DRC (MNN) — Hundreds of Christians are killed every month in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Islamic State-linked militants continue to target believers with brutal attacks.
Todd Nettleton of The Voice of the Martyrs USA says the latest violence included the beheading of 14 Christians by Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), the Islamic State affiliate active in the DRC. ISCAP claimed responsibility for killing six Christians on June 3 and another eight on June 24.
Nettleton says the group’s extreme violence is intentional.
“There is an element of wanting to inspire fear.”
He explains that this is why the attacks are so gruesome. Beyond killing believers, the militants seek to terrorize entire communities.
The group’s long-term goal is to establish an Islamic caliphate in areas under its control.
Motorcyclist rides through a busy street market in the Republic of the Congo (photo courtesy of Ck Visuals via Pexels)
“They would talk about setting up a caliphate, and once the Islamists control the territory, the Christians are given the choice to convert and become Muslims,” says Nettleton.
Those who refuse often face severe persecution or death.
Nettleton says one of the defining characteristics of persecution in the DRC is how suddenly it can strike. A local church leader told him about two men who were stopped and questioned about their faith.
“One of the men said, I’m a Christian. He was shot right there, instantaneously,” he recalls.
Nettleton says this is the reality many Christians in the DRC face: “They have to be ready at any given moment to stand strong in their faith, even in the face of death.”
Such attacks leave deep trauma and fear throughout Christian communities. Yet they also reveal the remarkable endurance of believers who continue to follow Christ despite the danger!
Please pray that the Lord will strengthen Congolese believers as they face ongoing persecution. Pray also that persecutors will turn to Christ through dreams, visions, and the bold witness of Christians.
Visit The Voice of the Martyrs USA to learn how you can walk alongside Congolese believers.
Header photo: Representative photo of a man praying (photo courtesy of Abayomi Daniel via Unsplash).
