"Therefore since we are justified by faith, we have peace . . . and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us . . ."
-Romans 5:1-5

How do you find hope in a world that is increasingly turbulent? How do you find hope when 31,000 people die every month? How do you find hope in one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II? How do you find hope when your country's wealth is plundered for the benefit of the "technological revolution" in other countries? How do you find hope when politicians refuse to accept election results? How do you find hope when multinational corporations, in cooperation with your leaders, act with impunity? How do you find hope when you do not even know whose side is safe to be on? Where is hope in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)?

The Congolese have suffered tremendously at the hands of a dictatorial regime and civil wars. DRC's immense mineral wealth has been a blessing and curse. Few benefit from these resources. If anything, many die because of the skirmishes to attain this wealth.

An end to the civil war in DRC resulted in a fragile peace, which has prevailed since 2003 when a transitional government was formed. Joseph Kabila has been the president but he also shares power with four vice presidents from different parties. Much of the eastern part of the country remains insecure mainly because of conflict in the Ituri area.

It is difficult to comprehend a conflict that is thousands of miles away. And even more difficult to see hope in this situation. It is then surprising to find that instead of despair, hope abides. It is in those moments of utmost evil that you find the utmost good. It is then not surprising to find that the people of DRC have risen up to the occasion and proven that they are strong, determined and instrumental in changing their lives for the better.

The international community has helped DRC transition from war to peace and have been instrumental in organizing the constitutional referendum and presidential elections. Despite many obstacles the elections were a success. Presidential elections were held on July 30, 2006 but a clear winner was not determined. A runoff election will be held in October for the remaining two presidential contenders. This election was no ordinary election; it carries the hopes and aspirations of the Congolese.

It was the voices of the Congolese people, the churches and the international community that prompted the U.S. Congress to introduce a bipartisan bill that would help ease the suffering. Senate bill 2125, "To promote relief, security, and democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo," was introduced by Senators Barack Obama (D-Ill.), Sam Brownback (R-Kans.), Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) and Richard Durbin (D-Ill.). The bill is to establish core principles of policy for the United States that would help save lives and rebuild this war torn country.

S. 2125 was passed unanimously in the Senate on June 29, 2006 and referred to the House of Representatives. On Aug. 10, the bill was referred to the House Committee on International Relations, where the committee unanimously passed the bill for a vote on the House floor. It is heartening to see legislators pay attention to DRC. It is consistent with Christ's teachings that those with a voice must speak for the voiceless. As the Congolese persistently and joyfully begin to find voice, let us use our voices here to preserve a sense of importance about S. 2125.