Continuing violence in the Congo has changed the focus of a Christian agency caring for orphaned and displaced children. Compassion International said it is no longer sponsoring individual children there, but instead, providing emergency relief for entire families. Yet as the crisis continues, there are some signs of hope.

Churches recently came together in the northern city of Kisangani in a major effort to promote reconciliation and peace.

Bullet holes and shattered windows testify to the violence that's shaken this city in the heart of Africa.

On the streets of Kisangani, life goes on, but with some changes-like the way drivers buy gasoline out of bottles, displayed on roadside tables. But a much deeper problem lies below the surface in the damaged emotions of Kisangani's residents.

Pastor Joseph Karasanyi said, "Because of the war they've been going through 'afterwar'. The people were desperate, disappointed, hopeless and they are wounded in their hearts. So they're really hungry for the word of God."

The hunger for good news could explain the enthusiastic welcome last month when Texas evangelist Sammy Tippit arrived for a series of Christian meetings.

For three days, the crowds poured into Kisangani's stadium. Some traveled down the Congo River to get there. Others came by bike. Even political and military leaders arrived.

For the city's Christians it was a celebration of unity and a time to help many find peace with God.

Preacher Bernard Afata is Vice President of the Evangelical Alliance. Speaking through an interpreter he said, "This city has been a long time abandoned. By this crusade, the city has been confronted. When Sammy Tippit talked about the love of God, it showed to them that Jesus-God-loves the people of Kisangani. And this is a big message of comfort.

The churches of Kisangani are praying that the thousands of people reconciled to God during three days of meetings, will soon also be reconciled to their neighbors as well. Tippit reports that over 18,000 people prayed to receive Christ during the three days of meetings in the Congo.

For a nation that's tried unsuccessfully to stop the cycle of violence, Christians hope this event will point the way to a lasting peace.

On the Internet: www.sim.org