Luce Ibara and her husband fled their village in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in August 2022, when it was attacked by Islamist militants. Numerous people in their village were killed. The couple ran for their lives, leaving everything they owned behind. Later they learned that their two daughters, ages 12 and 18, had been abducted by militants with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The couple still has no idea where their daughters are, or even if they are still alive.
The ADF has stated their aim to eliminate Christianity in eastern DRC. They have slaughtered thousands of Congolese Christians in recent years and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes.
Luce and her husband, a church leader, lost everything they owned in the attack. They currently live in a camp for internally displaced people. They cannot return to their home, or to farming their land, because it is simply too dangerous. Luce is grateful for a replacement Bible she received during her first visit to an aid distribution sponsored by VOM and a local church.
“My faith in Christ is very strong, and that is what carried me through the bitterness, pain and wounds,” she said. “I have just given that pain and bitterness to Christ, and he is the one who has sustained me.”
The Voice of the Martyrs is serving tens of thousands of Christians, like Luce, who have been driven from their homes and villages because of their faith in Christ. VOM provides immediate, tangible help and ongoing support and encouragement. When our Christian brothers and sisters are displaced, we can support them by praying and providing help during their time of need.
We invite you to stand with these persecuted brothers and sisters, like Luce, who are driven from their homes because of their Christian witness. Your gift and prayers let them know they are loved and cared for by the global body of Christ.