International Ministries has sent an initial grant of $25,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) emergency relief to HEAL Africa in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Funds will provide humanitarian relief and medical services to the victims of the armed conflict between the warring militias and government groups.

Over the past several years, this conflict has displaced more than 2 million people. Most of those who fled settled in and around Goma, where IM global servants Ann and Bill Clemmer serve with IM partner HEAL Africa. On January 29, 2025, following three days of intense fighting, the militia group overcame the government and UN forces, and Goma is now under their control. Over 3,000 people were killed, with thousands more injured. Disturbing accounts of rampant sexual violence and other atrocities during the conflict continue to surface. The HEAL Africa hospital is facing an extraordinary number of trauma cases, including gunshot wounds, burns, lost limbs, and fractures. There are severe shortages of medical supplies, fuel, and food. Essential services, including water and electricity, remain sporadic after three weeks of disruption. Hundreds of children have lost their parents and extended family members due to the violence and are particularly vulnerable to severe exploitation.

Working together with HEAL Africa, the Clemmers continue to respond to multiple needs, ranging from providing medical care and food for those displaced to education, protection, and shelter for the hundreds of children who have come off the street. The Enfants Bien Aimee (EBA) program is adjusting its services to care for the increasing number of children who need 24/7 emergency shelter and care.

IM’s Area Director for Africa, Karen Smith, shares that “This is an unimaginable crisis, and we grieve on behalf of all those who were killed, injured, and subject to rampant sexual violence. We stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Goma as they respond in the name of Jesus to all the victims and care for the most vulnerable…”  IM’s Chief Program Officer, Jim Bell, notes that “in the midst of other conflicts and natural disasters around the world and in the U.S., scant news of this humanitarian crisis is reaching the American public. We call on followers of Jesus and our churches to learn, pray, and give in support of our global servants and partners who are the hands and feet of Jesus in the midst of continuing hostility and violence.”

International Ministries (IM) is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of our global servants, partners in the region, and the communities they serve. Ann and Bill can continue to serve in Goma on a daily basis but have relocated nearby for their own safety.

Wayne and Katherine Niles continue to serve in western DR Congo through our network of Baptist hospitals and are currently in Kinshasa.

HEAL Africa needs medical supplies, medicine, and food for its patients and all those traumatized by the violence in the region. The EBA program needs mattresses, clothing, food, medicine, and additional staff to care for the influx of children who need 24/7 housing and services.

IM calls for urgent prayer and support for all those affected by the violence. Donations can be made through your American Baptist church, through giving online, or by sending checks directly to International Ministries. Please designate your contributions “OGHS–Goma Relief” in the memo line of your check.

Checks sent directly to International Ministries should be made payable to “International Ministries” and mailed to:

International Ministries
Attn: Gifts Processing
1003 W 9th Avenue, Ste A
King of Prussia, PA 19406

All funds will directly assist those in need and being served by our partners in Goma. Your prayers and financial support will make a significant difference in helping those affected by the devastating violence.

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is administered by the World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA. The Committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work, and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing the distribution of the annual OGHS offering received by churches.