“Take courage and stand strong in your faith,” was the Bumba trip theme

We were greeted in Lisala by an enthusiastic crowd.  Some women had been waiting two days to meet the new president of women ministries, Mama Lisia Weka.

 

 

 

 

 

Cindy traveled with Mama Weka, the department secretary Pastor Marie Toboko, the coordinator for the ministries to women and orphans Mama Charlotte Nzumba and the coordinator of the women’s literacy ministry Mama Kagu Toze.  They were joyously welcome in Lisala,Molua, Bumba, Mongala and Itimbiri church regions (conferences).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In each region they encouraged the women to take courage and stand strong in their faith.  There will be many more obstacles and difficulties along life’s way, but God is with us each step of the journey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Women were encouraged to start reading classes.  Sadly, the majority of the women in these church regions do not know how to read.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also encouraged them to help the widows and orphans in their communities.  Mama Charlotte, herself a widow, shared that many widows feel worthless, stop going to church and are not seen as valued members in the community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cindy encouraged the women to feed their children a balanced diet.  She emphasized the importance of growing food in their gardens from the the three food groups since most don’t have money to buy food each day.  She explained that they need 1) food to build their bodies (protein), 2) food to protect you (protein & vitamins) and 3) food for energy (fats and starch).

The reason for the trip was to encourage and teach, but the women in each of region the team visited were a blessing to them as they joyfully sang and danced in worship, prepared delicious fish and malemba or poto (a cold pureed manioc dish) and welcomed us in their homes.