Reflections on our visit to Congo and Angola

As our plane headed to Johannesburg on our way to visit Mennonite Brethren churches and institutions in Kinshasa, Congo and Luanda, Angola, there was a beautiful sunrise and I found myself reflecting on Hebrews 10:24,25: “Let us not give up meeting together . . . but let us encourage one another.”

This sentiment was often shared by our sisters and brothers during our time together. They expressed a genuine desire to build relationships with us in North America. Although they have many material needs, they have wonderful gifts of hospitality and generosity.

Of special significance to the women in our group were the women’s seminars we attended. Here we learned much as our sisters shared their testimonies, recited Scripture and worshipped with us in song and word. Their spirit of joy in the Lord in trying circumstances simply overwhelmed us.

It was often mentioned during our time in Africa that “we are one in Christ”. Our challenge for the future is how to make that a reality.

Hildi Boge is a counsellor in Winnipeg, and a member of McIvor Ave. MB Church. She, together with her husband Jascha, visited Congo and Angola prior to the Mennonite World Conference.