Bolenge Hospital fire in Democratic Republic of Congo

Bolenge Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of many hospitals supported by Global Ministries partner, the Community of Disciples of Christ in Congo, was destroyed by fire on Tuesday evening, June 13th around 10:00 pm. It was only the newer building at the complex destroyed by electrical fire. The maternity wing and the old multi-story building were not destroyed.

Bolenge Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of many hospitals supported by Global Ministries partner, the Community of Disciples of Christ in Congo, was destroyed by fire on Tuesday evening, June 13th around 10:00 pm. It was only the newer building at the complex destroyed by electrical fire. The maternity wing and the old multi-story building were not destroyed.There was no loss of human lives, and for this we are grateful. One of the most inspiring stories to emerge from this was the way the community worked together to save the people inside the building before it was completely engulfed by flames. The patients are now in the homes of the doctors, the pastors, and others in the community. Some have been relocated to Mbandaka.

The hospital is the center of life not just for Bolenge, but also for the Disciples there. The Africa Office of Global Ministries has been in contact with Reverend Bonanga to get additional information and to share our concern.

There was extensive damage and efforts are being made to set up temporary facilities in two of the dormitories and dining hall for the seminary and high school. Medicine, equipment, beds, and other materials belonging to the Disciples were destroyed. The government health care program, SANRU, had its medical depot in the old multi-story, which was not destroyed. The Congolese police and government officials have been very sympathetic.

This is a major loss and will require a lot of time, energy, and money to rebuild. Global Ministries is working on obtaining emergency assistance for temporary facilities. The three doctors are still there and trying to carry out their duties with little or nothing.

In speaking with Reverend Bonanga, he was encouraged that Disciples and UCC in the USA and Canada would be with them through prayers during this ordeal. My personal hope is that Disciples and UCC in the USA and Canada will not see this as a setback but rather as an opportunity to be a critical presence in a country that continues to witness to us through their resilience and faithfulness.