An important event took place in West Africa this month. MomCo leaders from nine African nations gathered in Dakar for a leadership summit. Our Global Ministry Developer for French-speaking Africa, Mandy Dessureault, our Global Ambassador from Ivory Coast, James Wheagar, and myself hosted this conference for our most persecuted areas of the region.
Every country represented is muslim- or indigenous-majority. Almost all fall within the 10/40 window of unreached people groups. It was a mix of English- and French-speaking women who were there with one purpose - how can we spread MomCo into every corner of the continent. Their courage and passion to serve, love, and commit was humbling.
The main purpose of this event was to introduce these leaders to each other to build relationships. We also trained them thoroughly on the mission and vision of MomCo, as well as the leader handbook and our brand new global curriculum. We encouraged them on the incredible work they were doing to spread the love of Jesus to moms in their community. And we set goals for each leader as she traveled back home.
We had leaders representing regions that have had active MomCo groups for five years and some that were just starting their very first group in a brand new country. We are cheering each one of them on.
God showed up in incredible ways. Food, lodging, travel, meeting location, and financial logistics could have all caused major issues - but every single prayer was answered! It was an honor to be a part of this.
From Dakar, we went to The Gambia to be a part of their official launch. Forty-five women joined us for the event. Kadie and Bernice, our two MomCo leaders, did a beautiful job with an organized event and celebration. Our leader, Mabinty, from Sierra Leone, was also able to join us, en-route home.
In other news around the continent this month, we celebrate our very first meeting for our group in Central Africa Republic, our Arabic-speaking group in Libya, in a brand new region of Nigeria - Edo, and one in Kenya, as well. Welcome to our beautiful sisterhood!