January 2–4 fast materials
Violence and Food Insecurity
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
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Fasting options
The typical fast would begin after a simple meal Friday evening, refrain from food Saturday and break the fast with Communion or a communal meal on Sunday.
Those who are not fasting from food can choose to eat simple meals, skip a meal or design a fast that fits their circumstances.
Fasting from food should be avoided by those with health-related conditions, such as diabetes, heart problems and pregnancy. Anyone with questions about their health condition should consult with their doctor before beginning. Those fasting should read the guidelines in “Fasting 101.”
Friday evening
Preparing and Focusing
Taking it Straight from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Book of Order
Reflection by Amanda Craft
As I write this reflection, I am in the midst of Advent. The time of waiting stillness as I reflect and ponder the extraordinary blessing of Christ’s birth. However, I am aware that you will be reading this after the advent season, but I cannot let my current thoughts of the season be pushed aside. It is even starker when I think that as I have the luxury of time, stillness and safety as many of my brothers and sisters are not free to celebrate and remember in such a way. This month we will reflect on the how violence affects food security through the lens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As the situation unfolds and more lives are affected, I found this statement from the Book of Order so fitting. It is taken from W-5.5003 “Disciplines of Fasting and Enacting Prayer”:
Christians observe special times and seasons for the disciplines of fasting, keeping vigil, and other forms of enacted prayer. It is also appropriate to observe these disciplines at any time, especially in preparation for specific acts of discipleship or as acts of penitence, reconciliation, peacemaking, social protest, and compassion.
Our brothers and sisters in the Congo need acts of solidarity that help world leaders take a step to create and find lasting solutions that bring reconciliation and peacemaking to this region that has too long been plagued by violence. Out of this time of fasting, I hope that as a church, we find the compassion and mercy to make others aware and to find ways we can bring about the change. The birth of Christ was full of promise and may be share those promises with others.
Timeline of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Learn about Congo’s colonial history, the struggle for independence and the political path that was taken to create the country now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. See a chronology of key events.
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Overview of the Food Crisis Impact on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Since its inception, PRODEK has worked in partnership with the PC(USA) to execute a food security program designed to help the communities it works with increase their agricultural production. This work has produced visible results, although given the political and economic context, and difficulties caused by war and poor governance, the successes have been modest. PRODEK is a denominational non-profit organization attempting to create positive development in one region of the Congo. What follows is their assessment of the situation.
A camp for internally displaced people. Photo courtesy of the U.N. World Food Programme The food crisis, which nowadays has become a global issue, has been rising again in our country of Congo since the 1990s. Aggravated by the throes of war for over a decade, this crisis has become even more acute due to the global economic crisis. Up until July, food prices have been continuously soaring. The people are not eating sufficiently to quell their hunger. We can attest that the crisis is real and will persist, because on top of all these problems, our government remains passive and insensitive to this situation in which the entire population finds itself sinking.
The team of PRODEK seeks to bring its own modest contribution to alleviate this problem by employing its in-the-field experience as a development agent working for at least 15 years with farmers in the region.
Firstly, we wanted to apologize for the delay in sending you this article. This was due to poor health and a heavy workload. We received the request during a work trip to Kananga to promote improved palm trees. There are three parts to our presentation:
ABOUT PRODEK
The Kasai Development Program, known under its French acronym PRODEK, is located in the Kabeya–Kamuanga District of Tshilenge, in the East Kasaï Province in the DRC.
Who are the direct beneficiaries of PRODEK’s ministry?
They are 2,832 farmers and migratory herders of the Kabeya-Kamuanga area, who are organized in 188 farmers’ organizations and seven farmer federations, which together form the farmers’ network.
This network intends to serve as a kind of trade union, a forum where all farmers of the region have the ability to take charge of their actions and particularly to advocate against all kinds of harassment to which they fall pray.
What are the goals and areas of intervention?
PRODEK seeks the socio-economic well-being of the rural population of the Kabeya-Kamuanga area by assisting with:
- Increasing agricultural production to achieve food sufficiency and food sovereignty and to create market surpluses
- Provision of drinking water to improve health conditions
To achieve these goals PRODEK employs the following strategies:
- Capacity-building through training
- Monitoring and accompaniment
- Propagation of new varieties of improved seeds (oil palm trees, peanuts) and healthy cuttings of manioc
- Exchange visits
- Research
Some of our main hindrances:
- Monetary instability
- Dependence from foreign aid
- Inadequate financial and material means
- Deterioration of road ways
- Burden of customary hierarchy
- War troubles
The Food Crisis in the context of the DRC
In light of the above, we present the impact of the food crisis in the DRC by an analysis of development issues as they are experienced by the Congolese population. Download the chart.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, the food crisis persists, and its consequences are devastating for a nation like the DRC which is fully engaged in a phase of national reconstruction.
