Asha and his family were raised in the Congo. They were relentlessly discriminated against due to their ethnic background, facing severe hardships and injustices.
They were denied citizenship and political representation, their assets were seized, and they endured violent attacks and riots instigated by other tribal groups.
Asha recalls, “We have lived under ethnic discrimination and permanent persecution.”
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a complex and multifaceted crisis that has been ongoing since the mid-1990s.
It began with the aftermath of the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, which led to an influx of refugees and armed groups into eastern Congo. The conflict escalated with the First Congo War (1996-1997) and the Second Congo War (1998-2003), involving multiple African nations and resulting in millions of deaths, primarily from disease and starvation.
The wars officially ended with peace agreements, but violence has persisted driven by ethnic tensions, competition over mineral resources, and the presence of various rebel groups. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with widespread displacement and human rights abuses continuing to affect the Congolese population.
In 1977, Asha was ordained as a pastor, a role that did not shield him or his family from the escalating violence and persecution. Asha was falsely accused of being a spy within his community and the threats became so severe that they were forced to flee Congo, moving to Rwanda.
Safety remained elusive and Asha and his family were forced to flee again to Uganda and later Kenya.
“Insecurity and fear for my life made me run from Uganda,” Asha shares, reflecting on the harrowing decision to leave everything behind. “Yes, we have escaped from Uganda, but even here now we are living under fear for our life,” Asha confides. The relentless pressure of trying to provide for his family in such dire circumstances took a significant toll on him…
“There is no worse experience than being a father who cannot provide for his family,” he says.
Recently, Asha and his family relocated to Australia. This displacement brought about numerous challenges. They experienced a loss of dignity, struggled to find a sense of belonging in a new community, and suffered from extreme hunger for much of their lives.
Amidst these trials, the support from Philoi has been a beacon of hope for Asha and his family. Philoi has played a crucial role in their relocation and resettlement in Australia.
“Here at Philoi, we care deeply for those who have the blessing of being able to help. Asha and his family are very important to us and always will be.”
We are committed to aiding displaced families like Asha’s. Asha’s journey from persecution to new beginnings in Australia is a testament to the grace and strength of God, and the transformative power of community and support.
As Asha and his family embark on this new chapter of their lives, they carry with them the weight of their past and the hope for a brighter future. Philoi’s ongoing support ensures that they have the resources and community they need to rebuilt their lives and thrive in their new home.
We urge you to consider any way that you may help and support those affected by displacement. We strongly believe in the power of prayer and would love to invite you to pray with us for those suffering persecution around the globe. If you would like to provide financial support we have listed some options below.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP:
$75 can provide a refugee family with emergency food rations, covering their basic needs.
$50 can fund a month’s worth of school fees or supply a school pack for a refugee child.
$150 can assist a refugee family with rent or cover medical expenses.
$9,000 can support a refugee family’s resettlement application or cover flights to a safer location in their home country.
Reach out to us for more information or any questions you may have. To give, click here.