Read some amazing stories of resilience and transformation in our Semiannual Report!  Read here.

BACKGROUND:This year has been challenging for our Transform DRC staff, as war erupted in Goma on January 23. Within a week the M23 rebel force took control of key cities in North and South Kivu provinces. More than 7,000 people were killed. Yet in the midst of the turbulence, the Transform DRC staff remained faithful to serve the people of eastern DR Congo.

IMPACT: As we look back over the last 6 months, we celebrate what the Lord has done through your support and the efforts of our team on the ground. More than 4,100 people were empowered through training to help them live fuller lives and minister to others.

•  117 leaders trained for Certificate in Biblical Leadership Training

•  417 pastors and women leaders trained in Trauma Healing

•  22 pastors trained in Servant Leadership

•  55 church leaders received prayers and encouragement

•  60 Malkia Sewing School students participated in capacity building training

•  94 youth equipped for Church and Community Leadership

•  420 vulnerable children encouraged with improved living conditions and clothing

•  300 women and students trained on Human Rights issues

•  4,300+ pounds of food relief for church leaders and vulnerable children

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:

Give: Please consider making an additional donation to help us sustain our efforts in eastern DR Congo. Give here.

Pray: The Transform DRC staff asks that you continue your prayers for peace in their region, for their families, and that they will be a light shining Jesus to others in this difficult time. 

Thank you for making this work possible.

Donate Here

“This conference changed the way I see the world. I now understand that globalization is not bad in itself, but it requires us to remain true to Christ. I leave with a new vision, anchored in Scripture.” — Mogisha

Christian youth face many challenges, but also great opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world where cultural, ideological, and technological influences are intersecting at an unprecedented rate.

Background :  Recognizing the challenges faced by today’s young people in Goma, the ECC Church invited TransformDRC to hold a conference for 50 youth, department heads, men and women around the subject :  "Values ​​of Christian Youth in the Face of Globalization."

TransformDRC Response :  The TransformDRC Staff led this conference with the goal to equip Christian youth to actively engage in a globalized world without compromising their Christian faith. 

Outcomes :   At the end of the conference, the attendees understood that globalization must not dilute their Christian identity, but rather become a forum to live out the values ​​of the Kingdom of God. This meeting marked a turning point for a new generation of balanced, young Christians rooted in the Word of God, open to the world, yet faithful to Christ.  Ultimately, Christian youth must learn to live counter-culturally—not in isolation or judgment, but as witnesses of a different way of life rooted in love, truth, and hope.

Conclusion:  The young people left equipped with biblical and practical tools to face the challenges of globalization with discernment, and integrity, and with their Christian faith intact.

Donate Here

January began a very difficult season for our staff at TransformDRC and the people of eastern Congo when the Rwandan-backed M23 Rebels took control of Goma and several other towns.

Once the bombs stopped falling the TransformDRC staff got back to work.  They said, “We cannot stop ministering because of insecurity.  We must continue to work “in season and out of season”.

Since January, your generosity has enabled the staff to work tirelessly under difficult circumstances to:

·       Encourage, pray with, and provide food for 55 pastors who were struggling to see God at work as friends and family were killed in the conflict;

·       Train 104 women in a trauma healing conference;

·       Train 120 Married Couples (Pastors and their wives) in Trauma Healing to help their marriage relationship, children and community;

·       Visit and encourage 420 children at the Bright Children’s Orphanage;

·       Conduct 2 sessions of Biblical Training for Pastors and Women Leaders for 60 attendees;

·       Train 22 pastors in Masisi Territory on Servant Leadership;

·       Train 60 women in the Malkia School about family, marriage and succession code;

·       Train 73 pastor’s wives on Trauma Healing.

Thank you for making this work possible.

Give: Please consider making an additional donation to help us sustain our efforts in Goma.   Give here.

Pray: The Transform DRC staff asks that you continue your prayers for peace in their region, for their families, and that they will be a light shining Jesus to others in this difficult time. 

“You are welcome here.  Implement whatever you want.  We need your kind of organization here.” – Chief of Nyiragongo Territory to Transform DRC Staff

Background: The M23 Rebel government closed all the IDP Camps in Goma and told the people living there to go back to their homes.  Prior to the fighting between the Congolese Army and the M23 Rebels, Transform DRC had installed 98  water tanks with rain catchment systems and water filters that provided clean water to more than 5000 people in Kibumba and Buhumba. 

Why it Matters:  Unfortunately, many of these water tanks were damaged in the fighting cutting off access to clean drinking water to the local population.  Water-borne diseases are now rampant in the area due to a lack of drinkable water.