External causes relate to the poor management of the environment, characterized by the pollution of nature, but they are also related to increased production of biofuels. Even more, the prospects for the DRC makes for a gloomy picture as the food crisis has just recently become exacerbated by a dirty and unjust war that has been imposed on us.
The population lives in a state of apathy. All government programs created to address this curse are turned upside down and paralyzed and investors are leaving the country. In the east of Congo there is a generalized panic. All has come to a stand still and the number of lost lives cannot be enumerated. The dislocations of the population make them especially vulnerable to bad weather.
So the war is destroying everything. It wipes out everything. The agreed upon efforts to fight the food crisis are dwindling and the crisis is far from ending.
— Medi Kanda, PRODEK
Kananga, December 4, 2008
Friday evening prayer
God of all goodness, to you I offer this period of fasting. Open me to your presence that I may know what you would have me do to build a world in which all your children have enough. I pray through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saturday: fasting and integrating
Early morning prayer
Great and gracious God, I pray for your world. I lift up the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. May people there and around your world have faith and hope and courage for the living of these days. May your will be done. May justice prevail. May peace reign. May everyone be fed. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Breakfast-time prayer
Ever-loving God, Jesus taught that we do not live by bread alone. I give thanks this day for all your gifts. I thank you for the gift of prayer and the gift of the community of faith that surrounds me. May I experience your presence nourishing and nurturing me in this time of fasting. May it be a time of reflection, insight, and growth. I pray through Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. Amen.
Lunch-time prayer
Mvidi Mukula, Elder Spirit, Loving Judge,
Brilliant Sun who blinds those looking at You,
The Bounteous Provider who feeds even the animals of the forest,
Father of our ancestors and Father of our Chief, Jesus,
We give You thanks and praise.
Yesu Kilisto, Jesus Christ, Chief of all Chiefs,
You are the gourd of the water of reconciliation which we drink
to cool our conflict with God, our neighbor, ourselves.
You are the Tshinkunku tree around which our hunters gather to confess sins to each other.
You heal sickness and weakness and sin today even as You did in Israel.
The ancestors said that a son equals his father, thus You are truly God.
Mueyelu wa Mvidi Mukulu, Breath of God, Holy Spirit,
You are the wind of power moving in and among us cleansing, liberating, and sustaining.
Through You we become joined to people of every tribe and nation.
It is You who give birth to the Church and cause it to move.
Our God, we give You thanks and praise for Your mercy to us. When we came to this land, You were already here. Though we sleep through he night as if dead, we awaken each morning to life. Give grace to your Church that we might be the hand of Your salvation, of Your liberation to the people of all tribes.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
— Lutumba Tukadi-Kuetu
Prayer of the Kasai, from Walking with Africans
Translated by Hunter Farrell
Supper-time prayer
If the merciful God had not been on our side
We could have been crushed,
When most of the World powers came together to decide about the future of our country.
Oh Merciful Lord,
We thank you for making us kind people,
We thank you Lord for giving us a country rich in natural resources.
We beg you to convert people of bad heart and bad mind on the behalf of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
We beg you to teach us all how to live friendly with other people.
We beg you to help the Congolese people recover their humanity and taking over their responsibility on the Land you gave them.
We beg you to help us be a mirror and a source of blessings for our neighbors.
Let us become a pattern of peace and cooperation for the human being.
Let us be respectful of human rights and creation.
Help us benefit from the seeds within our Eden Garden and learn to share it carefully with other needy people.
Our heavenly Father, make us peacemakers.
Amen.
— The Rev. Pierre Mpia Mopendo, Presbyterian Church of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
The Rev. Mopendo has served as an International Peacemaker with the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.
Evening prayer time
Loving God, you have called us to be a healing presence in a hurting world
Make me your healing hands for the children, O God.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea, in Lesotho and Kenya and Uganda, in Malawi and Mozambique and Mauritius, in Zambia and Zimbabwe, in Ghana and Liberia and Sierra Leone, in the Republic of South Africa and Angola, in Cameroon and Niger and Rwanda, in Sudan and Madagascar and Ethiopia,
Make me your healing hands for the children, O God.
