Restoring Health, Training Healers, and Advancing Hope in Northeastern Congo
Restoring Hope Ministries (RHM), through its local partner Bâtissons l’Espoir (BE), is actively transforming medical care in the war-torn community of Dungu in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. With a region still healing from decades of trauma, our vision for accessible, compassionate, and Christ-centered healthcare is taking tangible shape.
The Hope Clinic
One-Third Completed, Halfway Funded
In response to deep medical needs, RHM has initiated the construction of the Hope Clinic of Dungu. This multi-facility medical center is designed to provide surgical, outpatient, maternal, and emergency services to a population of over 300,000 people in and around the Territory of Dungu. The construction of the clinic is currently one-third complete, and 50% of the total funding needed has already been raised. This is a significant milestone—but more support is needed to bring this vision to full life.
The Hope Clinic will also serve as a teaching hospital for medical students at Université Bâtissons l’Espoir au Centre de l’Afrique (UBECA), a Christian university launched in 2018 as part of our broader mission to raise a new generation of Congolese leaders and professionals.
Dr Emile’s Story
From Nurse to Doctor — Called to Heal, Equipped to Lead, Committed to Christ
Dr. Emile Zola Zefuyo Bakalawa has been a source of hope in Dungu long before he became a doctor. As a young nurse at a local clinic, he cared for patients in extremely limited conditions—without electricity, modern tools, or proper supplies. Despite these challenges, Emile showed remarkable skill, steady hands, and a heart full of compassion that earned the trust of many.
Though clearly gifted, Emile lacked the means to advance his education. Seeing both his talent and the medical needs in Dungu, Restoring Hope Ministries funded his medical training. In 2021, Emile earned his Doctorate in Medicine and returned home—ready to serve and lead. He now oversees the Hope Clinic of Dungu, a place designed for healing, training, and ministry.
As the only anesthetist and surgeon in the region, Emile is already saving lives. But his mission is deeper. Grounded in faith, he views each patient as an opportunity to share the love and hope of Christ. Under his leadership, the Hope Clinic will be a place of prayer, discipleship, and Bible-based trauma healing, alongside excellent care.
His journey—rooted in service and sustained by faith—is a living example of the restoration RHM brings: one life, one soul at a time.
A Model for Sustainability
The Hope Clinic is designed to be financially self-sustaining after its first year of operation. Services like surgery, diagnostics, pharmacy, and specialty care will generate income while maintaining a compassionate approach toward those unable to pay. This model will ensure continued access to quality care and reduce dependence on external funding.
Meeting Critical Medical Needs
The health challenges in Dungu are urgent and overwhelming:
Lack of diagnostic and surgical equipment
Inadequate medical infrastructure
High rates of malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other endemic diseases
Absence of trauma-informed care and medical discipleship
The Hope Clinic will directly address these needs through:
General and specialized medical services
Surgical interventions and emergency care
Chaplaincy and trauma healing ministries
On-site medical training and mentorship for UBECA students
Join Us in Bringing Hope and Healing
Every brick laid and every life saved at the Hope Clinic is made possible by partners like you. Together, we can:
Complete construction of the Hope Clinic
Equip the facility with the necessary tools, medicine, and supplies
Empower Emile and other healthcare workers with advanced training
Provide Gospel-centered care to thousands across the region
Your prayers, partnership, and financial support are restoring lives—body, mind, and spirit.