On a serene Sunday morning, January 15, 2023, the 8th Community of Pentecostal Churches in Central Africa (8e CEPAC) in Kasindi, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, gathered for worship, unaware of the impending tragedy. In an act of unthinkable violence, a bomb detonated within the sacred walls of their church, claiming the lives of at least 15 congregants and wounding more than 30 others. This atrocity, attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), sought to shatter the spirit of a devoted community.
In January 2025, the 8e CEPAC church in Kasindi organized an evangelistic crusade to commemorate the second anniversary of the tragic bombing. The event aimed to honor the memory of those lost, provide healing for the survivors, and reaffirm the congregation’s unwavering faith.
Details of the Evangelistic Crusade
Ushindi Ministry’s leadership team, represented by Ben and Alice, attended the crusade in Kasindi-Lubiriha, organized to commemorate two years since the attack. Held on the very grounds once marred by violence, the crusade bore the theme: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Drawing inspiration from Romans 8:35-39, the event stood as a testament to faith’s triumph over adversity.
Over five days, the church engaged in fervent worship, community outreach, and profound teaching sessions. Survivors of the bombing shared their poignant testimonies, transforming personal pain into collective strength. One survivor recounted, “They marveled that, even though God’s people were killed and wounded by the ADF, fear did not overpower them.”
The crusade not only honored the memories of those lost but also celebrated the growth and resilience of the congregation. Reverend Pastor Kambale Kasuki reflected, “Our church counted 998 Christians. Currently, we have 1,300 active members. To God be the glory!”
Empowerment and Strengthening Initiatives
In the wake of this heart-wrenching event, Ushindi Ministry, steadfast in our mission to transform communities through faith, extended a compassionate hand to the grieving congregation. Understanding the profound emotional and spiritual turmoil, we provided immediate pastoral care and donated musical instruments to rejuvenate worship services. Our unwavering support became a beacon of hope, illuminating the path from despair to resilience.
Pastor Kambale, the spiritual leader of 8e CEPAC, conveyed his heartfelt gratitude:
“In our darkest hours, Ushindi Ministry and fellow believers stood by us, embodying the love of Christ. Their support has been instrumental in our journey towards healing and restoration.”
Our dedication to the 8e CEPAC church transcended immediate relief. We embarked on a mission to fortify the church’s foundation through comprehensive training programs, resource allocation, and continuous mentorship. By establishing prayer networks and fostering a culture of resilience, we ensured that the church was equipped to navigate challenges.
This holistic approach addressed not only spiritual needs but also socio-economic challenges. Through leadership training, evangelism tools, and support for community initiatives, we empowered the church to become a pillar of hope and transformation in Kasindi.
In the months following the attack, our support manifested in tangible ways:
- Provision of Bibles: Recognizing the need for spiritual nourishment, we distributed Bibles to the congregation, ensuring that each member had access to the Word of God.
- Musical Instruments Donation: To rejuvenate worship services, we supplied new musical instruments, replacing those damaged in the attack and enriching the church’s musical ministry.
- Sponsorship of Symposium and Evangelistic Campaign: Understanding the importance of communal learning and outreach, we sponsored a symposium and an evangelistic campaign, fostering unity and spiritual growth within the community.
- Medical Supplies Donation: In a gesture of compassion, we donated medical supplies to local health facilities responsible for treating the bombing victims, ensuring that adequate care was available for the injured.
These initiatives not only addressed immediate needs but also laid the groundwork for sustained spiritual and communal resilience.
The alliance between Ushindi Ministry and the 8e CEPAC church in Kasindi exemplifies the transformative power of faith and solidarity. Together, we have turned mourning into dancing, showcasing that even in the face of profound adversity, the mission to spread the gospel and serve the community remains unwavering. This journey underscores the essence of the Great Commission, illuminating the path of love, resilience, and collective triumph over darkness.
Please continue to lift this community in your prayers as they journey through healing. Let us thank God for their unwavering faith, remarkable resilience, and steadfast commitment to worship and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.