Transform DRC Actions:  Before visiting Kibumba and Buhumba to make an assessment of the needed repairs, Transform DRC Staff visited Nyiragongo Territory to get permission from the Chief to repair the tanks and restart the project to fill the tanks with clean drinking water using water trucks from Goma.  They were well-received by the Chief and were given permission to continue their work.  

Next Steps:

• Transform DRC Staff are currently assessing the damage to the tanks, rain catchment systems and water filters. 

• Continue bringing water trucks to these 2 communities from Goma to fill the tanks with clean water, in partnership with UMCOR.

• Provide seeds of potatoes, corn and cabbage so the local populations can grow much-needed food.

  Donate Here

Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UMNS.

Women’s Gathering: Giving Thanks for God’s Protection

Dear Friends,

“You stand with us like Moses, Aaron, and Hur did with Joshua. Each success, impact, and transformation is yours too.” – from a participant at the Women’s Conference hosted by Transform DRC.

Transform DRC rejoices in God’s protection over the recent women’s gathering in Goma. Women came together to pray, learn, and encourage one another. This event was a powerful reminder of faith, resilience, and God’s unfailing presence in a region facing ongoing challenges.

The gathering focused on the story of the woman who reached out to Jesus in faith and was healed. Like her, these women persevere through hardship, trusting God’s power to restore and renew. They shared testimonies, discussed trauma healing, and prayed for families, churches, and their nation.

Despite security concerns, the travel and event were completed safely and without interruption, a testament to God’s grace and the prayers of many.

How to Continue Supporting This Mission:

Pray for the women and their communities to remain strong in faith.

Give to sustain programs that bring healing and hope.

Share this mission with others who may want to help.

Transform DRC is deeply grateful for the support that makes gatherings like this possible.  Your prayers and support are changing lives. Thank you for standing with us!

Donate Here

Background: The situation in Eastern Congo is dire. The M23 takeover of Goma has displaced millions, forcing them to seek refuge in schools, churches, and homes. M23 has closed the Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps, leaving many with nowhere to go.

Why It Matters: Church leaders have stepped in, taking IDPs into their homes despite struggling to support their own families.

The Details: Thanks to your generous support, Transform DRC has been able to:

• Encourage 55 pastors with scripture and prayer, reminding them that God sees them, hears them, and is able to save them.

• Distribute over 3,000 lbs. of rice (~5,500 servings) and provide financial aid for fresh food, helping pastors feed their families and the IDPs they have taken in.

• Offer hope and support to those who are losing faith in these challenging times, praying for their families, peace, and thanking God for His protection.

Go Deeper:  For more information on the situation in Goma:  click here or here. 

Call to Action: Your continued prayers and financial support are crucial.

·       Give: Please consider making an additional donation to help us sustain our efforts in Goma. Give Here.

·       Pray: The Transform DRC staff asks that you continue your prayers for peace in their region, for their families, and that they will be a light shining Jesus to others in this difficult time.

The Transform DRC Staff has repeatedly said, “We know we are still alive because of your prayers.”

Thank you for standing with us in this critical time.

Dear Friends,

The recent escalation of conflict in eastern Congo has brought immense challenges to the Transform DRC team and the communities they serve. More than 2000 people lost their lives as rebels overtook Goma. Goma is a critical trade and humanitarian hub that hosted many of the close to 6.5 million people displaced in the conflict, the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.  Now, these Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps have been evacuated, destroyed or abandoned leaving thousands without shelter.  Many have ended up in over-crowded churches, schools or local families. Healthcare facilities are under strain, and access to essential services is increasingly difficult and expensive.

We have been in contact with our team on the ground in Goma. The most immediate needs are food, water, and safety for our courageous team who have continued to stay in the game for those they serve.

The need is urgent, and we are doing everything we can to adapt and respond. Many of you have reached out to us, inquiring about how broader shifts in United States international aid funding are impacting our work. We do not receive United States’ government funding and our work continues uninterrupted.  

We will continue to keep you updated as the situation unfolds.  In the meantime, let’s show our brothers and sisters in the DRC that our commitment to them remains steadfast. If you are able, please consider making a donation to sustain our emergency response and ongoing programs. Thank you for standing with us in this vital work.

With appreciation,

Amy Goddard, Transform DRC

Dear Friends,

We have been waiting, praying, and trusting in God’s faithfulness—and today, we give thanks for "daily bread" and answered prayers!

Kevin received a message from Marie Jeanne (MJ), and we are relieved to share that our team in the DRC is alive and safe. Despite the challenges they face under the new government, they remain resilient and hopeful. Some have access to water and electricity, though Marie Jeanne and Jean Pierre (JP) do not. They are staying at home and can only communicate by SMS.

