Congo Women Arise!

Over the last 12 months, a dream is coming to fruition because of your faithful generosity! As you know, we embarked on a bold challenge to aid women in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo to build the Mama Lynn Center to bring hope and healing to survivors of sexual violence. Our initial goal was to raise $350,000. We now are within reach of our initial goal! If we can receive about $80,000, we can complete this much needed facility.

The Mama Lynn Center (named for my spouse, Lynn) is the inspiration of the East Congo United Methodist Church.  The Center will help women emerge from the shadows and find healing after brutal assaults. It will be a visible witness to the community and all those who know of it. In this Advent season, the Gospel message rings true: “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

Even in construction, survivors are recognizing that the church cares about them. Three women – Rosalie, Georgette, and Bibiche – came forward to share their stories publicly last July when the mission team from Memphis and Tennessee Annual Conferences were there. They heard of what the church is doing, and decided to join in a workshop on stigma. A short film was premiered at the workshop, to which one survivor responded, “Society needs me, and I am useful to society.”

As we honor the birth of Christ – the Light of the world – let us remember the Mama Lynn Center in our giving. Darkness can be driven out.  May we let His Light shine brightly.

Send checks to: 
Memphis Conference, 24 Corporate Blvd., Jackson, TN 38305 
Tennessee  Conference, 304 S. Perimeter Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37211 
Please note on check: Congo Women Arise

Donate online at: Congo Women Arise.