A day in the life: Goma, DRC

Join Jeremie and his team as they travel to Rubaya for graduation!

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Morning in Goma: Prayer and Packing:

Before the journey even begins, Jeremie and his team gather to pray over what lies ahead. The motorbikes are packed with supplies, graduation robes, and bibles - everything needed for a special celebration in Rubaya.

White arrow pointing downward on black background.
Two young men standing outdoors in a rural area, one with a backpack, wearing glasses and a denim jacket, the other with a dark jacket, both looking down, with worn wooden buildings and trees in the background.

The Road to Rubaya: Rains, Rebels, and Resilience:

The road from Goma to Rubaya isn’t paved - it’s muddy, steep, and risky. In the rain, motorbikes become the only way through, weaving past stalled trucks and deep ruts.

Two people riding a motorcycle on a rural road, with the passenger smiling and holding a black cap, wearing a black beanie and glasses, and the driver wearing a pink helmet and a plastic rain poncho, with green hills and trees in the background.
A large truck has veered off a muddy rural road and is leaning to one side, partially hanging over a small drop-off surrounded by green vegetation.

Arriving in Rubaya: A Land of Riches and Poverty

Rubaya is breathtaking - mountains covered in crops, cows grazing, and land full of coltan and cobalt. And yet, deep poverty and rebel control mark daily life here. There are few roads, poor infrastructure, and little access to healthcare or education.

A group of eight men standing outdoors on a grassy hillside, some wearing rain gear and boots, smiling and posing for a photo.

Along the way, the team stops in Matanda to check in with Kasongo’s church - a surprise visit that speaks volumes. This once-small congregation is growing, and now needs a bigger space as the Word of God continues to spread.

A hillside village with many small houses surrounded by green trees and plants, under a hazy sky.

A Graduation Like No Other

Without any promotion, the whole town heard about the graduation. Churches, neighbors, and even rebel soldiers watched as the graduates - dressed in their gowns - marched through the streets of Rubaya dancing and singing.

“They walked with no fear. Even rebels saluted us as servants of Jesus Christ. This is what resilience looks like.”

Group of graduates in black and blue gowns and caps standing outdoors on a dirt ground in a rural area, with wooden houses and greenery in the background, during a graduation ceremony.

Pre-Graduation: Shepherds and Servants

Before the ceremony, Jeremie meets with the soon-to-be graduates - 35 leaders from across the region. Here, he reminds them of their calling.

“They are called Abashumba - shepherds. They care for God’s sheep. We prayed that God would empower them to bring transformation, here in Rubaya and wherever He sends them.”

Three men in yellow graduation gowns and caps, smiling and walking outside on a sunny day, with houses and people in the background.
People in colorful graduation gowns and caps walking in a parade or procession in a busy town square surrounded by a crowd of onlookers, small shops, and a backdrop of green hills with houses.
People, including children, walking and dancing on a dirt street in a busy town with a pink building labeled 'Sun City' in the background, various motorcycles, and vendors.

Celebration and Commissioning

Over 400 people came to honor the 35 graduates. There was worship, dancing, prayer, and a shared meal. These graduates have been trained to serve their communities with the truth, courage, and compassion of Christ.

A graduation ceremony with people in academic robes and caps seated outdoors, surrounded by an audience of men, women, and children, some dressed in traditional clothing, on a construction site with unfinished brick walls and some houses on a hillsid
A group of graduates in caps and gowns sitting outdoors, wearing colorful leis and holding diplomas, during a graduation ceremony. Behind them is a crowd of people, some of whom are also wearing colorful clothing and head coverings.
Graduation ceremony with individuals in academic gowns and caps, exchanging a document, adorned with leis and celebrating outdoors.

Jeremie’s Reflection

“Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10

I saw that in Rubaya - not just in the ceremony, but in the way these leaders are becoming catalysts. In a place filled with resource but missing hope, these servants are now salt and light. They will reconcile, heal, motivate, and transform their communities.

I thank God we get to be part of this - equipping the people who will carry His love to every corner of Congo. This is how restoration begins.

A graduation ceremony outdoors with a young graduate in a cap and gown holding a diploma, standing next to a smiling man in academic regalia, surrounded by children and adults celebrating. There is a wooden building and greenery in the background.

THANKS FOR COMING ALONG FOR THE JOURNEY!

Please pray for the safety and protection of Jeremie and everyone living in DR Congo.