Christian ministries have delivered 750 solar-powered audio Bibles to Bunia in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, providing displaced families with recorded Scripture and access to radio broadcasts carrying information about Ebola prevention.
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) transported the devices from Nairobi, Kenya, after weeks of delays involving flight permissions, border restrictions and aborted flight attempts, according to a report published by MAF Canada on Sept. 4 and a subsequent press release issued Oct. 21.
The devices were supplied by Galcom International, a Christian ministry based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. They contain recorded Bible passages and receive broadcasts from Rebuilders Radio, a local ministry providing information about Ebola transmission and prevention.
In September, 350 of the devices were distributed through nine churches serving people at the Kigonze displaced-persons camp in Bunia, according to the Oct. 21 release. The release did not specify the final distribution of the remaining devices.
The initiative combines evangelism with public health communication in a region facing an Ebola outbreak and continuing insecurity.
The radios carry preloaded Scripture and receive live broadcasts from Rebuilders Radio with information about Ebola transmission and prevention. The devices operate on solar power, allowing families to listen without relying on conventional electricity supplies.
The World Health Organization reported 9,704 confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease, including 4,687 deaths, across the DRC as of Oct. 20. Ituri province, where Bunia is located, remained the most affected province, with 7,040 confirmed cases and 3,271 deaths.
The outbreak has also spread beyond the DRC, with WHO reporting imported cases in Kenya and Nigeria in October. There is no approved vaccine against Bundibugyo virus disease, making prevention education an important part of efforts to contain transmission.
Delivery faced weeks of obstacles
Galcom initially arranged for 750 devices to be sent from Canada to Nairobi, with plans to transport them overland into the DRC. When that route encountered obstacles, the shipment remained in Nairobi.
MAF Canada connected Galcom with its teams in East Africa and the DRC to arrange an air delivery. Although MAF had special humanitarian authorization to fly into Bunia, securing the necessary permissions proved difficult.
Canadian missionary pilot Dominic Villeneuve was involved in the effort. Two of his flight attempts were aborted because of mechanical problems. A ventilation fan developed a fault during the first attempt, while an engine temperature gauge malfunctioned during the second. Another MAF pilot ultimately completed the delivery.
Villeneuve described the logistical challenges in comments published by MAF Canada.
“It was a herculean effort to make the flight happen,” said Villeneuve. “We had to coordinate flight permissions and authorizations between three different countries, all with their own protocols regarding the outbreak.”
The repeated setbacks also took on spiritual significance for Villeneuve and the team, who continued praying while working through the regulatory requirements.
“We took courage in the Lord and He made it happen,” Villeneuve wrote. “Not in the way we originally planned, but the way HE planned all along.”
The successful flight brought all 750 devices to Bunia, allowing local partners to begin distributing them to displaced people.
Residents at the Kigonze camp expressed appreciation for the radios, according to the press release. One resident, speaking in an interview translated from French, said, “It’s a radio that comforts us. And it’s a radio that preaches peace.”
More devices planned for the region
The initial delivery is part of a larger effort to provide radios to communities affected by the outbreak. Galcom has shipped a further 5,000 radios, which the ministry expects to arrive shortly. It is also raising funds for another 5,000 devices, with the aim of shipping them before Christmas.
Galcom Executive Director Tim Whitehead said the project depends on cooperation between the organizations involved.
“This partnership brings together Galcom’s technology, MAF’s aviation expertise and the courage of Rebuilders Radio’s staff,” Whitehead said.
“With another 5,000 players on the way, our goal is to help more families hear practical information that could protect their lives and the hope of the Gospel.”
Rebuilders Radio staff have distributed the devices through local churches and displacement camps. Their role is particularly important as insecurity has disrupted in-person ministry in the area, according to the organizations involved.
The radios offer families a way to access public health information and Christian programming independently. While the broadcasts provide practical guidance during the outbreak, the recorded Bible passages are intended to remain available to listeners beyond the current emergency.
The organizations have not announced a final distribution timetable for the additional shipments. Galcom hopes the next deliveries will extend access to health information and Scripture among more displaced families in eastern DRC.
