The current outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has now spread to Goma. This is a different strain of the disease from previous outbreaks, and development of a vaccine will, at best, take months. People who contributed to our appeal may like to watch ‘Diocese of Goma Ebola update and response’, a short YouTube video available below and on the web, in which the Anglican Bishop of Goma, Martin Gordon, explains very clearly the impact of this outbreak on the city and the role of the churches in combatting it. He stresses three priorities for our prayers – for the containment of the Ebola outbreak, for peace to return to eastern DRC, and that the churches in the Diocese of Goma will continue to be beacons of hope.
I am grateful to Beth for this information following up on St Oswald's 2025 Advent Appeal.Peter
A Prayer for all who are Affected by the Outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda:
Heavenly Father,
You are our healer. You restore the sick and comfort people in their suffering.
We bring before you the Ebola virus outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda. Please be with the local authorities and the World Health Organisation as they seek to respond rapidly and effectively. Give them wisdom as they make decisions, provide them with the resources needed for treatment, and help them contain the spread. Protect health workers from the virus and keep them healthy.
For those who are sick, we ask that you would heal them. Give them access to treatment and skilled medical staff. Comfort them in their pain. For those who are suffering the loss of a loved one, be with them in their grief. Make your love known and provide for their daily needs.
We also pray for the church in the regions of DR Congo and Uganda affected by this outbreak. Please give your people opportunities to share Christ’s love as they help the sick and comfort those who are living in fear of being infected.
Lastly, we ask for peace and stability in the region. End political conflict and put people in power that will govern wisely.
Lord God, we ask all this knowing that you can do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
The National Council of Churches in Australia (Adapted from Anglican Aid)
Websites Containing Further Information:
Gordons in Goma: www.gordonsingoma.org
The Bishop of Goma's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@bishopofgoma
Christian Aid: www.christianaid.org.uk
Church Mission Society (CMS): www.churchmissionsociety.org/blog/news/church-leaders-mobilise-for-ebola