A BMS World Mission worker in the Democratic Republic of Congo has appealed for prayer as the country faces an uncertain time following its first democratic elections in 40 years last month.
BMS World Mission worker Pat Clay currently lives in the capital Kinshasa which was the scene of violent outbreaks between rival supporters of the two main presidential candidates, current incumbent Joseph Kabila, and Jean-Pierre Bemba, as both failed to secure the required outright majority.
The two men will go head to head again on the 29 October for a second round of elections to decide the next president of the country.
Pat welcomed the return to calm in the capital after the violent clashes but voiced concern that the situation may deteriorate over the coming months.
She says, "We need prayer that the country doesn't descend into civil war. Hopefully we'll go into a second round and sense will prevail. Please pray for this - that ordinary people won't have to go through a civil war. They've already been through enough.”
But if the country turns to God, Pat is optimistic for a brighter future in Congo. "I believe a new day for Congo is possible, if those with the power will follow God's law and way. Ordinary people are praying for peace, and God will hear that,” she says.
BMS couple Gill and Kevin Jones are also in Congo, in the western town of Kimpese which escaped violent clashes.
Kevin was encouraged by the fruits that are appearing from the dedicated prayer efforts of the people.
"Many of the churches here had prayer vigils, prayer meetings and extended services to pray for the elections.”
"Despite the upset in Kinshasa, it has been good to see and hear how those prayers have been answered and how that has been acknowledged.”
An estimated 70 percent of Congo’s population turned out for the country’s first fully democratic election since it gained independence in 1960. The country is on the painful road to recovery following a devastating five-year civil war that left more three million people dead. Eastern regions still face the daily threat of militia violence, although this goes largely unreported by Western mainstream media.