The Leaders of Kinshasa Relief Societies

In April, the mission sisters met with the Stake Relief Society Presidents of the five Kinshasa Stakes.  This was a wonderful meeting as we discussed their challenges.  One of the biggest challenges they face is the poverty of their sisters.  They estimated that 80% of the sisters do not read French and therefore cannot teach a lesson in any auxilary, even if they understand the language.  Some of their sisters are so destitute that their families only eat once every few days.  Transportation is difficult, and if a sister has 2,500 francs to feed her family, she cannot pay 1,500 francs to get them all to Church, so she must make a choice. 
We talked about the literacy program, the enterprise training, paying tithing and being a circle of sisters.  These are fine strong sisters facing difficult challenges.

Sister Marie Claire, Ngaliema Stake -- a kind and gentle woman

Sister Melanie, Massina Stake -- the matriarch of a family of musicians 

Sister Maguy, Montnafula Stake -- married to one of the first members in the DRC

Sister Annie, Kimbanseke Stake -- president of one of the poorest areas in Kinshasa

Sister Marie, Kinshasa Stake -- president of a stake that covers a very large area

These sisters are talking about having a large women's conference for the sisters in Kinshasa -- we hope it will work out!