Light of Africa

Vision Core Values

The Founder Founding of LoAN

LoAn Board of Directors Field Coordinators

Radio Sauti ya Injili Radio Programs Media Resource Center Computer Training

Collaborative Efforts Victims of Sexual Violence Literacy Program Micro Enterprise Initiatives

Newsletters The N-Team Upcoming Projects

Goma Radio Sauti ya Injili Ministry to Rape Victims

Donate Visit Goma Contacts

Notre Vision Les Media Efforts Humanitaires

The Virunga Mountains
At the heart of Africa, defining the borders between the nations of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Virunga Mountains rise to the clouds in one of the most volcanically active regions on earth. There are eight of these imposing peaks. The highest, Karisimbi (elevation 14,787 feet) and Mikeno (14,500 feet), rise above the city of Goma, as does Nyiragongo (elevation 11,384). The latter remains active and a massive eruption in January of 2002 spilled lava across the Goma airport and through the city of Goma, destroying an estimated 15-20 percent of the city. The regions surrounding these peaks are national park lands and home to the rare mountain gorilla.

Pictured in the foreground in the photo above is the Ruanguba hospital, where Dr. Don Nelson worked as a missionary during the 1950s and early 1960s. Goma (where LoAN field operations is headquartered) lies behind the higher peak (Mt. Mikeno) on the right. Mt. Karisimbi is to the left of Mt. Mikeno, and the volcanically active Mt. Nyiragongo is partly visible behind the foothill on the far right. (Photo courtesy of Joann Kyle, with editing help from Mark Kyle)

At the foot of the Virunga Mountains in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic Congo, Light of Africa Network (LoAN) is seeking to extend a message of peace, hope and reconciliation through media, healthcare and development. This is a part of Africa that has seen intense conflict over the past decade, with countless people suffering from the ravages of war, acts of ethnic cleansing, pillaging and sexual violence. LoAN is reaching out with assistance to those in dire need by following the vision of LoAN's founder, Dr. C. Donald Nelson, who worked as a missionary doctor in the Congo in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Dr. Nelson's vision was, first, to develop radio ministries offering a message of peace, hope and reconciliation through Jesus Christ, and educational programming addressing health care and development concerns. LoAN provided equipment and technological expertise to help launch the Sauti ya Injili (Voice of the Gospel) radio station in Goma, DR Congo, in 2003. Plans for assisting in the establishment of other radio stations are projected. Field coordinators Camille and Esther Ntoto joined the team in 2007 and are already at work in Goma setting up a media resource center and directing the creation of local radio programming, as well as developing a network for radio program translation, sharing and dissemination throughout Africa.

The second part of Dr. Nelson's vision was to provide assistance in building and equipping healthcare facilities in Kivu. Already, LoAN field coordinator Esther Ntoto has become deeply involved in a much needed ministry of emotional and spiritual healing among victims of sexual violence. As further funding becomes available, the goal is to work through existing church associations and non-governmental organizations to help upgrade existing hospitals and clinics and to assist in developing new facilities in areas where modern health care is not currently available.

Operating from a set of core values which seek to exemplify the love of God as manifest in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, Light of Africa Network is committed to communicating this redeeming message of love both through words and actions. In doing so, LoAN is compelled to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct in keeping with ethical business practices and regulatory compliance in all its dealings.

Learn more about the work of Light of Africa Network by visiting our history page, where you can learn about the life and work of Dr. Nelson and his vision for LoAN. You can also become acquainted with the current LoAN board of directors, and you can meet the Ntotos on a page devoted to describing their respective ministries, their qualifications and their commitments. Learn more about the work Camille Ntoto is doing to develop media ministries and to coordinate the sharing of radio programs across Africa. You can also read the latest updates on developments in the field and plans for future efforts.

"The Deadliest War In The World," Time Magazine (May 28, 2006)
Simmering conflict in Congo has killed 4 million people since 1998, yet few choose to cover the story. TIME looks at a forgotten nation--and what's needed to prevent the deaths of millions more

By Simon Robinson and Vivienne Walt

...The side effects of war, the scars left by years of brutality that disfigure Congo's society and infrastructure [have been deadlier than the military conflict]. The country is plagued by bad sanitation, disease, malnutrition and dislocation. ...According to the IRC, which has conducted a series of detailed mortality surveys over the past six years, 1,250 Congolese still die every day because of war-related causes--the vast majority succumbing to diseases and malnutrition that wouldn't exist in peaceful times. In many respects, the country remains as broken, volatile and dangerous as ever, which is to say, among the very worst places on earth.

Click here to read the full article