It’s extraordinary what people can get used to, even war. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, it seems no one remembers what the fight is about anymore. The outcome will not be defined by who is right, but by whoever survives.

Sister Agnieszka Gugała, the director of the nutrition center in Ntamugenga, offers us a glimpse into this strange world. We listen to her messages—it seems like it was an pretty decent week. There aren’t too many cases of monkeypox in the region, there was no shooting in the vicinity of the center, and there seem to be fewer children stepping on unexploded ordnance in the fields. Here, the definition of normalcy is drastically shifted toward something that in Poland we would call hell.

The Missionaries aren’t exempt from anything. Mosquitoes bite them just as hard, and malaria or cholera make no distinction between those who treat and those being treated. Bullets don’t change their trajectory when a hospital employee goes out to buy food for the patients. We’ve asked many times—Sister, it’s getting dangerous, it’s time to evacuate. But she’s never agreed to leave, except once to pick up a portable ultrasound machine that now saves the lives of pediatric cardiac patients.

World Humanitarian Day is a day to honor those who dedicate their lives to serving others. In 2023 alone, nearly 280 humanitarian workers lost their lives during their missions. How many were injured, fell seriously ill, or were wounded? It’s impossible to count. These are people who, when asked about their situation, often respond, “I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch; malaria got me, and I was hiding with this baby under the shower. There was shooting, and the bathrooms are farthest from the windows and exterior walls. I’m sending you a photo, look at how the little one looks now!”

We thank you for your regular support of the Angels who bring aid to the most vulnerable. We know they read your comments and appreciate every kind word. It’s crucial for them to feel that even on the other side of the world, in Poland, there are people who remember them. That they are not alone in their efforts but have your support—thousands of Good Factory supporters!