, psychological and spiritual needs.

Pray that God will heal and bring comfort and care to all those who have been raped and tortured. Pray for an end to sexual violence and restraint of this evil behaviour.

Give thanks for the extraordinary resilience and firm Christian faith of many Congolese; pray that many would turn to the Lord and know him as their refuge and strength. Praise God and pray for health, education, peace and reconciliation, and development work undertaken in Christ’s name in DRC.

What follows is a liturgy proposed by www.congochurchassn.org.uk and accessed from http://www.congochurchassn.org.uk/prayerweek.pdf to be prayed during a certain time period.  I apologize for missing that time period.  Thankfully God is not confined to time nor space, and ALL prayers to God are not in vain.  Feel free to pray this liturgy as printed by the Congo Church Association working with the Anglican Church, or use it to adapt your own prayers.

As you pray a liturgy, even if you pray it by yourself, realize you are never alone - you are surrounded by a "could of witnesses" who pray with you.  So pray the responses as if you are in a congregation.  

NOTE: I have taken some editorial liberties to make the prayers more universal to all Christians. This is not intended to be a disrespect toward Anglicans, but rather an invitation for all Christians to pray these prayers.

A short prayer, based on part of the South African national anthem:
God bless Congo: guard her children, guide her leaders. and give her peace; for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen

Longer intercessions:Almighty God, maker of all, enemy of none, we pray to you for the people of Congo, whose troubles are in your heart and ours, whose hopes are set in your promises. 

Touch those whose lives have been scarred by violence and death;

Stretch out your arm, your mighty hand, and touch this wounded land.

Lord of heaven and earth: bring peace and healing. 
as they look on the cross of Christ, bring them from pain to joy.

Lord of heaven and earth: bring peace and healing

Touch those who are guilty of greed and cruelty; by your Spirit bring them through repentance to new life.
Lord of heaven and earth: bring peace and healing 

Touch those who wield power, of government, of arms, and of commerce:
give them a vision of Congo rebuilt, united, free and prosperous. 
Lord of heaven and earth: bring peace and healing

Touch your church, troubled and tired, and give it new strength, so that with Bible and hoe, prayer and medicine, it can tell of your love and show your compassion.
Lord of heaven and earth: bring peace and healing 

Touch our hearts too, renew our solidarity with our brothers and sisters,
and show us how we can support them in their difficulties. 
Lord of heaven and earth: bring peace and healing

Stretch out your arm, your mighty hand, and touch the wounded land of Congo; for Jesus’ sake. Amen

A dialogue based on Isaiah 43

Leader The God of Israel has redeemed us
All He has created us and called us by name 
Leader He is with us and we need not fear
All Rivers will not overwhelm us 
Leader Flames shall not consume us
All For the Holy One of Israel is our Saviour.

Litany:For the diverse beauty and potential glory of all your creation, and especially the land and people of the Congo, we give you thanks O Lord.

For the faithful and perfect witness to your love borne by Jesus Christ your Son to the whole world, including the people of the Congo, we give you thanks O Lord.

For all those who despite their flaws have mirrored that witness in the proclamation and living out of the gospel among the people of the Congo, we give you thanks O Lord.

For the worship and mission of the body of Christ in Africa, and particularly of the Anglican Church of the Congo, we give you thanks O Lord.

For faithful and persevering parishes, for health care and education, for work with young people and for the Mothers’ Union, for evangelism and training, for ministry and service to the desperate in the Congo, we give you thanks O Lord.

For your steadfast love, for Christ’s bearing of the world’s woe, for the promise of ultimate reconciliation and the hope of glory even in the Congo, we give you thanks O Lord.

Silence

As we move from thanksgiving to intercession, the response to the words ‘...and we turn to you’ is ‘hear our cry O Lord

When we recoil from the worst of the forces of evil, from oppression and corruption, from cruelty and great suffering, and we turn to you, hear our cry O Lord

When we long for the leaders of the peoples, especially in the Great Lakes region of East Africa, to find in their hearts compassion, wisdom and the springs of right action, and we turn to you, hear our cry O Lord.

When we fear for the well-being and the very lives of your poor and those we love, when our hearts are breaking and we turn to you, hear our cry O Lord.

When we see discord and hatred seeming to prevail and bitterness fuelling human hearts for violence, and we ache for change and we turn to you, hear our cry O Lord.

When we hope with passion for the development of life, material emotional and spiritual, and find our hopes in part frustrated and we turn to you, hear our cry O Lord.

When we wait boldly for the coming of your kingdom and lament the dullness of our perception of your mission and the fragility of our participation with you, and we turn to you, hear our cry O Lord.

