Going Where the Need is Greatest
You made sure Kavugho’s family didn’t go hungry in one of the world’s poorest countries
Kavugho, her husband Kambale and their six children ran from their village under the cover of night.
Bandits were pillaging homes nearby, committing acts of violence and looting homes. The family made their way into the dark jungle, praying that they wouldn’t be found.
Kavugho is just one of an estimated 5.2 million internally displaced people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the most in any African country. There are approximately 150 armed militia groups in the country battling each other and the government for control of land, resources and power. On top of that, severe flooding, drought, cholera, Ebola and now COVID-19 have added to the country’s instability.
The DRC is the second poorest country in the world. More than 75% of the population lives on just one meal per day. Tearfund partners with the Baptist Church of Central Africa (CBCA) to meet the growing needs of the most vulnerable people, many of whom are displaced like Kavugho.
When the family arrived in a neighbouring village the next morning, they had nothing but the clothes on their backs. Kavugho and Kambale began working as day labourers to provide for their young children. With no money to pay for school and no support system around them, Kavugho had to bring all six children with her into the fields.
Each night the family would huddle close and sleep under a makeshift shelter. Kambale would then sneak back to their home village at night in search of food and the family’s possessions. As her children cried out in hunger each night, Kavugho prayed for relief and that her children wouldn’t starve.
As more displaced families began showing up in the village, the local church started a food distribution program with the support of CBCA and Tearfund. Designed to bring immediate relief to displaced families, this program is empowering families who have left everything behind in search of safety.
Kavugho and Kambale’s family qualified for the support, though they were hesitant at first. “I did not believe that CBCA church would be able to give us such a big quantity of food,” said Kavugho with joy after receiving a bountiful supply of weekly rations. “Most people did not come during the first distribution due to that same disbelief. My children are happy that we can make porridge for breakfast, and rice and beans for dinner.”
Now Kavugho and Kambale’s family won’t go hungry! They’re also feeling encouraged and valued by the local church. “I still remember the speech at the distribution that we are marvellous creations of God in spite of the suffering we are going through,” says Kavugho. “It was very encouraging.”
Supporters like you are making sure displaced families in the DRC aren’t going hungry. You’re caring for the most vulnerable in one of the most impoverished nations on earth. Thank you for joining us as we follow Jesus where the need is greatest.
