What a trip! Bev, Bridgette, Caryl, Danielle, Elsie, Francis, Karen, Lisa, Noah, with Jimmy and Nate some days: we visited our partners in Kinshasa, welcomed by Maman Monique and her friends to learn and hear and see, and participate in the official inauguration of the Women’s Center. Wow!!!
Mme Monique tells FEBA’s story as the TV station and so many cameras record this exciting event. Caryl and Bridgette present a quilt of Bible images made by friends at First Presbyterian of Evanston.
Representatives of many local groups were invited and their participation in inaugurating the Center was a clear witness to how significant FEBA is in the district of Matete (part of greater Kinshasa).
Women pastors led in prayer and preached. Pasteur Nzeba (below) was the first woman ordained to ministry of Word and sacraments in The Presbyterian Church of Kinshasa and a longtime colleague and friend of Maman Monique.
A city government leader cuts the ribbon, with Maman Monique and Maman Antoinette close at hand, US visitors, kids, and friends crowding around.
The celebration continues at the nearby church where many more of FEBA’s 1200 members could gather. Maman Monique and daughters lead the procession of FEBA staff, dressed alike in festive new clothes. This celebration is a BIG DEAL because FEBA and its Center are a source of confidence and hope to so many!
FEBA’s Women’s Center
The Center is an impressive 2-story building surrounded by 1-story houses.
On the ground floor: a secure office, sewing classrooms and tailoring room to make goods for sale, a large meeting area, and restrooms.
The 2nd floor : a new computer science classroom (thank you, Bryn Mawr!), storage and living quarters for guardian and students.
Welcome to the 21st c.! Just a few more items to unpack and install, and students can begin!
Maman Jeannette, the head sewing teacher, and students delight in the 20 new treadle machines (thank you very much, Nassau!).
Does this look familiar? The cover art of Maman Monique’s book now decorates the FEBA Center’s main hall.
USA visitors, all clad in FEBA finery & draped in the festive stoles, pose in front of the Women’s Center’s newly repainted sign.
Community Charity School - New School Year Joys
This year Community Charity School in Goma got two new computers: a real lab! What joy!
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