A new well of life in the heart of the war

Dear friends of the Mission,

I would like to briefly inform you about the situation in Eastern Congo, specifically in the region of our Diocese, and about the progress of the well which you entrusted me to complete.

Firstly, last July we experienced an escalation of terrorist attacks (because the nature of the guerrilla warfare has begun to transform and now acquire a strong religious character), particularly against Catholic churches. Two such attacks resulted in the loss of one Catholic church (it was burned) and approximately 20 people during the first attack, and 45 or more people, faithful of the Roman Catholic Church who were celebrating, during these very celebrations, that is, during worship.

On the other hand, even closer now to the city of Bunia, smaller incidents are occurring, but with dozens of deaths again, very regularly now. In June alone, we had approximately 100 victims from such acts.

The area is now characterized as unsafe with official directives from European countries advising against travel to the Kisangani and Ituri (Bunia) region.

Continuing the work despite the difficulties

Nevertheless, I am making superhuman efforts to finish at least the projects I have started.

I decided to complete the well you entrusted me with in Kisangani, at the Greek Community. Here it also serves many people and many thirsty souls. I am sending you photos of this project as well. It is of the same mechanical design as the others, only this one we dug by hand and not with a borehole. The water is extracted with an electric pump located inside the well, and stored in a tank as shown in the photos. From there, anyone who wishes can get water from a tap.

The Church of Saint Athanasius and Saint Lazarus has found itself at the epicenter of the unrest. I have not yet visited the area because it is considered high risk. I am currently speaking with city and state authorities in Bunia to ensure my safe passage with armed security, to find a solution to complete the project and supervise it as much as possible.

Message of hope

I do not despair. As you know very well, I am not one to give up easily, especially in the field of missionary work. God always finds solutions for the good of the Church and the people who serve it with love and self-sacrifice.

Please continue to support our work. Thank you for everything.

I especially thank the donors for their love. I pray that the Lord will repay their love a hundredfold and first quench their souls with the water of Life, but also their bodies by granting them health and salvation, as well as all of you in the Fraternity.

With prayers and always, your humble brother,

† Polycarpos, Bishop of Bunia and Kisangani