On November 23, we talked about the staggering humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We shared how it has already been the cause of more deaths (excess of 5 million) than any disaster, war or genocide since World War II and also explained the coordinated ways we as a body have been and are currently responding. While we always encourage individuals to follow the Lord’s stirring in their generosity, we believe there is great wisdom in some instances (like Hurricane Katrina and this one) in responding together. We wanted to remind you of what we are doing and the steps you can take to bring more attention to this largely ignored crisis.
Many of you have asked, so we are repeating that we believe in this instance, it’s best for us to respond together, both to make the greatest impact and to mobilize and model for other churches what their body can also do. We’ve always said that 100% of our budget is a MISSION budget, and we invite you to join us as we provide for and spur on the world in general and the body of Christ specifically.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
In addition to the well over $100,000 already invested in leadership development and strategic training in Goma, we have just stewarded over $100,000 in additional cash to help our partners serving the Congolese, including:
- ALARM (African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries) and area churches. This aid will be provided by trusted local leaders and the faithful efforts of churches we’ve supplied training and encouragement to in that community.
- World Vision. These resources will help our contacts at World Vision, the largest provider of care to Congo’s citizens, to speak forcefully in government circles. Through World Vision’s relationships with government matching grants, our resources potentially may be multiplied as much as ten times.
Through both organizations, these resources will be used in the relief effort and specifically tied to the name of Jesus and the work of local churches.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- Continue to give generously. We encourage our body to continue investing with Watermark in all Kingdom work, both in Dallas and around the world, through the Watermark General Fund. As previously stated, every bit of Watermark’s budget is part of a “mission budget.” As you were stirred yesterday, continue to partner with us to serve those suffering from the destructive forces of the enemy both in Dallas and the other side of the world. By responding corporately through resources given to the Watermark General Fund we are also able to be an encouragement to other churches here as to how they might be able to corporately respond.
- Speak for those who can’t speak for themselves. If you’d like to urge our government leaders to take action to stop the violence and atrocities in Congo, use the sample letters and links provided below to make your voice heard.
- Help your children understand the great need in the world. Maybe that’s eating beans and rice for a week so your kids understand what many in the world eat on a daily basis -- then using the resources you would have spent on food to help others. Whatever tool you use, it’s important to help children see our responsibility as followers of Christ to help those in need.
A CALL TO ACTION
Speak for those who can’t speak for themselves. If you’d like to urge our government leaders to take action to stop the violence and atrocities in Congo, use the sample letters and links provided below to make your voice heard.
Download a Fact Sheet and sample letters
Write to government representatives.
Texas Senators’ and Representatives’ addresses
view a congressional map of Dallas area
White House Contact Info:
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20050
(202) 4561111
Additional information on the Congo (To be viewed by adults only)
Listen to: Worldviews Matter. Just Ask the Congo