Blessed and holy Trinity, within the mystery of your perfect love the Son knows the depth of human brokenness, the Spirit is constantly in movement for abundant life, the Father is working out your glorious purpose; receive our thankfulness and attend to our plea for the whole life of the Province of the Church of the Congo, heal its brokenness, renew its life, and bring to fulfilment your purposes for it and through it, for the sake of your kingdom, through Christ, Amen

A Prayer for the People of DR CongoO God, Loving parent of all, comfort your children displaced, wounded, lost or orphaned by conflict in D R Congo; and give the people of that country courage to seek enduring peace with justice and freedom, that their children might grow up without fear, for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ Amen

My Notes and Commentary:

The language that says, "God bless Congo" should not be mistaken to be at the expense of any other nation or people.  God blesses all people and nations.  Congo is facing major suffering - I did not edit this out for that reason.  

We do not pray this at the expense of other nations. We do not pray suffering on other nations. We pray for peace in Congo.  This same prayer can be used in war-zones in any other area of the world.

All prayers are heard by God.  You can adapt this liturgy as you see fit. Pray part of it. Use it as a model. Make up your own prayers. But whatever you do, pray! 

Journalistic Trash

Unfortunately, I came upon this piece of Journalistic Trash.  I hesitate to even comment on it.

I do not want to gain a readership or numbers count for this piece of trash (to call this a tabloid would be an insult to the tabloid industry).

 In America there is a wise saying that one should never get into a pissing contest with a skunk.  If this website calls itself "journalism," it does not know the definition of the term.

The Exposer is a Rwandan run propaganda website.  At a cursory glance, even the casual reader will see that this is no where near "journalism."

For the record and before accusations come at me:  I run a blog - I am not a journalist.  I do not claim to be a journalist.  I have no journalistic training.  My posts are not "academic quality," though most are researched and backed up with facts that are cited.  Again, this is a blog - my posts run the gamut of topics.  I post on a variety of issues.

The Exposer "will expose those who claim to hold the truth, instead twisting it for their own interests." (See here for Citation of this quote)

What is Wrong with The Exposer?
Honestly, I would have an easier time answering what isn't wrong with The Exposer.

FIRST:  This is not journalism - this is propaganda.  Go to Google and look up "Nazi Propaganda" or "Soviet Propaganda" or whatever propaganda you would like.  Then compare it to the cartoons that are on The Exposer.   Yes, The Exposer is mainly cartoons - not photographs.  (Exceptions, yes; but as a rule, cartoons are the majority).

SECOND:  The cartoons are inflammatory.  They depict Human Rights workers who dedicate their lives to the well being of others as sex-workers, concubines, prostitutes, AIDS victims, AIDS spreaders, and apply other lies and inflammatory statements to these people.

THIRD:  They take document facts and call them lies.  Fact: Rwanda has armed M23 Militia in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  I'm sorry - there are documented facts.  Deny if you wish, but that doesn't make it true.  Paul Kagame jails opposition leaders to silence them on trumped up charges - go ahead and vilify them if you wish, but people such as Victore Ingibire is only "guilty" of saying that Hutus died in the '94 Genocide as well.  Truth is not a crime.  They make a dictator into a hero.  Call him what you will, but Paul Kagame is responsible for the deaths of over 6 Million people and the fact that many Rwandans live in fear today.  Yes, Rwanda has modernized, but at what expense.  Oppose this if you wish, but facts are facts.

FOURTH:  They say they speak facts when in fact they speak opinions.  If they were an "opinion site," fine.  I may not agree, but an opinion is an opinion.  I cannot say that the Yankees are the best baseball team and make it so.  They are to me (in my opinion), but in reality, only a win/loss record can determine that.  The same goes for political opinions.  Just because they disagree with those who oppose Paul Kagame does not make the opposition liars.  It makes them of a different opinion than those who run The Explainer.

FIFTH:  They are downright vulgar.  News is not vulgar unless it is reporting on an issue that necessitates graphic details (and then, journalists will usually warn readers that what will follow is of sensitive nature).  The Explainer does nothing of the sort. They make accusations that are vulgar and lies.

Why Do I, a Pastor and Promoter of Peace Address This?
The issues facing the DRC and Rwanda do not need exacerbated by propaganda.  War Crimes are being committed on a regular basis.  The world sits back and does little to nothing.

The Explainer makes a mockery of those who do take a stand.  Activists expect opposition.  It comes with the territory.  Trust me, I could share stories!  This is beyond opposition - this is mockery of not only activists but of victims.  By harassing the activists, they are hurting those who suffer.  They are hurting refugees, those who have been injured and maimed, those who have lost loved ones, those who are starving, those who have been raped and are victims of other forms of sexual violence, children who have been kidnapped and forced to kill, and the list goes on - All in the name of attention for their egos.