Loving God, when people ask, “and how are the children?” we know that the children are not well.
Make me your healing hands for the children, O God. Amen.
—Adapted from Africa’s Children: A Church Response to Children’s Issues in Sub-Saharan Africa
The Peacemaking Program, the International AIDS Office, the Office of Child Advocacy and the Office on Africa have produced a resource Africa’s Children: A Church Response to Children’s Issues in Sub-Saharan Africa. This free booklet provides an overview of the situation faced by children and suggests ways that Presbyterians can respond.
Biblical reflection
Excerpt from Steps Along the Way: Living as Peacemakers in a Violent World
By Arch Taylor
The Bible is replete with battles, warfare (including genocide) and militaristic imagery. However, we may discern a growing tendency in Scripture toward questioning and opposing war, eve war that some might call “just” or “self-defense.” Jesus, our Savior, teacher, and supreme example, said, “Love your enemies.” When a disciple drew a sword to defend him, Jesus said, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matt. 26:52). These sayings of Jesus challenge us to adopt a new and different attitude toward those we think of as enemies and to give closer attention to the costly consequences of war.
1 Kings 22:1-28 — a just war?
The king of Israel wished to go to war to take back some territory currently occupied by neighboring Aram (modern Syria). He had already repelled attaches from Aram twice, and he felt very confident. The religious establishment — in the person of four hundred prophets — assured him that God would give him victory. One prophet, Micaiah son of Imlah, warned the king the God had sent a lying spirit into the prophets to lure him to his death. In spite of this warning, carried away by pride, ambition, trust in military power, and near total support of the religious leaders, the king marched forth to his and his nation’s defeat.
Hosea 10:13-14 — mere possession of military power invites military conflict
During the chaotic period of Israel’s resistance against Assyria, the prophet Hosea warned his people: “Because you have trusted in your power and in the multitude of your warriors, therefore the tumult of war shall rise against your people, and all your fortresses shall be destroyed, as Shalman destroyed Beth-arbel on the day of battle when mothers were dashed in pieces with their children” (Hos. 10:13-14). Israel fell before Assyria because Israel trusted in military power and insisted on armed resistance. The story further reminds us that merely possessing weapons often brings the temptation to use them. The attitude becomes on of “What’s the point of having all these arms if we don’t use them?”
Jeremiah 27:1-29:23 (see particularly 29:1-9) — war of self-defense
About 586 BCE, the new Babylonian superpower threatened all the Palestinian states. The prophet Jeremiah advised them to submit to Babylon. He gave the same message to King Zedekiah of Judah, and to the people, priests, and prophets: “Stop fighting. Surrender.” Jeremiah knew the human cost of war. “[People] shall die of deadly diseases. They shall not be lamented, nor shall they be buried; they shall become like dung on the surface of the ground. They shall perish by the sword and by famine, and their dead bodies shall become food for the birds of the air and for wild animals of the earth” (16:4). The rulers called Jeremiah a traitor and kept fighting desperately. Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, killed the king as well as thousands of the people, and exiled many others to Babylon. To those exiles, Jeremiah sent a letter urging them to settle down, build houses, raise families, and pray for the peace of the Babylonians, for peaceful co-existence was God’s will for all people.
In Jesus’ day, the Jews suffered from oppression by Rome. They wanted a leader like King David to deliver them from this enemy. Jesus refused to let them make him king (John 6:15). He foresaw that the Zealot resistance movement would only crush the citizens and their children and bring destruction for Jerusalem and the temple (Luke 19:41-44). Jesus forbad his disciples call him “Messiah” lest it rouse expectations of national liberation. Instead, he called them to follow him on the way of the cross (Mark 8:27-34).
The tragedy Jesus foresaw for the Jews came to pass. Two uprisings against Rome resulted in the death and slavery for thousands, and, two thousand years of Diaspora. Now, the Jews’ return to Israel has displaced and dehumanized the Palestinians. They respond with violence, followed by Israeli retaliation with overwhelming armed power. Where will the cycle end?
As you reflect on the realities of the Congo, a country rich in human and natural resources, why does it continue to be plagued with violence? Why is it that humans seek to control and dominate? Why do we turn to violence instead of peaceful opportunities?
How does making war take away from other needs in life? How can making war cause food insecurity for a region or country?
