Story number 1 for 22 Jan 2002

(Congo)–Headlining today’s news, the volcanic eruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo is being called a tragedy. At least that’s how Food for the Hungry’s Beth Allen is describing the disaster. Allen explains why. “This is not simply about feed people. Due to the volcanic eruption the land around that area has basically been ruined. We have a half million people who were residents of Goma who probably will not be able to go back where they once lived. And, the biggest difficulty that we have is that since Congo is a war zone, it’s not like there’s a lot of land for them to be resettled to.” The immediate need is for food, water and shelter. Allen says churches will be the key to leading people to Christ. “We always work with existing churches in the area. We have networks set up particularly in Bukavu where we’ve been working. We’re already established there and somebody the people are already comfortable talking with, somebody they’re familiar with. And, that type of evangelism is usually quite successful.” Call 800-2-Hunger to help.