By LaWanda Bullock
Africa has been marked by civil war and violence, so the need for Christian leadership development is immense. Many see the church as the only answer. At the forefront of leadership development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is Masoka Bwani Georgette, president Women's Ministries International (WMI) for the Congolese General Conference of the Free Methodist Church.
Masoka is a powerful woman. Her leadership roles include being the mother of four children (ages 9, 7, 4 and 2), pastor of the FMC at Bakavu, and an educator teaching in secondary schools. Masoka is also one of two women members of the House of Deputies in the DRC Parliament. Her district is large and she travels widely, often over almost impassable roads to carry out governmental duties.
Masoka considers being president of WMI, through which she leads several thousand women, one of her most important roles. On my recent trip to the DRC, I was royally welcomed by Masoka and her enthusiastic women. As Masoka and I talked about the needs of her country and the millions of women who have suffered deeply in the wars, Masoka expressed her greatest desire: that these women will come to know Christ, be discipled and become educated. Her dream is to open women's educational centers to help eradicate illiteracy, hunger and disease. She wants to bring women together in unity after so much abuse and violence.
Will you pray for Masoka and the Congolese WMI? They are our sisters in Christ and are loving and caring friends. Ask God to give Masoka great peace and God's power as she fulfills her leadership role in the church and the government. Her full interview will be in the next issue of “Online,” WMI's newsletter. Make a difference. Get involved with WMI today! Visit www.fmwmi.com for more information.
LaWanda Bullock is president of Women’s Ministries International in the United States. She and her husband minister in the South Atlantic Conference.
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