1/13/2025 DRC (International Christian Concern) — During an October 2024 visit to Beni in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, International Christian Concern (ICC) staffers offered a rare moment of hope to 64-year-old Kavira Katana Marie and others who had encountered the violence of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Following an attack on her village, Marie had been left paralyzed — making her more vulnerable in the violence-ravaged region. ICC’s team met her during a trip to visit a persecuted church in Beni and minister to those whose lives had been devastated by the ADF.
During the visit, ICC staffers noticed Marie’s struggle with mobility and gave her a wheelchair to help her gain a bit of independence.
“I never thought I would be able to move again because I was spending all the time in bed,” Marie said, her eyes filled with gratitude. “This wheelchair is a gift from God. I can now move from one place to another. I will forever be grateful.”
This moment of respite, however, was tragically short-lived. On Dec. 4, 2024 — less than two months later — the ADF attacked the town of Oicha, where Marie lived, again. During the attack on her village, Marie died.
As the rebels stormed her village, Marie’s son, Achupeni Zacharie, carried her to a hiding place, hoping for safety. Due to her already high blood pressure, the terror that seized Marie led her to have a heart attack, and she died in her son’s arms. The massacre that claimed Kavira’s life left nine others dead, including an infant. Numerous homes were also burned.
Following her death, ICC staffers remain thankful for Marie’s faithful witness and the opportunity God gave them to serve her as a sister in Christ.
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