Church Partners with Women of Faith | Flickr by Sharon Tate Soberon
Church Partners with Women of Faith | Flickr by Sharon Tate Soberon
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the interdenominational charitable organization Women of Faith worked together to help 820 households affected by sudden torrential rains the night of 12-13 December 2022 in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Two municipalities of the sprawling city of Kinshasa were hardest hit by the flooding that cost the lives of more than 120 people: Ngaliema which suffered about 60 deaths, and Mont-Ngafula with at least 30 deaths. With financial backing from the Church, Women of Faith organized and distributed food and emergency supplies to about 820 survivors.
During the period of January 18-19, 2023, members of the Women of Faith and missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ distributed aid at two sites -- the municipal centers of Bandalungwa and Mont-Ngafula -- to victims from five municipalities of Kinshasa: Bandalungwa, Mont-Ngafula, Ngaliema, Masina and Limete. Priority was given to women, senior citizens, and orphans most affected by the flooding.
Alphonse Ndofula and Lumbu Mulamba Séverin (with his deputy Jonathan Mampasi), the mayors of the municipalities of Bandalungwa and Mont-Ngafula respectively, provided government support for the distribution. Elder David Ngabizele, Area Authority Seventy over Kinshasa, and Emmanuel Khonde, President of the Mont Ngafula Stake, gave remarks at the kickoff ceremonies and helped with the distribution which took place over the course of two days.
Mrs. Nadine Banze, national coordinator of Women of Faith for DR Congo, conveyed her sympathy to all the victims of this natural disaster and welcomed the assistance of full-time missionaries from the Church. Also, she thanked the Church for funding for this project, which will give a smile to the victims and help them to hang on.
Elder Ngabizele underscored the love that Church members show for others by paying their tithes and offerings. He bore witness that Christ is the Prince of Peace in whom we can find lasting peace and comfort despite our mortal trials.
Ten full-time missionaries of the Church helped distribute food over the two days.
Original source can be found here.
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