Tribal, political, and even religious conflict has been raging near Bunia, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, for generations.  Sometimes, land grabs for the area’s rich mineral resources have also triggered hostility and disputes. Villagers have been massacred; villages and farmlands have been destroyed. Many men and children are often forced into service with rebel groups. the women are abused and abandoned. Such dire circumstances have caused tens of thousands to flee to the relative safety of Bunia. Government forces United Nations peacekeeping forces continue to work to develop and create stability.

Distributing Swahili Bibles at the Peace Center in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Grace, Furaha, Fred, Bisoke, Baraka

Internally Dispaced Persons are pople who have been forced to leave their homes but remain within their country’s borders. The closest IDP CAMP is 2 kilometers from the Peace Center near Bunia.. The Peace Center serves hundreds of widows, war traumatized families, and scores of orphans every day.

Acts 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Reverend Balikenga Bernard (Bisoke) and his wife Furaha Bisoke Loucie (Furaha) moved their family back to Bunia in 2003 after completing their education at Daystar University in Kenya. Bisoke graduated with two degrees, one in Business Administration and the other in Reconciliation, Peace and the Bible. He received his ordination over twelve (12) years ago. Together, their life work has been to help bring peace and stability to the area, promote reconciliation between individuals and rival groups, and care for widows, orphans, and the many displaced individuals and families.

What does IDP stand for?

Internally Displaced Persons

There are three IDP’s in and around Bunia: ISP with 32,000, Kolomani with 12,000 and Rwampara with 7,000. The Rwamapara camp pictured to the left is the closest camp to the Peace Center.

December 2021 Baptisms at the Peace Center in the Shari River.

2003