**The photo above is from the mandatory meeting at the stadium in Goma
On January 29th, we shared the update that the M23 rebels (who are backed by the Rwandan government) had taken control of Goma, the major city located in the north-eastern province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. For many days, there was heavy gunfire, looting, and no electricity or access to water, meaning that Hands at Work leaders were unable to be in contact with our local Hands at Work team in Goma.
On February 3rd, Bindu (the coordinator of the Goma team) was able to connect with Hands at Work leadership and share that he was able to meet in Buhimba community with half of our children, Primary Caregivers, and Care Workers from the Sam-Sam internal displacement camp. This is a huge answer to prayer.
Following that, on February 6th, the M23 rebels called a mandatory meeting at the stadium in Goma for everyone who lives in the city. As a Hands at Work family, we urgently joined hands in prayer, as we know that meetings like these, when everyone is in one place, can become violent situations.
By the grace of God, the meeting went smoothly. The M23 asked people to send their children back to school as soon as possible and shared that all activities and work in government offices should resume as soon as possible. They talked of wanting to bring peace and protect people from violence.
Please pray that the M23 rebels will stay true to their word and bring peace to Goma and the surrounding areas.
Pray that they will stay true to their word and protect people, not for their own motives, but for the sake of the most vulnerable.