Displaying items by tag: African American church

Friday, 16 January 2026 09:27

DRC: deadly landslide kills at least 22

A deadly landslide has struck eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, killing at least 22 people and leaving dozens missing in a remote village in North Kivu. Triggered by hours of intense rainfall, the hillside collapsed in the early hours of the morning while residents were asleep, sweeping homes away and cutting the main road linking Goma with Walikale. The blocked route has severely hampered rescue efforts and delayed government assistance.  Eastern Congo has endured decades of violence involving government forces and armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23. The disaster highlights the vulnerability of communities living in areas where the state’s presence is weak and insecurity is high. In a region already scarred by conflict, displacement and poverty, seasonal rains continue to claim lives, deepening the humanitarian crisis faced by countless families. See also

Published in Worldwide

After a devastating fire destroyed the historic Pleasant Grove Baptist Church building in South Carolina, the congregation gathered in tents on their church grounds to worship and praise God. Founded in 1869, the church had been a spiritual anchor in the Back Swamp community for over a century. The fire, which engulfed the 1910 building on Saturday afternoon, left nothing salvageable. Despite the emotional blow, Pastor Eugene Thomas and his members chose to remain grounded - literally and spiritually - by holding their Sunday service amidst the ruins. Churchgoers emphasised that the true church is not the building but the people. Community leaders, firefighters, and local historians expressed sorrow over the loss of one of Darlington County’s oldest African American churches, while also commending the resilience and faith of its members. Pastor Thomas credited his congregation for the inspiration to worship on-site, describing their response as 'perfect.' Their act of faith amidst heartbreak served as a testimony of hope, perseverance, and the enduring presence of Christ among His people.

Published in Praise Reports
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