June 24, update

 Here is the latest report from Pastor Raha Muzibao, in Bukavu, D.R. Congo;

Many people from Goma fled 180km south to Bukavu seeking safety and shelter.

Their situation remains critical. Millions of displaced people are starving, face hunger and hardship. 

There are thousands of families living in unfinished buildings with their children without food, drinking water and their life condition deteriorates daily.

We are so thankful for the assistance from local and international organizations as well as our Congolese government, but the reality is that the needs are so immense, beyond human imagination! 

These displaced people and their children are facing a great humanitarian crisis due to severe hunger and lack of proper sanitation.

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Suzan’s testimony

My name is Suzan, I am 43, a mother of 6 children, a widow my husband died in civil war in North Kivu.

May 22, 2021 as the radio announced that Nyiragongo volcano erupted, people must immediately leave their homes and evacuate the areas.

I didn’t know what would happen to me and my family. I was out of my mind with fear. I left my poor home carried out with me my 6 children. We left empty-handed.

Imagine, following thousands of people running away to save their lives. One day of walking, and we were very exhausted out of energy. A miracle took place as I saw an old lorry headed to Bukavu. I took courage and jumped in together with the children. It’s all that I can remember. We sat down..... there were no benches, just an empty lorry.

 I arrived in Bukavu with my 6 children and other displaced people. I now have nowhere to go, I am staying in an unfinished building without beds, chairs, and other basic necessities

It is true that the volcano eruption brought a lot of discomfort and loss of any hope (especially in going back to Goma…. to nothing! Our houses are now unrecognizable and in a stone shape.)

The love that people have shown is overwhelming but the question remains on how to survive in a new environment with no job and nothing to stand on, children in need, and many other necessities. 

Unimaginable suffering! All we can do is ask for help from people with charitable hearts who are willing to assist. 

We believe that it is only if we hold hands and pray that we the affected community of Goma can find hope again and be able to move forward. But before that happens we need you to walk with us and hold our hands. 

Raha Muzibao 

Wezesha Foundation DRC

update June 17.....

This report is from Pastor Raha, Bukau, DRC

Together Building Africa has quickly responded positively to the need working together with Wezesha Foundation (a micro-finance program) to assist thousands of displaced families who have reached the city of Bukavu. Pastor Raha Muzibao and the team worked urgently on the following; 

1. Identification of displaced people: more than 400 hundred needy families children included were identified for immediate basic needs such as food, water, and bedsheets 
2. Registration of needy families; the most vulnerable families were registered and given a green card in order to access food distribution the next day
3. Procurement of food: it was supplied locally by local sellers  
4. Distributions: Our distributions were conducted on the church’s ground just in front. Distributions events were open to the public for transparency and fair distribution to all. 155 families got food packages. According to displaced testimonies, our food packages were so enough to feed a family for a month. 
5. Beneficiaries: 155 families, 1240 indirect beneficiaries received food with great success. 

The situation remains so bad and overwhelming, Goma’s displace families still present an urgent humanitarian need. So many individuals are needing food, water, shelter, and medical supplies.

displaced people lined up to receive aid;

June 15, report.....

 Reports coming from Congo;

• the situation remains overwhelmingly urgent
• So many needing food, water, shelter
• The packages given by TBA contain enough food for a family for a month
• They say that there is nowhere else to receive this kind of provision
• The people are crying with thanksgiving for these sustainable supplies 
• They are also expressing how amazed they are to see Canada responding! They don’t feel forgotten, when help has reached them “from so far away”!
• Those distributing say that serving these brothers and sisters has touched their hearts.
• Word from the victims …. “What else can we call a miracle than that of a brother coming through with help when you least expect it and need it the most?!?”
• “Truly people are in need, and a hand of compassion is a miracle to them!”
• “There is no equal to what TBA and donors have done! This is truly the love of God!”

We were sent this testimony of a surviving mother;

She was just home from the hospital recovering from a c-section. Three days later, the volcano erupted. Her home was right next to the volcano. She and her children ran away from Goma hoping to find safety in Sake, a village 24km from Goma. She was not able to make the trip, so she walked back to Goma. 

Her next attempt was to go to the Goma port, but they failed to find a boat with any room. She went back to the city. The next day, she made the journey again, again without success, and they returned to the city.

On the third trip to the port, she was able to board a boat together with the family and the newborn.

They made it to Bukavu, where our people identified them among the most urgently in need, and provided them with a life-sustaining package.

June 10, 2021

 the report from DRC is that "the need in Bukavu region is HUGE!"

Although we have not yet reached our campaign target, the urgency of the need prompted us to send half of the funds raised, to D.R.Congo last week!

Distribution began yesterday. We are told that TBA is the only organization providing sustainable relief for the recipients and their families! (ie: each pile represents food for an entire family). In front are some of the workers who have made this possible.

We also received a recording of the news broadcast on the radio, giving public appreciation to Together Building Africa, Canada, for making food possible, saying it has been a big help!

This is all made possible through YOUR support! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

In order to respond to the cry for help, this campaign continues!  

Report......

 Already, salt, cooking oil, bread, rice, and maize flour have been purchased. 

Tomorrow is a big day! Distribution Day!!

We are still responding as God enables us.

most of all......

update re:crisis

 We are still working toward our goal of $25,000.CAD to deliver food and water for survival. TBA was able to send a portion of that already.

Currently, on the ground, the team is identifying the most desperate and planning for effective distribution. We should be getting pictures and perhaps some videos, soon.

Thank you to all who have responded with compassion. You are hope builders!

I feel so thankful that we serve a God who sees and rewards!! Our thanks feels too inadequate, may you encounter His! God bless each one of you!

updates

"We are assisting the immediate needs of displace people, but it is not enough. We demand urgent support of other humanitarian organizations to assist people" (Magali Roudaut, MSF head of mission in DRC. MSF is 'Doctors without borders)

Hundreds of thousands of people are displaced.

UNICEF found 530 children who were separated from their families.

RED CROSS received 735 requests for help in finding missing children (news agency AFP reports)

Half a million are without water.....cholera poses a great threat creating an urgent need to provide safe drinking water.

Donations received through TBA, will be used to reach the survivors and provide FOOD and WATER. May God help us!

If you wish to donate, please enter your address so we can send year-end tax receipts. Donations over $20. will be receipted.