In May of 1997 an attempt was made to overthrow the brutal Congolese government of Mobutu Sese Seko in a coup backed by Rwandan, Ugandan, and Burundian forces. The coup attempt dragged on, and the foreign armies settled in the east of the country and began plundering the region’s abundant gold mines and other mineral resources.
Andre Tongo Batangila made the journey from his home in Kisangani to Beni (about 250 miles over very rough roads) because he wanted to meet with me, to thank me for Worldlink’s partnership. He shared some of his story - and the regions - with me.
Kisingani is the third largest city in the DRC, and was the site of three major clashes between Rwandan, Ugandan, and Congolese armies. Thousands of civilians died in the cross fire, and thousands more were killed beyond the battle lines.
As many residents fled the city, Andre stayed to help. He told God, “If you want me here, don’t let any bombs land on my house. If they are going to, please let me know beforehand and I will get out.” None did, despite one exploding 100 feet from it, and another detonating in the air prior to hitting his house. Pieces of that one actually landed on his roof. Because Andre was so respected as a man of God, many of his neighbors decided to stay because he did.
At one point, he was forced to spend 6 days inside, with no lights, food, or water as the violence peaked.
As the fighting continued, Andre began to care for seven children. Word of this spread, and soon other children began to come for protection as well.
Whatever army was currently occupying Kisangani would take the gold from the nearby hills. They would take others things more easily accessible as well, including food, money, and livestock. Rape was common, and used as a weapon to subjugate the residents. The results were predictable: shattered psyches, unplanned pregnancies, and HIV/AIDS infected residents.
Andre would like to duplicate the healing ministry Dorcas leads. In the meantime, he is preaching, counseling, caring for children, and helping 50 churches implement programs to care for HIV and AIDS victims.
Andre Tongo Batangila made the journey from his home in Kisangani to Beni (about 250 miles over very rough roads) because he wanted to meet with me, to thank me for Worldlink’s partnership. He shared some of his story - and the regions - with me.Kisingani is the third largest city in the DRC, and was the site of three major clashes between Rwandan, Ugandan, and Congolese armies. Thousands of civilians died in the cross fire, and thousands more were killed beyond the battle lines.
As many residents fled the city, Andre stayed to help. He told God, “If you want me here, don’t let any bombs land on my house. If they are going to, please let me know beforehand and I will get out.” None did, despite one exploding 100 feet from it, and another detonating in the air prior to hitting his house. Pieces of that one actually landed on his roof. Because Andre was so respected as a man of God, many of his neighbors decided to stay because he did.
At one point, he was forced to spend 6 days inside, with no lights, food, or water as the violence peaked.
As the fighting continued, Andre began to care for seven children. Word of this spread, and soon other children began to come for protection as well.
Whatever army was currently occupying Kisangani would take the gold from the nearby hills. They would take others things more easily accessible as well, including food, money, and livestock. Rape was common, and used as a weapon to subjugate the residents. The results were predictable: shattered psyches, unplanned pregnancies, and HIV/AIDS infected residents.Andre would like to duplicate the healing ministry Dorcas leads. In the meantime, he is preaching, counseling, caring for children, and helping 50 churches implement programs to care for HIV and AIDS victims.
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