FAMA Ministries was founded in the Great Lakes Region of Central Africa in the city of Bukavu, Congo, an area rich in God's natural resources and beauty.  The Great Lakes region consists of five countries: Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  FAMA's work focuses in three of these five countries--Congo, Rwanda and Burundi.  The population of these three countries is approximately 90 million people.

Map of Great Lakes Region of Central Africa outlining FAMA's target countries. (Click for a larger version of this map.)

The devastation to this area has been harsh and long running:

• Tribal war in Burundi since 1993
  
  It is estimated that over 300,000 lives have been lost in
  Burundi since 1993 due to tribal and civil wars. Although the numbers of deaths are not as high as in Rwanda, families were destroyed.  Rape, again was a weapon of war which leaves women rejected by families and the babies conceived are abandoned.  HIV is also a serious issue in this country, leaving babies and children orphaned.
  
  Read more about the struggles in Burundi>
  
  
• Genocide in Rwanda 1994
  
  One million lives were lost, leaving children without parents, parents without children and many women as widows.  Another travesty was the rape and torture of women from the soldiers.  The borders are not secured.  Kidnappings and abductions of children are common.
  
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• Militia Wars in DRC since 1996
  
  Since 1996, Congo has experienced a series of wars including political wars, tribal wars, and wars of ethnic cleansing that have resulted in the loss of over 4,000,000 lives. Due to these wars, 400,000 people have fled to seek refuge in both neighboring countries and around the world. Over 300,000 child soldiers were enrolled and used to commit all manner of violence. These young men are now returning to their communities only to find themselves rejected and outcast by even their families. Notwithstanding the efforts of the international community, the current situation in Congo is far from stable, particularly in the eastern part of the country.
  
  Read more about the struggles in the DRC>