What can you do?
If you have not seen this website, I'm sure you are curious and will visit it - I cannot stop you.  Maybe you need to see the horror.  But don't let that view be the end.  Speak out against it.  Write against it.  Go on record with your opposition to what they see as a game.

The suffering of humanity is not a game.  God has made all of us "our brother's [and sister's] keeper." The people of the DRC need those of us who can help now.  One day we may need them.  We cannot fail them.  We each have a different mission in life.  We all have different talents and callings.  Put them together, and we CAN make a difference!

We may not shut this junk down.  We may make them double their efforts.  But we can expose them for what they are - EVIL.  Also, remember - We do this in love.  We are not against the people of The Explainer. We are against the demonic forces that cause them to think what they are doing is right.  These people are also created in the image of God.  It appears they forgot that.  Let's remind them.

Questions for M23 and M23 Sympathizers

This post is not intended to hurt anyone, but it is rather to educate myself.  I know some will be angry that I even engage M23. Though I respect your right to be angry, I am doing this for myself - I, personally, want to learn the motivations behind this group. I want to hear from them and not from a 3rd party. Is that controversial? Probably. Is it wrong? I don't know - right now, I fell this is what I need to do.

 NOTE: If comments on this post become abusive or involve name calling, I will delete them

Recently, on Twitter, I've been followed by some people who are sympathizers of M23.  By all UN reports and Western Media, M23 has been characterized as a militia supported by the Paul Kagame Regime of Rwanda that has destabilized Eastern Congo.  They deny these charges.  In order to be fair, I am going to give these people the chance to speak for themselves.

You can answer in the comment section below, or answer on my Twitter account @tomhallberg1.  If you don't want your name used, that is fine, but if you don't use your name, please be honest and respectful.

For other readers - Though you may not like what you read, feel free to respectfully ask questions in the comment section below.

As stated above, all abusive comments will be deleted.  People are suffering and dying in East Congo, and we do not need to contribute to that - I believe every side agrees to that.

Here are my questions I would like answered:

1. What are the goals of M23? Why pursue them through military means and not diplomatic means?  (Yes, I realize the complexity of politics and especially DRC politics; are those politics too hard to negotiate?)

2. From what I understand (and I could be wrong - so please correct me if I'm wrong), M23 says they are representing an oppressed people.  I'm assuming those are Tutsis after the Rwandan Genocide of 94 who are in DRC.  How will you represent the oppressed without hurting the innocents in the majority? In American terms - in the 1960's we had a Civil Rights movement to gain equal rights for Black Americans.  Obviously this caused tension between White Americans and Black Americans.  But, not all White Americans were opposed to Civil Rights, and some stood side by side with Black Americans.  It's true that Whites didn't suffer what the Blacks did, but there was solidarity.  Can there be peace with Hutus?

3. How do you plan to protect innocent civilians?  In any war/battle, images of refugees flood the media.  Can you promise not to harm innocents and allow food/water aid to reach civilian areas?

4. Many accusations have been made by the UN.  Are you, or are you not supported by Rwanda.  If not, where have you received your weapons?

5.  I admit I am a White Westerner from the USA.  But, as a Christian, I believe that despite our location or color, we are all brothers and sisters.  What roll do you see for a person like me.  I can't travel to Africa at the moment, but I do care about your people.

6.  Can you achieve your means in peaceful manners?  I'll admit upfront that I am a Christian Pacifist and that I believe taking a life is wrong. To explain that would take too much time right now.  In fact, in a discussion, when someone talked about hoping for the death of a war criminal, I argued against it.  I acknowledged his crimes, but to take his life would only add to the injustice.

Please know I ask these questions in good faith to understand.  I don't want prepared statements, I want conversation.  Despite our differences, we have more in common.  I can't promise I will agree with you, and I may ask follow-up questions, so you may want to bookmark this page. But, I promise I will consider everything you have to say.  I ask other readers to do the same.

(Advent Week 1) Catching the Christmas Spirit - Hope

Scripture - Matthew 6:19-34

Hope is a word that is so often thrown around, but very few people know its true implications.  What does it mean?  It's such a small word, but it has such a big meaning?
     - It could mean that I HOPE to get something. I WANT something. - "I hope to get a motorcycle." But, in our Scripture, that's not how "hope" is used.
     - In our Scripture, "hope" means living in the promised expectations that God will act and deliver his promises despite what we see or feel now.

