“Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. ‘Come now, let us reason together, ‘ says the Lord.” Isaiah 1:17, 18

There’s a current issue that needs our immediate attention, prayers and engagement.

For some, it’s new news, for others, you can’t escape the media exploitation of the atrocity, and at times it may feel so distant and overwhelming you just simply click the channel and move on.

But nothing changes.

The issue we speak of is occurring right now in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In January 2008, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) survey found that “5,400,000 people have died from war-related causes in Congo since 1998—the world’s deadliest documented conflict since WWII”.

The crisis in Congo is not just an issue… it’s an emergency.

Although there was a peace agreement signed in January 2008 between the Congolese government and 22 rebel groups, the Eastern provinces of the DRC still see continued conflict and insecurity on a daily basis. The majority of conflict has its roots in inter-tribal and interethnic tensions that stems partly from the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. The countries’ rich resources of gold, diamonds and copper (among other minerals) brings another element to the conflict, as groups fight over these precious resources. Most of the deaths are not a direct result of violence — but indirectly the violence and conflict have destroyed the infrastructure in this region and forced Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to live in deplorable conditions. It is virtually impossible to access health facilities, find clean water sources, and locate nutritious food.

Additionally, human rights are regularly violated in ways that are unimaginable.

The situation in the DRC has been recognized as the worst crisis of violence against women in the world. Rape is used as a weapon of war to destabilize entire communities. In some displacement camps, more than 70% of the women have been raped, with some being as young as three years old. While the peace agreement in January 2008 was a first positive step forward, the continued arming of rebel groups has created a situation in which there is on-going displacement and insecurity in the region. The Congolese people continue to fear attacks and women and children are especially vulnerable.

Though this issue is staggering, there is hope.

In the middle of the current crisis, World Relief is looking to get food and vital supplies into the hands of uprooted families, many of whom have fled their homes with nothing. At one location, children were trampled underfoot as panicked crowds surged forward, desperate for food.

“It is like the Bible says… the people are harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd,” says Maurice Omollo, World Relief’s Country Director. “We are working in a very unstable environment in which many of the people have been uprooted by war and the infrastructure has been destroyed.”

In partnership with local churches in and around Goma, World Relief is preparing to provide targeted assistance to 3,000 families. Aid will include temporary shelter materials, cooking kits, blankets, clothing, and a month’s supply of food, depending on the needs of each family.

While expatriate relief workers have been evacuated, many of World Relief’s Congolese staff members have chosen to stay in Goma at this time – in spite of the danger – so they can help the most vulnerable.

We all have the chance to be a part of lasting change. That includes you.

We here at World Relief NEXT believe you have something to offer. By applying your love for the people of Congo and learning more about their current crisis, while engaging yourself in a tangible way, we feel you will be taking the necessary steps toward lasting world change.

It’s time to get busy—love, learn and engage.