––Romans 5:3-4, NRSV
The apostle Paul knew firsthand about suffering, but his personal experience with the resurrected Christ gave him hope. And, he said, “hope does not disappoint us.”
It is hard to find hope in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In December 2012, M23 rebels fought to control major cities and villages in the North Kivu Province. Within a few days, more than 200,000 people fled their homes and temporary shelters hoping to escape the violence of war. Many of the refugees are members of United Methodist congregations who were suddenly without shelter, food, water or medical care.
The vast eastern area soon became unlivable. The brutality of the reemerging war resulted in many atrocities and deaths, especially among women and children. These new victims were added to the more than 6 million people who have died in the region since 1998.
Prior to the December violence, United Methodists in the DRC – 2.3 million strong – received two Peace with Justice grants from the General Board of Church and Society.
A $4,790 grant encouraged young people in the Central Congo Episcopal Are to foster reconciliation. Another grant – $4,700 to the South Congo Episcopal Area – engaged youth and their leaders to model ways to overcome violence.
This Sunday is Peace with Justice Sunday, an opportunity to support peace with justice ministries in nations around the world and in our annual conference.
The Peace with Justice Sunday offering will:
- assist United Methodists in understanding and responding to violence and militarism;
- support efforts to end conflicts and violent aggression in the world, nation or community;
- promote just national and international policies and actions seeking to restore communities and respond to the disproportionate effect of injustices on racial and ethnic persons; and
- support policies that promote systematic economic justice and the self-development of people.
Funds for these ministries are administered by the social-justice agency of our annual conference and the Washington-based General Board of Church and Society.
Last year, the board provided a $4,000 Peace with Justice grant to create an Internet connection between United Methodists and Pennsylvania policymakers. In the first week of operation, the system enabled United Methodists to stop expanded access to alcohol, block predatory payday loans and support programs that help the poor, the sick and older adults.
Peace with Justice Sunday Prayer - Almighty God, we rejoice in your forgiveness and love for us, but we find it difficult to forgive and love those who inflict harm on our loved ones. Teach us how to become instruments of peace and justice as we support programs and projects that model the teachings of Jesus. Amen.