our focus
Hope - To trust in, wait for, look for; to expect something beneficial in the future.
Decades of war, violence, and poverty have resulted in the loss of over five million lives in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Without schools, health care, and reliable means of employment, the ability to recover from these devastating forces has been hindered.
In 2013, the Lord gave Cornerstone Church a connection and a window into the lives of people living in Dungu in eastern DRC. We sent men to meet with church leaders in Dungu to find out how we could come alongside them to help relieve the effects and suffering caused by years of war, abuse, and trauma. These meetings led to the launch of Restoring Hope Ministries. Through RHM, we would seek to help restore broken lives through the transforming message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, train and educate people to open doors of opportunity, and sustain our brothers and sisters by providing solutions that would strengthen their economy, such as clean water initiatives, microfinance opportunities, and agricultural projects.
Generous giving from Cornerstone, along with funds raised from our annual bike tours, allowed us to build a multi-functional guest house and conference center called the Hope House, which was completed in 2018.
The work of restoring hope to the people of Dungu continues in a variety of areas.
In agriculture, a piggery was constructed in 2020 and the first pigs introduced in the spring of 2021. This project is designed to fight hunger and poverty while promoting self-sufficiency.
In healthcare, RHM’s sponsorship of Dr. Emile’s medical training has resulted in his graduation. He returned to Dungu in October of 2021. in light of the presence of Dr. Emile and the provision of funds for medical equipment and supplies as a result of last year’s bike tour, the construction of an updated and enlarged medical clinic is being considered.
In Trauma Healing, plans are being formalized for several trainings this summer. RHM is working with local leadership and Master Facilitators in the DRC to train people to work with adults and children. The audio materials for adults in oral cultures and the children’s trauma healing materials have not been introduced in the Dungu area before. A five-day camp is planned for up to 60 local children as the newly trained facilitators put their skills to work! These trainings represent a tremendous opportunity for the communication of hope and healing through faith in Christ.
In education, Bagu Alobeyo, the Executive Director of RHM, is leading a vision trip this month for a group of Pastors and educators interested in assisting with the establishment of a school of theology in the fall of this year.
The work of restoring hope through RHM continues! The prayers, generous gifts and fund-raising efforts, and the devoted leadership of men and women from Cornerstone Church have contributed greatly to the work God is doing to bring hope to the men, women and children of Dungu. Thank you!
Will you join us in praying for our brothers and sisters in Dungu according to the words of Paul in Romans 15:13? “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”