Let's look at our definition again.  Hope is a way of living.  It's living in expectation.  But more than that, it's a PROMISED EXPECTATION FROM GOD that GOD will act AND deliver his promises no matter what we see or feel now.

In other words, things may seem horrible now, but God is still active, and God will deliver.

This Scripture comes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.  From Matthew 5-7, Jesus delivers a beautiful sermon on life and the promises of God.  This is just a selection from that sermon.

In our Scripture, Jesus tells us, "Don't store up treasures on earth, but store them up in heaven."  What can that mean?  It's easy to store up things here on earth - just check the book to human ratio in my house and you'll see what I mean.  I'm sure many of you have tons of things you don't need and don't use and don't intend to use just taking up space.  We store up a lot here on earth.  So, what is Jesus saying?
     - Is Jesus saying, "Don't save money?" "Don't get new things?" "Don't ever splurge?"
     - Honestly, I can't answer that - Jesus probably isn't saying we should never do those things, but he is saying we shouldn't rely on those things.  Sometimes, we may be called not to save money, buy a car, buy a house, go out to dinner, etc., but we are always called not to rely on those things.

How long does money last?  Only as long as you save it.  How long does a car last.  Only as long as the engine and body last.  BUT, how long do Heavenly things last? Things like love?  They last forever!  Not only do they last forever, but they are passed on and carried on by others through your example.  We sow seeds, but we never know how they grow.  Just because we don't see them grow now doesn't mean that God isn't active.

Jesus goes on to say, "Your eye is the lamp of your body."  That means that where you focus your attention is where your heart is.  There are 2 things, among others, that determine your commitment.  The way that you spend your time and the way that you spend your money determines your priorities.  How many people do you see that say that their #1 focus is their family but they spend hours upon hours working?  I don't mean the busy season of work, I mean working by choice.  How can your priority be your family or God if you spend all your time at work?

Jesus says that you can't serve God and wealth.  Obviously we need money to live in this world.  Jesus isn't telling us to quit our jobs. BUT, he is telling us to remember what is important.  Money will not bring the happiness that the things of God will.  Money will corrupt and cause greed.  Have you noticed that the more money people have, the more they say they need?  And all this is over paper and metal...People worship paper and metal.

But now come the words of HOPE!  And here is where we should focus this first week of Advent!  Remember that these are not empty words - they are not words of a "Fairy Tale."  They are not words of a good man or a wise teacher.  They are words of a Living God.  Yes, we're looking forward to Christmas, but don't forget Easter and Pentecost.

Jesus tells us not to worry about our life - food, drink, or clothing - then he asks, "isn't life more than those?" He says that God takes care of the birds and the flowers...Aren't we more important?  Will worry add even one day to our lives?

Think about that - We all worry - I suppose it's part of being human.  I'm not excusing it, but just saying it's part of our sinful nature.  We all play "what if" games in our heads.  Do they add anything to our lives?  If anything, all that worry probably subtracts time from our lives!

This is the problem.  As Jesus said, God values our lives more than the birds and the flowers, but do we value our own lives?  Most likely, we can't value them as much as God does.  But, we can see purpose for our lives.  We can even see purpose in the mundane parts of our lives.  We don't know how God is using us in even the most boring/routine moments.  As long as there is breath in your body and your heart is beating, God has a purpose for you.

This is the hope into which we live!  Things may be bad.  We put our hope into God.  Things may get worse.  God hasn't abandoned us - God is closer than ever.  But, we live in the hope that God will make good on the promises he has given us either in this life or the next!

Reflections in the Middle of a Journey

When I set out on this journey of writing and advocating on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I fully knew what to expect.  I knew this would not be an easy task.  I knew it would take a toll on me personally, and I knew that it would cause others to react against me.

This is by no means the end of this journey.  These are just some reflections along the way.

The main question I'm asked is, "Why do you do this?" To be honest, I can't answer that question.  Or, maybe I can't give you the answer you want.  There is no defining moment that brought me to say that THIS is THE issue.  In fact, this is not THE issue to me.  Because I write so much about this and invest so much time in this issue should not confuse you.  This issue is every issue to me (and by "issue," please do not think that I am taking the humanity out of it - "Issues" are always HUMAN!). I could easily write about homelessness, education, violence in another part of the world, domestic violence, or something else.  Everyone is connected, but yet everyone is unique.  There lies a tension that I cannot break for you.  You have to figure that out for yourself as I am trying to do for myself.  I do this because I have to.  Yet, I do this because I choose to.

