We are now back from Congo and I wanted to thank everyone for your prayers and letters of support!  It was such a whirlwind trip – I don’t know that I have ever been that busy while in Congo.  It was like a blinked and it was time to leave, but I am sorry I did not write more while there.

It was probably the most encouraged I have been leaving Congo, and the Lord blessed me so richly by showing how He has really healed some of these women and wiped away their tears – something they would not have thought possible if it were offerred to them 3 years ago.  I saw and believe that the Lord rescues, heals and is close to the oppressed and hurting, it just takes a little while sometimes and comes in ways we don’t expect.  The highlight of the trip was a “graduation” we held for women who are now ready to stand on their own.  I thought we would graduate one woman – Faida – as she no longer needs rent help, school fees for her children, or food support, but after I pitched the idea of a party for each woman as she becomes ready to support herself, two other women came forward and said that they too are ready to leave behind the aid they have been getting and stand on their own!  We had a big party for these ladies and invited friends and family and pastors, and it was really a time to testify to the Lord’s faithfulness.  It was one of the best days of my life, hands down.

I saw standing before me women who are changed and were honestly testifying that they have forgotten what has happened to them.  That is something too wonderful for me to imagine.  They talked about how the Lord heard their cries and answered them.  Thank you for being a part of this journey – your prayers and support over the years have been used to dramatically change many lives, including my own!

Robin