The Well, a division of No Boundaries International, offers help, hope and healing to the forgotten people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Envisioned and co-founded by Oklahoma residents Mary McFarland and Debi Mangrum, The Well serves to "rebuild communities, change lives and empower the people of Congo--bringing help for the hopeful in Africa through God's love." Medical needs are served by Kathryn McCampbell, RN. Focus areas include Muyisa Orphanage and school, the women of Katoyo/Kasugho, establishment and expansion of medical services and assistance through agricultural programs.

The Facts: (Thanks to the BBC for this profile)

A vast country with immense economic resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has been at the center of what could be termed Africa's world war.

This has left it in the grip of a humanitarian crisis.

The five-year conflict pitted government forces, supported by Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe, against rebels backed by Uganda and Rwanda. Despite a peace deal and the formation of a transitional government in 2003, the threat of civil war has re-emerged in the east of the country.

DR Congo is striving to recover from a five-year war; millions died, mostly through starvation, disease
Former rebels joined a power-sharing government
Eastern regions are still plagued by militia violence
DR Congo hosts the UN's largest peacekeeping mission

* Full name: Democratic Republic of the Congo
* Population: 64.7 million (UN, 2008)
* Capital: Kinshasa
* Area: 2.34 million sq km (905,354 sq miles)
* Major languages: French, Lingala, Kiswahili, Kikongo, Tshiluba
* Major religions: Christianity, Islam
* Life expectancy: 45 years (men), 48 years (women) (UN)
* Monetary unit: 1 Congolese franc = 100 centimes
* Main exports: Diamonds, copper, coffee, cobalt, crude oil
* GNI per capita: US $140 (World Bank, 2007)

Possible Mission Trip Activities:

Medical missions
Training
Inner Healing
Agriculture/conservation
Children and youth outreaches
Educational support
Evangelism
Women's Issues
Microloans/small business development--poverty reduction program

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