Dear Friend,

You may have seen reports about the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We wanted to provide a brief update on Five Talents' work in the region and invite you to join us in prayer during this difficult time for the DRC.

At this time, our Savings Group programs are not directly affected by the outbreak, and the communities we serve in Aru remain outside the impacted areas. We continue to monitor the situation closely and stay in communication with our local partners.

While we are grateful that our programs have not been disrupted, we are deeply concerned for the individuals, families, healthcare workers, and communities facing this crisis. As DRC Archbishop Ande recently shared in response to the ebola outbreak, “For years, living in the east of the DRC has been possible by God’s amazing grace. The rhythm of life for the population is marked by suffering upon suffering and misfortune upon misfortune." Yet he also noted that swift practical measures are being taken by the church, communicating important information and giving the population hope, and reminded us that "it is important to combine prayers with practical action."

We invite you to join us in praying:

• For all those who have lost loved ones or are suffering from illness

• For healthcare workers and aid organizations responding to the outbreak

• For wisdom and effectiveness in efforts to contain the spread of Ebola

• For protection over the communities Five Talents serves and that the outbreak does not spread to these vulnerable populations

• For the church to be an agent of peace, resilience, and hope for the people of the DRC

Thank you for your continued partnership and for standing with us in prayer.