Disciples Women Travel to the Two Congos

The Disciples Woman-to-Woman Worldwide Pilgrimage is to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo this year. Sandra Gourdet, GM Africa Area Executive and Sheila Spencer of Disciples Women’s Ministries are leading the journey. The Woman started their trip in Atlanta on August 28 for a time of Orientation and Mission Interpreters training. They safely arrived in Kinshasa with hundreds of sewing kits to begin their pilgrimage with their Congolese Sisters. Here is a tentative listing of their activities: 

August 31- Arrival in Kinshasa

September 1 & 2 – Visit the Organization of Protestant churches (Eglise du Christ au Congo) and the Disciples’ Women sewing project. An other activities as planned by Regional Minister – Rev. Louise Likafo

September 3 – Travel to Mbandaka

September 3-6 – Proposed activities in Mbandaka planned by Rev. Christine Ikete, Head of the Women’s Department  
EVANGELISM CONFERENCE organized around the theme: Disciples Woman – Be Courageous and Act based on Mark 14: 3-9. There will be 2 speakers.  An American will speak on “The Problems and the Value of a Woman”.  A Congolese will speak on “A Courageous Woman in Action for Development”.

VISITS:
Nutritional Center
Sewing and Training Project
Bolenge (site of first mission station – hospital, schools, church)
General Headquarters : Meet with the President and Vice as well as other leaders
Ikengo Farm (possibly will travel by motorized canoe
The Women’s restaurant (income generating project)

INTERACTION and /or HANDS ON
Painting the large room of the women’s restaurant
Interact with women who have micro-credit projects
Youth Bible Study with girls (to be led by an American)
Exchange ideas with women leaders and pastors’ wives on the situation of women
An Evening of Music

September 7 – Travel to Kinshasa

September 8 – Travel to Brazzaville

September 8 & 9 – Participat in soap-making enterprise and other activities as planned by the Women’s department

September 10 – Return to Kinshasa

September 11 – Worship in Kinshasa and flight back to the U.S.