MJ’s words were simple but powerful: "Please, keep praying for us, not easy."

We thank God for sustaining them, but we know their struggles and the millions they serve in Eastern Congo are far from over. So, we ask you to continue lifting them in prayer:

For healing and provision for the thousands who have suffered trauma and loss over the past several days

Thank you for praying with us. Your faithfulness has made a difference. Let’s keep pressing forward, trusting in God’s unfailing love.

With gratitude and hope,
Norm Headlam
Transform DRC

It has been almost a day and a half since we lost contact with our team in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The situation rapidly evolves, and we are deeply concerned about their safety and well-being. We urgently need your prayers for their protection and peace in the region.

When Kevin and I visited the DRC last November, we shared many powerful moments with our team. One of those moments was praying the Lord’s Prayer with the students and the TDRC staff. Afterward, Theophile shared something that has deeply impacted us.  Looking at the students, he noted, “When we pray, ‘Give us this day our daily bread,’ it means something to us.” then he turned to Kevin and me and added with humility, “You don’t understand daily bread like we do.”  For those in the DRC, this simple prayer is a plea for the basics—food, safety, and peace amid chaos.

Congolese children watch the deployment of government troops outside, Goma, DRC.

I am writing to share an urgent update on the escalating crisis in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The M23 rebel group has intensified its offensive, capturing key towns, including Sake and Minova, and is approaching Goma, a city of 2 million people. 

Tragically, Major General Peter Cirimwami, the military governor of North Kivu province, was killed on the front lines, highlighting the gravity of the situation. 

This surge in violence has displaced over 400,000 individuals, compounding an already severe humanitarian crisis. 

We earnestly request your prayers for the following:

1. Peace: The conflict will cease, and a path to reconciliation will emerge.

2. Protection: For families and communities caught in the crossfire, especially the displaced.

3. Strength: For leaders and organizations working to bring relief and hope.

Transform DRC is a faith-driven organization dedicated to transforming communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo through comprehensive spiritual, physical, emotional, relational and economic empowerment. Guided by the visionary leadership of Rev. Dr. hc Marie Jeanne Munanga Hamuli and Rev. Dr. hc Theophile Kanyabugoyi Manirarora, the organization tackles critical challenges faced by vulnerable populations while fostering sustainable pahtways to long-term change and resilience.

Greetings from Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo! As we embrace this season of hope, our hearts overflow with gratitude for you. This past year, our first full year as TransformDRC, has been extraordinary. Despite the profound challenges of ongoing insecurity, heartbreaking loss, and widespread suffering, we’ve witnessed God’s incredible hand at work in ways beyond imagination.

Your unwavering support and generosity have been a lifeline, and we are thrilled to share that your contributions have fully covered our 2024 expenses—an overwhelming blessing for which we are deeply thankful.

As we look to 2025, the needs continue to grow, and we face a significant funding gap for the first quarter. Would you prayerfully consider making a generous year-end gift and perhaps committing to a monthly contribution? We’re also excited to announce that in October 2024, TransformDRC was approved as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, making all donations tax-deductible.

Donate Here

🌍Reflecting on an Incredible Journey to the DRC 🌍

From November 15–22, I had the profound privilege of traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with Kevin Dial to teach a Systematic Theology class and witness firsthand the incredible work of Transform DRC (TDRC). This week was a journey of learning, teaching, and experiencing the unwavering resilience of the Congolese people in the face of immense challenges.

Each day blended classroom teaching, visits to displaced communities, and heartfelt connections with individuals living under difficult circumstances. This trip highlighted the transformative power of faith, education, and collaboration, from equipping pastors to empowering young women and supporting TDRC’s impactful outreach.

Update from TDRC in Goma!

Last month, our amazing team at TDRC hosted a General Conference on Family Enrichment in Goma. This inspiring event brought together 50 pastors and their wives, offering them much needed encouragement and support.

The gathering was filled with uplifting teachings, worship, and practical assistance. Each couple received essential food supplies, which were a true blessing given the tough circumstances in the region.

A huge THANK YOU to all our supporters! Your generous contributions brought joy and relief, and the grateful smiles on the participants' faces say it all.

To keep supporting this important work, please visit our website (transformdrc.org) to donate!

#TDRC #FamilyEnrichment #CommunitySupport #Gratitude #Goma

In a powerful gathering led by Marie-Jeanne, military spouses and their families found solace in a moment of rejuvenation, prayer, praise, and renewal.