Hello friends of Rudi!

Thank you so much for your continued prayers for the students and their families since the eruption of Volcano Nyiragongo on May 22nd 2021. It is hard to believe it has already been one month!

We have yet to hear from our students, only one let us know he and his family were safe the week of the eruption. Although our immediate family and some of our volunteers have returned to the city, the government has still not cleared the area for return and therefore work for most and school has also not resumed.

What we know overall is that most of the damage from the actual lava was in the north east of the city. Our students and families are all located on the outskirts of the westside of the city. So we are praising God for the protection of their community.

There has also been structural damage to buildings, roads and homes in the city but we do not yet know about the students but we are hopeful that since they don't live in large homes they would likely be ok. Many people have returned to the city because of harsh and difficult living conditions elsewhere, and we hope to soon be able to connect with our students when it is safer to venture around the city.

One of the dangers after an eruption is that there are places where toxic gas can pool, and until they are marked off, if you walk into them you will die of asphyxiation. For that reason people are cautious where they go and most are trying to stay close to home.

Please continue to pray with us for the safety of our students and their families and that we would be able to connect with them soon. Meanwhile, please do not hesitate to reach out to us should you desire to.

Thank you for your prayers and continued support!

Alain-Daniel Wa-Baguma
Rudi International, non-profit
Co-Founder and President