Recently, I shared with you about the massive amount of suffering that women around the world experience today. The NY Times article I talked about dealt with a very important idea that is shaping much of foreign aid currently – that educating women is key to development.

On that same note, I want to share a story with you about vital ministry being done in an area of the world that has long been darkened by suffering, violence, and unspeakable atrocity – the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the nation has experienced back-to-back conflicts and foreign invasions, violence against women has risen to horrific levels, leading many to call this country the “rape epicenter of the world.”

Dr. Steve and Celestia Tracy, along with Peggy Bilsten and her son, Tom, are passionate about bringing resources and education for the people of the DRC about issues such as healing from abuse and biblical sexuality. This last summer, they trained over 150 pastors, counselors, social workers, and NGO directors in two conferences held in Beni and Goma, DRC. The attendees were trained in how to utilize small support groups to help abuse survivors heal and recover, as well as how to use the Mending the Soul curriculum (recently translated into Swahili). Pictured at right, you can see several abuse survivors and female presenters together saying “One voice, One stand, No to sexual violence!”

Steve wrote the following in a recent ministry update:

“You may have heard that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Goma, Congo recently. According to an article…in the New York Times she is the first secretary of state to venture into the “war zone” there (click here to read the article). After visiting Goma she stated “I’ve been in a lot of very difficult and terrible settings,” but “I was just overwhelmed by what I saw.” She also visited Heal Africa, the Christian hospital and ministry where we conducted our abuse ministry seminary last month.

“I am most thankful that in spite of the fact that the problems in Congo seem insurmountable to the secular relief world, the gospel of Christ can and does heal the broken. What a privilege we have had to play a small part in God’s redemption in Congo.”

The only ultimate healing that can come for these women and ultimately, for the nation of Congo, is rooted in the Gospel. As the Tracy’s and Bilsten’s continue to bring their biblically-based models of healing from abuse abroad, my greatest hope is that we will see women, men and ultimately, nations, come to know Christ and His healing power.

Lives are being changed in dozens of countries around the world through our GTN staff, as they seek to train and equip pastors and Christian leaders to be more effective servants of Christ.

Working tirelessly, passionately and joyfully to spread the glory of God among the nations of the world,

Paul
2 Timothy 2:2