28 Pastors Graduate from Kafakumba Pastors' School
The 2009 Pastors' School at Kafakumba finished off with graduation at the end of June. It was a very special service, with Bishop Katembo coming from Congo to participate. We graduated 28 pastors, five of whom were women. These pastors represent the countries of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia.
The Congo Pastors' School session was also successfully completed. Pastors from the Congo were brought to Kafakumba for the school. The pastors' most fervent wish was that their wives could come with them next time.
With over 120 pastors, spouses and children, the two months of training have been highlighted by visits from some of our U.S. partners who participate in special classes and seminars, along with the staff and students who assemble from across Central Africa. Pastors Kilembo and Tanga have been our servant leaders and have given so much to make this all possible.
First Annual Women's Empowerment Seminar
Kafakumba served as host to the 1st Annual Women's Empowerment Seminar in early July 2009. This one week gathering of approximately 100 women from nearby villages focused on vital topics addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual well being of the women. Dr. Mary Kay Smith and Dr. Jennie Conrad from the U.S. were the primary educators. They were assisted by Mama Patricia, Mama Ilunga, and Mama Therese, all local women who work closely with Kafakumba. Mary Kay said that the women understood and embraced the concepts that were presented and wanted more time to discuss additional topics.
Issues discussed were wide ranging, including HIV and Marriage enrichment. The seminar utilized small groups and included the women's husbands on the last day. This was done to further empower the women in their relationships with their husbands. The seminar gave the women an introduction to a lifestyle that does not include several of the destructive practices that are part of the local culture. It is just a start to the type of programming Kafakumba is committed to creating and facilitating. This will include a full-time faculty who work with Women, Youth, Business Managers, and Pastors teaching villagers to lift themselves out of the abject poverty that plagues Africa.