I've come against a lot of opposition.  The opposition has been both direct and indirect.  I've been called a "useless preacher" by a Rwandan government official.  I've been told that I spread lies by more than a few people.  I've been told that I'm going to Hell.  I've been told that I preach the message of the devil.  I've been told I have no place to speak because I am white.  I've been told to just give it up because I can't win.  I've been told to stop because I'm not an "expert." I knew I'd receive this opposition.  Does it hurt? Only if I let it hurt.

Let me address some of this opposition:
To those who question ANY of my preaching:  I am not perfect.  I do sin.  But, you can continue to accuse me of anything you want, but know this - my call to the ministry was a very real call from God. I try everyday to be faithful to God in all things.  I fail sometimes, but that is what grace is for. In all of my writings, I have never said that God's grace cannot even cover the most guilty mass murderer if only that person would repent and turn to God for forgiveness.  I do not seek to overthrow regimes.  I do not seek to harm anyone.  I seek peace.  Jesus was very clear on his teachings about peace.  I don't need to repeat them now.  That is what I preach. If you misunderstand that, that's your problem, not mine.  If I have said something contrary to those teachings, I'm sorry - let me know what I said, and I will personally apologize.

To those who say I spread lies:
EVERYTHING that I have written about or stated can be documented to an official source.  If the reports of the United Nations are lies, then I'm guilty of spreading those lies.  But, if you really believe that over 700 pages of United Nations Reports are lies, then I suggest you go back and reevaluate your position.  Let me modify something I learned as a child.  It may be helpful to you.  If one group has a problem with you, you might not be a problem.  If the majority of the world has a problem with you, you just might be the problem.

To those who say I have no room to speak because I'm an American White person:
None of us can choose our place of birth or our race.  I recognize that my nationality, gender, and race gives me a position of privilege that others do not enjoy.  I won't apologize for this because this is how God chose to make me.  I will promise that to the best of my ability, I will not take advantage of this to knowingly exploit others.  If I find that I break that promise, I will stop what I am doing and apologize and if possible, I will try to make right what I did wrong.  I do not speak for my government.  I can only speak to my government.  So, when you address me as "You Americans," please know that this is not helpful to any discussion.  Unless you know me, you also don't know my background or what I know, or where I've been, or what I've seen, or what I've experienced.  I don't owe you an explanation of any of this.  I am human and you are human.  You can judge me if you want, but that doesn't make it accurate.

To those who tell me I should be quiet because I'm not an "expert":
What if we waited to solve everything till the "experts" came along?  What if only the "experts" were aloud to talk on anything?  Again, you don't know what I know and what I don't know.  You don't know how I know what I know.  I don't owe you an explanation.  Judge if you want, but again, that doesn't make you accurate.

To those who tell me that I can't win:
You are the one group who is probably right!  But, I need to ask - What is there for me to win?  There is no victory for me in this endeavor.  The only victory is peace for the innocent people in the DRC.  I want no credit for that. But, if anything I write can encourage someone in power to look at something in a different way, or be another voice to influence that person, then that is great.  If anything I write can encourage someone else to write something or say something better, that is great.  If anything I write can encourage someone to go on one more day, one more hour, one more minute, great. But, you are right - I can't win.  I have no vision of winning.  There is nothing for me to win.

None of this is about me.  All of this is about the innocent people of the DRC.  All of this is about innocent victims everywhere around the world.  All of this is to encourage others - victims to go on with life despite the challenges and to take the next step into saying, "NO MORE!"; bystanders to become active; perpetrators to stop their crimes; and everyone to love their neighbor and to love God.

Open Letter to the People of the DRC

I realize that most people in the DRC cannot receive this post - If ANYONE can get this message to someone there, please do so.  Please let them know that WE care! Read it to them, print it and give it to them, whatever - Just spread the message.


Dear People of the DRC:

I admit that I have no right to address your suffering.  I am living a comfortable life in the USA, and you are suffering at the hands of Militias.  I have never been to your nation.  I have never had to experience an invading Militia.  I have never had to face the horrors you face.  I have never had to worry about starvation.  I have never had to worry about clean drinking water.  I have never had to worry about where I will sleep.  Please, if you can, despite all of this, let me speak a few words to you.

It must seem as if the world has forgotten you.  The world stands aside while your nation is invaded and your people suffer and die.  This barely makes the news coverage in many parts of the world.  We only can find out about your sufferings if we look for news reports.

I'm sad to say it, but the world governments may have forgotten you.  Maybe they never noticed you.  Maybe they never cared.  But, the people of the world have not forgotten you.  There are thousands, if not millions of us who are pressuring our governments to do something to help you! We are writing letters, making phone calls, protesting, and doing whatever we can to call our governments into action.

