Stories of Peacebuilding and Transformation
In Goma, a group of women leaders from the Communauté des Églises Baptistes du Congo Est (CEBCE) recently completed CBM’s twelve-module peacebuilding training. These women, many of whom had lived through the trauma of war and militia violence, spoke openly of how conflict had sown seeds of hatred and despair in their communities and even within their homes.
But the training sparked a shift.
Determined to be part of the solution, the women resolved to begin peacebuilding at home, recognizing that cycles of violence often start with poor education and fractured family relationships. They shared powerful testimonies and left the training eager to equip other women in their parishes with the same knowledge and hope.
This moment marked a milestone for the peacebuilding initiative. What had once been a one-person effort, led by myself (Gato), has now multiplied. From the first cohort, two women and over eight men have become co-trainers, helping spread the message of peace far and wide.
Further north, in the town of Butembo, the impact of the training has echoed through church walls and public spaces. After attending the training, a respected CEBCE pastor organized a three-day seminar that brought together pastors from various denominations to explore peacebuilding teachings. Moved by the urgency of their context—an area scarred by the Allied Democratic Forces – National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (a Ugandan Islamist rebel group based in western Uganda and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.) rebel attacks, killings, and the burning of homes—he launched a large public rally focused on trauma healing.
The rally became a turning point. Many pastors and attendees repented and began a journey of emotional and spiritual healing. For a community long traumatized by violence, these moments of restoration were profound.
At a regional level, the collaboration among denominations has grown stronger. A meeting was held with the Heads of Women’s Departments from Communauté Baptiste au Centre de l’Afrique (CBCA), CEBCE, and Association of Baptist Churches in Rwanda (AEBR). Their discussion centred on the critical role women play in peacebuilding. They left the meeting inspired, recognizing the importance of mobilizing women across their churches as vital actors in fostering peace and reconciliation.
In another significant meeting, the Justice, Peace, and Creation Care departments from CEBCE and CBCA came together to reflect on a deeply philosophical question: “Do people in our region still see life as sacred?” With two lawyers and three theologians present, the discussion underscored the urgent need to promote the value of life and shared efforts in peacebuilding.
Meanwhile, the younger generation is also stepping up.
Kasereka Kaituli Djerson, a youth leader trained in Kampala last year, has been working diligently with young people in his district. The impact has been immediate and personal. One young man shared that he had been planning to kill his father, who had abandoned their family. But through the teachings of the peace modules, he found the strength to forgive. His testimony stands as a powerful symbol of transformation and grace.
These are just a few of the many inspiring stories from this year. The change is visible: women who once sat in training sessions are now leading them, shaping both their churches and communities. Pastors are integrating peacebuilding into their ministries. Interdenominational collaboration is flourishing. Youth are learning to break cycles of resentment and choose forgiveness.
There is still much to pray for. The instability in Congo and Sudan often delays these vital activities. But even in uncertainty, hope takes root, and peace is beginning to grow.
