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.
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.
Emile’s Story: From Nurse to Doctor — Called to Heal, Equipped to Lead, Committed to Christ
Dr. Emile Zola Zefuyo Bakalawa has long been a source of hope in Dungu—even before he ever wore the title “doctor.” As a young nurse serving at a local clinic, Emile tirelessly treated patients under incredibly difficult conditions: no electricity, no modern equipment, and minimal medical supplies. Yet in the midst of those challenges, he showed extraordinary talent, steady hands, and a compassionate heart that earned the trust of his community.
It quickly became clear that Emile had the God-given ability and calling to serve on a greater scale. But while his passion for medicine and service was unmistakable, he lacked the financial resources to pursue further education. Recognizing both the urgent medical needs in Dungu and Emile’s clear potential, Restoring Hope Ministries fully funded his medical training.
In 2021, Emile graduated with a Doctorate in Medicine and returned home—not only to treat illness, but to lead the launch of the Hope Clinic of Dungu, a center for healing, training, and ministry.
Today, Dr. Emile stands as the only anesthetist and surgeon in the region. He is already saving lives, but his vision extends far beyond medicine. Fueled by deep faith in Jesus Christ, Emile sees every patient interaction as a divine opportunity—not just to offer physical care, but to share the Gospel and minister to the soul. The Hope Clinic, under his leadership, will be a place of prayer, discipleship, and Bible-based trauma healing, alongside excellent medical care.