We can't promise you that our governments will act.  Our actions are limited by what our nations allow us to do.  We donate money and advocate for you.  In order to actually travel to you, we are severely limited by our governments.  Many of us would do so if we could!

You are our brothers and sisters.  The same God who created you created me.  The same God who breathed life into you breathed life into me.  We are connected.  I don't know your name, but I care deeply about your situation! You are part of my family!

While we work to pressure our governments to act, please do not give up! Please stand up for yourselves if our governments won't.  That is tough to do.  Standing up for yourself is costly - it may even cost some of you your lives.  It's time to say "NO MORE!" to M23. It's time to say "NO MORE!" to Paul Kagame.  It's time to say "NO MORE!" to the United States, Britain, and other nations who have supported those who have raped and pillaged your land.  It's time to say "NO MORE!" to the violence.  It's time to say "NO MORE! to the killing.  It's time to say NO MORE! to the rape.  It's time to say "NO MORE! to the fear.

You are a strong and beautiful group of people.  You are made in the image of God Almighty!  If no one else recognizes that, please recognize it yourselves!  Those of us who are working to help you recognize it!

Oppression can be overcome by ordinary people like yourselves!  In the 1960's, the oppression of Black People in America began to be defeated by an ordinary minister - Martin Luther King and those who followed him.  Mahatma Gandhi and his followers liberated India without any violence at all.  A group of women in Liberia engaged in a prayer vigil to "Pray the Devil Back to Hell."  They stopped a bloody civil war.  You can do this too. This does not come without cost.  People will hate you. People may hurt you. People may kill you.  But this is the truth, and I do not want to lie to you.

Again, please know that there are MANY of us working to help you! We are facing a lot of opposition. We will not give up! Please don't give up either!

Your Brother in Christ,
TH

What is He Writing About? - A "Handbook"

Whether you are confused by issues in the DRC or not, this is for you - If you are not confused, go to the end of this post.  If you are, continue reading.

Many of my American readers are confused.  The Democratic Republic of the Congo admittedly is not part of most people's dinner conversations.  Paul Kagame is not an American Celebrity or a household name.  M23 is not the newest musical group.

If you are confused, this is for you.

Here is a "Glossary" of names and terms to help you understand my recent posts.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - A large nation in the center of Africa - though it is wealthy with minerals, the people are some of the poorest in the world due to corruption, constant foreign invasion and manipulation, and because 2 major wars (the 1st and 2nd Congo Wars) were fought killing at least 6 Million people.  DRC has recently been invaded by the M23 Militia.

Genocide - Systematic killing of a race or ethnic group.  In Rwanda in 1994 800,000-1Million were killed in 100 days.

Goma - A major city in East DRC recently conquered by M23 as UN Peacekeepers stood by and
 watched.

Joseph Kabila - President of DRC - Considered to be weak by many inside and outside of the DRC.

Paul Kagame - The current President of Rwanda

M23 - A Rebel Militia - The United Nations has issued reports implicating the Rwandan Government of controlling the M23 Militia.  Rwanda denies this, but evidence is not in their favor.  M23 stands for "March 23 Movement"

Rwanda - A small but powerful nation in west/central Africa - In 1994, Rwanda suffered a Genocide   for approximately 100 days.

UN - The United Nations - The world's body set up to mediate international disputes, prevent disease, help refugees, and other issues.

UN Peacekeepers - Armed Forces from various nations under the Leadership of the United Nations sent into conflict zones to protect civilians from harm.

Oversimplified Explanation of What Happened in Recent Weeks:
* For several months, Rwanda has been accused of supporting M23 through giving weapons and direct military orders.

* The "Group of Experts" (a group within the United Nations) issued a 200+ Page report (Link Here - Please note that this link may take a long time to load) directly implicating Rwanda of supporting M23.

* After several days of Fighting the Army of the DRC and the UN Peacekeeping Force, the Army of the DRC (a very undisciplined army) left the front, and UN Peacekeepers stood aside while M23 took over the DRC city of Goma.

* DRC President Joseph Kabila met with Ugandan President Museveni and Rwandan President Kagame to come up with a solution.  A statement was issued from the meeting "condemning" M23.

* The UN Security Council met and "condemned" M23.  The Congolese Ambassador spoke to implicate Rwanda, but no action was taken.  The Rwandan Ambassador spoke denying all charges.

* Despite all evidence and reports, US Ambassador Susan Rice removed all language referring to Rwanda from the "condemnation."  The US has long been a supporter of Rwanda - the question is Why? Is it for cheaper access to the minerals in the DRC?  Only recently did the US begin to withdraw aid to Rwanda after reports showed the connection between Rwanda and M23.

