This is the choice given to Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by Islamic extremists.
"In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), violence has broken out repeatedly over the last 20 years. The conflicts have involved many groups and left millions displaced and dead. But one of the deadliest organizations involved in the violence is the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
ADF is an Islamic militant group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. As part of their violent expansionist agenda, they’ve repeatedly targeted Christians. And in the last two months, believers in the DRC have reported that the situation has grown even more dangerous."
More than 80 people have been killed just since May 5th in attacks from the ADF on different communities in the region.
"In April, the ADF shot and killed a farmer in front of his workers for refusing to pay an imposed tax of 30,000 Congolese francs for all his workers camped in the field.
This reflects the situation that others in the DRC have shared with Open Doors partners. In November 2025, a Christian farmer spoke to local partners. ”We pay [the ADF] $10 per person and $25 per hectare,” he said. “The terrorists say Christians must choose: convert to Islam, pay jizya (tax), or die.”
“We ask the Body of Christ to keep the church in eastern DRC in prayer. Pray for God's comfort, His provision to the displaced and for his Spirit to give them strength to stand firm amidst these targeted attacks,” Jo Newhouse, a spokesperson for Open Doors’ work in sub-Saharan Africa says.
"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."
-Psalm 9:9-10
Oh Lord, we pray for the precious believers in the DRC. You know each one of them by name. You know the pain, fear, suffering and injustice each one has walked through. You see the impossible choice they're faced with in conversion, paying an extortion "tax" or death. We know Your angels are with them in those moments and we pray for supernatural protection and deliverance from evil. Strengthen and encourage them through our prayers.
Holy Spirit, comfort them in their grieving. There are many that have been lost and fear abounds, but we pray You would empower them to stand strong in their faith, trusting in You as their refuge and stronghold. We pray for the members of ADF to have dreams and visions of Jesus coming to them and calling them to Himself. We pray for them to turn in repentance and follow Jesus, bringing peace to this area. We know the only true hope for lasting peace is the Prince of Peace. Do a mighty work in the DRC today we pray.
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