The Democratic Republic of Congo, (formerly Zaire), is the size of Western Europe and rich in minerals, oil and fertile land.

Since becoming independent from Belgium in 1960, the infamous dictatorship of General Mobutu (lasting 20 years) has resulted in large scale corruption, poverty and instability.

Many outside countries are involved militarily and economically in The Congo, alongside many rebel militia groups. This has fragmented the country and undermined government control.

More than a thousand people die every day in Congo, site of one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Millions still suffer from a lethal combination of disease and hunger caused by the war and ongoing conflict and displacement.

The government continues to be ineffective and unstable. President Kabila was assassinated in January 2001 and his son is now in power.

The DRC should be a wealthy country. Instead it is one of the poorest and most dangerous countries in the world; where even the desperately needed aid agencies fear to tread.

The spread of Christianity in the 19th century has been incredible. From 1.4% of the population, 70% would now call themselves Christians.

Christians here are more committed to prayer and desperate to be close to God.

The Pygmy people have always been despised and overlooked, but loads are becoming Christians!

Pray for PEACE

Pray against violence so that aid agencies can reach the millions of starving Rwandan, Burundian and Congolese refugees.

Pray for integrity and wisdom for Congolese leaders and government

Pray for strength for Christians, to demonstrate their faith of love and peace in a war-torn country

The Christian Church has a vital role in rebuilding the country’s hospitals, clinics and schools.

In the ‘80s 18 million people lived in remote villages, nowhere near a church. Travelling Bible Schools have helped people in some of these villages to plant churches. Pray that more churches can be established and build discipleship.

Official figures say that 1.1 million people are infected with HIV. It is likely that the actual number could be far higher – all over the country the death rate is rising.

At least 30 and maybe as many as 147 language translations of the Bible are still needed.

There is a growing Muslim population and still a large number of people of tribal beliefs - pray for them.