* At the latest negotiation, M23 says they will move out of Goma in an act of peace.  They are demanding to have their grievances heard.  They are also threatening to overtake the entire DRC.  There are many voices speaking for M23, and it is difficult to get 1 message.

* While all this is going on, innocent people are dying, starving, being raped, murdered, looted, beaten up, and threatened.  Still, the world watches.  Still, the UN does NOTHING!


Pictures of M23 Invasion - Please look at this Link!

Please Look at this Link.  Take time to look at each picture.  These are pictures of the invasion of Goma by M23.  Notice the humanity of the civilians.  These people are not objects.  They could be you.  They could be me.  Don't these people deserve the RIGHT to live their lives in peace? Don't they deserve the RIGHT to earn a living, to go to school, to enjoy life, to worship God, to celebrate holidays, to live without constant fear of being brutally murdered/raped/robbed, to live without constant fear of being attacked by a foreign entity?  LOOK AT EACH PICTURE.  See the HUMANITY.  See the IMAGES OF GOD in each person.

Life is Sacred

I've been following the events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as closely as possible.  Sadly, in America that is hard to do unless you speak French, or one of the local African languages whereby you can look up news on the internet.  Finding accurate reports is difficult.

The M23 Rebels, run by the Rwandan Government as outlined in the United Nations Group of Experts Report linked here has overrun the DRC city of Goma and continues to loot and pillage the land and people of the DRC.  The reports vary as to what is actually happening on the ground.  No matter what news is coming out, I'm sure of the fact that it is not good.  (NOTE:  I have had trouble getting the link to the Group of Experts Report to load on my computer.  Sometimes I have had to wait up to 2 minutes for the report to load).

Though Rwanda, and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame strongly deny ties to M23 or ANY wrongdoing, evidence is not in their favor.  Published in 2010, the Mapping Report of Human Rights Violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1993-2003 also implicate Rwanda and Kagame of horrible offenses - again, offenses Kagame denies.

President Kagame has a history of "being the victim."  He (or rather, his people) were the victim of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994.  Yes, it is true that more Tutsis (his tribe) were killed, but there is compelling evidence that it was Kagame that sparked the Genocide by shooting down the president's plane so he could come in as "Rebel Hero" and "save Rwanda."

President Kagame has made it a crime to discuss one's tribal heritage.  All are Rwandan - there are no longer Hutus or Tutsis.  At the outset, that may sound good, but history cannot be erased.  Heritage cannot be erased.  We must always live with our past - both the good and bad parts.  I am an American, but I will always have Swedish, Italian, and Irish heritage.  I recognize the good things my ancestors have brought to this nation, and I also recognize the bad.  Kagame does not allow for that.  He allowed for no true healing after the genocide.  His "healing" was one by force.  His is a pot of boiling water ready to explode.

Paul Kagame has made it a crime to state that Hutus were victims of the Genocide.  No one denies that Tutsis were the main victims.  No one wants to take away their right to mourn and grieve.  But, shouldn't the survivors of killed Hutus be allowed that same right?

Today, however, I read a Twitter "tweet" about the DRC and M23.  The person asked, why M23 cannot see that they are dealing with fellow humans? I was disturbed by this question.  Not because it was asked, but because this person asked the correct question!

Why can't M23 see that they are dealing with fellow humans?  Why can't Paul Kagame see that he is dealing with fellow humans?

All life is sacred.  God breathed life into every living being.  Yet, people like Kagame and his M23 thugs treat people as objects.  And what do they get out of it? They get temporary wealth, temporary power, temporary fame.  But sooner or later a more powerful force will rise up, and they will be the objects.  If that doesn't happen, I would hate to be them on Judgment Day!

Paul Kagame doesn't see the people of DRC or even in his own Rwanda as sacred lives.  He sees them as  stepping stones.  He has essentially placed himself as God.  That is not a wise decision.  God will not be mocked.  

M23 does not see life as sacred. They act as Gods. Whatever their goal is, they do it to their own peril.

What Kagame and M23 don't realize is that THEIR lives are also sacred, and by violating this God ordained fact - by taking the lives of others, they are "cheapening" their own lives.  They are essentially saying the value of their own life is of nothing without the power, the money, the riches, the fame.

Through their Rape and Pillage, they are living at the level of animals.  They are not living the life that God intends for all humans - to live humbly before God.  

As we pray for the DRC, we should also pray for M23 and Kagame.  Yes, that's hard - praying for one's enemy is always hard.  But, we must realize that Christ himself commanded us to do so. Pray that Kagame's heart and the hearts of the M23 Militia Members be softened that they recognize their own humanity and live as God intended for them to live.

