Camille and Esther Ntoto (left) are Field Co-ordinators for Light of Africa: Network, a Christian agency working in the Congo. Pastor Colin Bond met Camille and Esther in California and was interested in their work in Goma.

The page below is part of their report from a recent visit to the area, where the Family of God church network is also working. Please pray for God's heart of love and salvation to reach through Light of Africa, Family of God and other agencies to bring His peace to this suffering region.

Click on the links shown to download the full LoA:N report, which requires Adobe Reader.

Click here to download the full Light of Africa update (305KB, requires Adobe Reader) www.loafrica.org

Who Will Hear Our Cries?
Mission Trip to Goma, D.R.Congo. April 30, 2005

The Democratic Republic of Congo

ON JANUARY 24, 2005, Oprah Winfrey aired a special program on the tragic situation in central Africa. The show featured journalist Lisa Ling who had recently traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo to uncover the most dreadful stories of abuse, barbaric acts of utmost cruelty, and wickedness. The country's most recent conflict stems from a struggle for resources and power, both among domestic and foreign interests. What some have called the "first African world war," has claimed an estimated 4 million lives. The victims? Innocent civilians including women and children who have become the target of infamous armed assailants. Raped, sexually abused, tortured, mutilated or massacred, these victims of ongoing conflicts are at the mercy of ruthless criminals.

Doctors On Call for Service (DOCS) is one of the local organizations that not only heard the cries of these people, but also decided to respond to pressing medical needs. Their healthcare unit in Goma has admitted and treated women and children victims of rape and other abuse as well as provided them with the tools needed to reintegrate the workforce and be productive. We (Camille and Esther), had occasion to speak with, interview, and minister to the women and children victims of enduring insecurity in the region. They also talked with the personnel and counselors, that attended them. We were totally overwhelmed by the shocking stories the counselors told us and the miserable conditions in which the women find themselves.

These two girls arrived at DOCS to receive treatment after being brutally raped by armed men. They received medical attention and were sent home. Two weeks later, they were brought back after being sexually molested a second time.		Indoor patients in a tent at DOCS. Most of these women are victims of sexual abuse and other brutalities.

Click here to download the full Light of Africa update (305KB, requires Adobe Reader)
www.loafrica.org