Walking Over the Waves – Surviving Disaster
It has been quite a long time since I’ve updated you on our work at the Jeremiah Center and there are so many remarkable and miraculous things to report. The last six months have been frantic for us in eastern DR Congo, and this kept the Jeremiah Center very busy. Throughout this period the Jeremiah Center has been at the epicenter of a critical mission we believe was divinely entrusted to us. As rebel groups supported by neighboring countries drew closer to us in Bunia, a dear friend bought me an air ticket to flee from the area. Many were concerned for my safety, fearing that my involvement in the peace ministry in the region made me a target of the enemy. While my wife and children did evacuate for their safety, I felt a deep conviction that the Lord was calling me to stay. In that moment of uncertainty and consternation, I was reminded of the story of Jesus’ disciples in the passage of Mark 6:48–51. As the disciples struggled amidst a fierce storm at sea, to their surprise, Jesus calmly walked upon the water, walking over the waves.
At the Jeremiah Center, we believe that God has called us to be strong and courageous in turbulent moments like the ones we have been facing. As you will see in my report, the crises were met with intense actions! Each of these actions were preceded and supported by intense prayer!
Meeting for the leadership of all 21 ethnic communities
In early March, The Jeremiah Center organized a two-day meeting with the leadership of 20 of the 21ethnic communities. (shown in the two pictures above) One community declined to participate since its key leaders had already joined with the rebels who were attacking our region. The two-day meeting helped to strengthen our ties and to send a clear message that we are united for peace and standing against the shedding of innocent blood.
Meeting the rebel leaders in Kampala/Uganda
In a bold and risky step toward peace, the 20 communities entrusted five of us with a delicate mission—to travel to Kampala, Uganda (March 7–15) to meet some of the leaders who had crossed to the enemies and were working with them from Uganda to attack us. It was a mission filled with peril, but driven by purpose. For eight days, we engaged in intense negotiations. In the end, two key rebel leaders from our region agreed to return home. This created dissension among the rebels and weakened them.
Meeting Ugandan President Museveni
During the second week of May, accompanied by the Speaker of the Congolese Parliament, I and other members of parliament returned to Kampala to meet with Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to discuss the possibility for peace in the region.
Strengthening Local Community Ties Through Agriculture
It is clear that poverty is a rich recruiting tool for criminals and leaders inflaming resentment and ethnic hatred. This is particularly true for our region. For this reason, our agriculture project has become a catalyst that is restoring relationships and fostering a sense of unity and acceptance among different ethnic communities. The project is helping former rebels engage in income- generating pursuits. In the midst of the chaos, we cultivated 82 hectares of land between January and May. This is insignificant compared to the high demands and needs of local communities. But it is a very hopeful sign of the way of peace in the region.
(Two hectares of beans shown below)
Incoming workshops to strengthen community ties
From July 21–25, we will host a five-day workshop for 60 community leaders in Irumu County. This county, too, is a signpost of hope for the region. Three years ago, through the work of the Jeremiah Center, several armed groups tied to ethnic communities laid down their weapons and embraced peace. That story now serves as an inspiration across the region—and this workshop will further equip leaders to replicate such success. Irumu stands as proof that peace is possible—and sustainable.
The storms may rage around us, but our hearts are full of faith. We believe God is not absent in crisis—He is then most present. We remain bouyant as we walk in faith over the waves, anchored not in fear, but in purpose. Through every challenge we embrace at the Jeremiah Center, we remain a beacon of hope—where enemies become neighbors, fear gives way to faith, and the seeds of peace continue to grow.
~Katho