“We cannot keep quiet if there is something wrong.”
— Dr. Leonard Kabwita ,
 

In a world where 250,000 children are forced to be fighters or sex slaves, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the largest persistent violator, according to the United Nations Security Council. Because of the war, young boys are forced to enlist in the rebel army. Sexual assault of women and young girls has become the norm.

Compounding the problem is “conflict mineral,” the selling of copper, tungsten, tin and other minerals to support war efforts. Unfortunately, minerals sold to global supply chains and corporations may be used as components for electronics that are part of our everyday lives: mobile phones, MP3 players and computers.

United Methodists are trying to do something about it.

Armed with a grant from the Peace with Justice Sunday offering, the Jerusalem Justice and Peace Ministry (JJPM) is assisting communities in the DRC. While physical and emotional healing is vital, the ministry also challenges unjust systems.

“We cannot keep quiet if there is something wrong,” said JJPM executive Dr. Leonard Kabwita. JJPM workshops educate and empower Congolese people about justice issues in their communities and seek local solutions to close the gap between rich and poor.

When you give to Peace with Justice Sunday, you support ministries in the DRC, the United States and worldwide to remove unjust systems and equip the victimized to live more fulfilled lives.

To send donations by check, mail to:

GCFA, P.O. Box 340029, Nashville, TN 37203. NOTE: List the name of the Sunday in the note section of your check.

To read additional stories of lives changed by Peace with Justice Sundayclick here.

---Photos by Grassroot Group (Top photo: Scales for weighing the minerals from the mines)