Learn More
 Oxfam at work in DRC
Oxfam has been covering the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to strive to provide necessary food supplements to those in most need. Watch a video on the ground about the reality and this work in the DRC. Learn more.
Contextual Groundwork: Letters from Church Partners in the DRC
We asked our Presbyterian partners in the DRC to respond to the following question: “How does violence and food insecurity affect the Congolese people?”
Letter from The Rev. Josue Tshimungu Mayela
For the DRC, in addition to the global causes, I list the following:
There, in a few words, are the causes for the food crisis in our country. These date back to the formation of our country, which has never been free to do that which is necessary, hindered by all the regimes that have followed independence.
For this reason we are also going to organize days of fasting and prayer for the end of the war and for the food crisis. We will probably do this on the same days as our other partners.
Greetings in Christ,
The Rev. Josue Tshimungu Mayela
The Rev. Mayela is the president of the Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa. This translation was provided by Rev. Jeff Boyd, PC(USA) Regional Liaison.
Letter from Elder Simon Ntumba Tsitenge
We add the effects of colonialism to the causes of the food crisis, which have made farming a painful job, and not lucrative for farmers. The colonizers used the rural population to work the cotton and peanut fields, palm oil groves, coffee plantations, etc. for their own benefit and for exportation. The farmers received almost nothing. Consequently, when the colonizers left, the population rejected the primary place of agriculture, because they did not have buyers for the crops left by the colonizers. Farmers prioritized the crops needed for families and individuals to survive. Here are other factors that contributed to the food crisis:
- The immigration of the rural population toward the cities for jobs, school, or for an easier life has reduced agricultural production.
- The authorization of small-scale mining noticeably reduced the number of villagers interested in farming.
- The non-mechanization of farming and the lack of a permanent and quality production of improved seeds.
- The rapid growth of urban populations compared with that of the farmers using archaic tools does not permit a sufficient production.
- There is a lack of policy supporting training and subsidies to farmers.
- Those with financial capital are not interested in investing in agriculture. They tie that to village life and poverty.
- The lack and poor condition of the roads, which discourage farmers from producing more.
- The lack of provincial control on the prioritization of crops.
We will continue to reflect on this and will try to envision needed proposals and solutions.
Greetings in the Lord,
Elder Ntumba
Elder Ntumba is the director for the Protestant Printing Press of Kasai, operated by the Presbyterian Community of Congo.
Sunday: breaking the fast and responding
It's important to break a fast carefully. Eating too much too soon will overload your digestive system, causing uncomfortable and disruptive reactions.
Early morning prayer time
God of the journey, on this day I give thanks that you accompany me. May your presence and grace strengthen me during this time of fasting. May your presence and grace guide me in my living this and every day. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Breakfast-time prayer
God of Abundance, as I miss this final meal by choice, gently remind me of my sisters and brothers who will continue to go hungry. As I prepare to break my fast, boldly inspire me to act toward that day when all your children are fed. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Break the Fast with Holy Communion
A majority of Presbyterian congregations have communion on the first Sunday of each month, but some do not. If your congregation doesn’t celebrate the Eucharist on the first weekend of the month, you could break the fast with a breakfast or a lunch before or after worship. Alternately, another time of the month can be chosen to do the fast.
Liturgical materials for the January 2008 fast
Break the Fast with a Meal After or Before Worship Service
Bring local foods (as much as possible), perhaps create a prayerful ritual or simple worship liturgy, and share your fasting experience.
You might wish to begin or end your meal with the Communion or liturgical materials from above.
Responses to the global food crisis
These responses are steps towards solutions; they are ways we can engage in our food system and learn ways of working toward the deeper changes needed. Consider choosing one or two to do during the month as part of your faith practice.
Personal responses
Communal responses
- Read the story of Luanga in the DRC who lost his parents to AIDS and is saved by nutrition gained from the Moringa tree with children in your congregation. Use the Bible Study Curriculum “Around the Moringa Tree” from PDA and PHP about the amazing Moringa Tree and how it provides nutrition, sustenance and health for so many hungry people in God's world.
- Learn about Presbyterian Women’s Eco-Palm Project which economically supports women in the Congo. When the income of women increases, the welfare and food security of families also increase!
- Gather the children and youth in your congregation to learn more about the Red Hand Campaign to stop the use of children as soldiers. Learn more about the campaign and how to be involved.
- V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. The focus for V-Day 2009 is on the dire situation of women and girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Hold a V-Day workshop at your congregation to raise awareness about the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Find more information and resources on V-Day.
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