Thoughts on Thanksgiving 2012

Today in the United States, November 22, 2012, we are celebrating Thanksgiving.  For my non-American readers, this is a day that we give thanks for the blessings in our lives, and most people eat a traditional meal of Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing (or as it's called in the southern US - Dressing), and Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Pie.  There are often other foods that go along with this meal, but these are the basics.

As Americans, we have a lot to give thanks for: Family, Friends, God, Jobs, Homes, Security, our Veterans (both those who have served and those who are serving) and the list goes on.

We have many intangibles to give thanks for: Love, Peace of Mind, Answered Prayers, Kindness, The Ability to Be Kind, Happiness, and so forth.

But, on this day, while we give thanks, let us not forget those who may give thanks but lack basic necessity.  Yes, it may be due to their own doing that they are lacking, or it may be out of their control, but at any rate, we should feel compassion for those who suffer.  It's easy to judge who is "legitimately" suffering, and who is suffering "because they deserve it." We cannot deny this truth, but the Bible is clear that "ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23)."  Who's to say that even we are not one sin away from being one who suffers?  While we should not condone sin in any form, we should have compassion for all sinners because we are among them.

In America, today and everyday, let us remember the Homeless, the Uninsured, the Addicts, the Single Parents, the Soldiers Who Cannot be Home with Their Families and Friends, the Mentally Ill, the People who Cannot Find Jobs, the Working Poor, those who are Caught Up in Gang Violence, those who are Bitter and Angry, those who Have no Peace of Mind and Heart, the Abused (Physically, Sexually, and Emotionally), the Forgotten and Unloved, and the list goes on.

Let us also remember those across the world who are Victims of War, Victims of Militias who Kidnap Children and Force them to Kill, Victims of Sexual Abuse and Violence, those who are Forced to Leave Their Homes due to War, Refugees, Starving People, People who Live in Fear, People who Hate and Insist in Rule by the "Sword," those who must Beg for Food, those who Live in the Streets and in Slums, those who are Victims of Natural Disasters, and so on.  

As we give thanks today and everyday, not only should we remember these people, we should advocate for them.  Write to your representatives and leaders.  We should do something for them - donate money, donate food, donate time.  Most importantly we should listen to how God wants us to act.  God will speak.  Will we listen?

Epic Fail

November 20, 2012, the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) fell to the M23 Militia thugs.  As M23 entered the city, the United Nations Peace Keeping Force stood by and watched.  They stated that rules of engagement did not allow them to intervene.  

DRC forces put up little fight, and according to a BBC report seemed to disappear or "dissolve" into the chaos.  Talk about loyalty.  

Who is there to protect the thousands of innocent civilians?  Who is there to allow civilians to stay in their homes without fear?  Who is there to make sure that food remains in this area?  Who is there to keep the innocent people safe and secure?  I'll answer that - No One!

Many people blame Rwanda for arming and commanding M23.  The United Nations did so in the Group of Experts report.  Here is a link to that report.  Obviously, the United Nations does nothing more than words when it comes to African issues.  

If this report is correct, where did Rwanda get the arms and money to give to M23?  This is quick and easy to answer.  The West supported Paul Kagame after the Rwandan Genocide of 1994.  He has been courted and treated as a hero.  Western nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and others have showered him with money and support.  Kagame attended Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth Military Base in the United States.  According to an anonymous source, this Military Base teaches ways to used the military for political purposes.  

Kagame is not guilty in and by himself.  His guilt is due to the complicity of the West.  It is by the cooperation and blind eye of the United Nations.

What we are seeing is "Neo-Colonialism."  We are seeing the West say that Africa doesn't matter because they are "uncivilized black natives."  We are seeing the West say that Africa only matters because of it's exploitable resources.  We are seeing the West say that the people of Africa do not matter.

As theologian James Cone says, "God is black."  God is on the side of the oppressed.  What is failure now, and yes, United Nations and the West, you are failures in this case, will be vindicated.  God will not be mocked!  Your idolatry of money, minerals, and power will only get you so far.  

To the people of the Congo - I can say with CERTAINTY - God is with you, though it doesn't feel like it!  I don't know why this is happening.  I can't provide a good explanation.  Millions of the world are with you.  If anyone is reading this and has direct contact with anyone in the Congo area, please let them know that there are people who care, and that God does care even more than we possibly can.

To the West, the United Nations, and other Oppressors - You are a mockery of justice, peace, and unity.  You are disgusting examples for the rest of the world.  You have let your power go to your head.  May God have mercy on your souls for taking advantage of the weak!