The Foyer-- A Women's Vocational Training and Meeting Center
Placing the foyer's cornerstone
The construction of a women's foyer (that is, vocational training and conference center) in Mulongo, DR Congo began with the vision of the Kipandano (United Methodist Women) of the Mulongo District. Together they selected the land, dug the mud, formed and baked over 20,000 bricks, and carried stones. They just needed some help with the purchase and transport of cement, roofing sheets, and window frames and such. They pitched their dream to Rev.s Joseph, Taylor, and Biking Bob, and FPM agreed to get involved.
In 2014, FPM teamed up with the UMC's North Central Jurisdiction's Volunteer in Mission Program and the Indiana UMW to bring 3 young UM women from Indiana and Ohio on a Mission Discovery Trip. The women journeyed by rough roads all the way to Mulongo and made village visits even deeper in-country via our riverboat. Along the way, they heard powerful stories of courage and faith in the face of violence and tragedy. The women were inspired by the foyer project, and helped raise much of the needed funds. Indiana UMW chipped in $20,000 ($1 per brick), the regional governor contributed furniture, and many more friends --both Congolese and American--contributed to take the project to the finish line. In July 2018, the center had its official grand opening ceremony, with Bishop Mande, Bishop Ntambo and Congolese dignitaries (such as the vice-governor and regional traditional chief) there to cut the ribbon.
The center's work continues to expand, and contributions for training equipment (such as sewing machines) are always appreciated.
For more backstory on the 2014 Young Women's VIM trip, read this story by Delaney Hart.
In 2014, FPM teamed up with the UMC's North Central Jurisdiction's Volunteer in Mission Program and the Indiana UMW to bring 3 young UM women from Indiana and Ohio on a Mission Discovery Trip. The women journeyed by rough roads all the way to Mulongo and made village visits even deeper in-country via our riverboat. Along the way, they heard powerful stories of courage and faith in the face of violence and tragedy. The women were inspired by the foyer project, and helped raise much of the needed funds. Indiana UMW chipped in $20,000 ($1 per brick), the regional governor contributed furniture, and many more friends --both Congolese and American--contributed to take the project to the finish line. In July 2018, the center had its official grand opening ceremony, with Bishop Mande, Bishop Ntambo and Congolese dignitaries (such as the vice-governor and regional traditional chief) there to cut the ribbon.
The center's work continues to expand, and contributions for training equipment (such as sewing machines) are always appreciated.
For more backstory on the 2014 Young Women's VIM trip, read this story by Delaney Hart.
