TRAGEDY IN THE CONGO

Perhaps you have seen in United Methodist News Service or other sources the news of the tragedy that occurred September 27 in Eastern Congo.

 Six United Methodists were among 19 civilians killed in a massacre in Mamove that has been blamed on the Allied Democratic Forces, an armed rebel group that operates in Eastern Congo and Uganda. ADF, a radical Islamist group, is believed to be responsible for the Sept. 27 attack as well as a series of massacres in Eastern Congo since January that involved some other rebel groups. 

Many of those who lost their lives were among our United Methodist brothers and sisters.  On Oct. 6 those who died  were memorialized at the Kivu Annual Conference . The Rev. Dumas Balaganire, District Superintendent of the Beni District, reports that there are four local United Methodist Churches in the Mamove area. 

 Balaganire said the United Methodists who were killed are:

 — Kakule Olenga, who led the choir at Mamove United Methodist Church.  
— Okenge Junior, a member of the Mutuei church and the district evangelist.  
— Abibu Chantal, president of United Methodist Women at the Samboko church.  
— Mwayuma Shabani, secretary of the women’s group at Mutuei United Methodist Church.  
— Augustin Omeno, president of the United Methodist Men at the Mamove church.  
— Muyisa Kambale, the treasurer of the Mamove church.

 This is a devastating loss to these communities and to the United Methodist family.  As you might imagine, several children lost a parent.  

We would like to support these communities with a financial gift. If you or your congregation wishes to make a love offering to the Bini District, please do so through the Memphis Conference or the Tennessee Conference Office of Administrative Services.  

Our prayers continue to surround these brothers and sisters in Christ during this tragic and devasting loss.  

Bishop McAlilly