{"id":555,"date":"2017-10-19T15:24:40","date_gmt":"2017-10-19T15:24:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/missions.nalcnetwork.com\/?p=555"},"modified":"2020-05-18T16:10:33","modified_gmt":"2020-05-18T16:10:33","slug":"panzo-family-update-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/missions.nalcnetwork.com\/panzo-family-update-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Panzo Family Update"},"content":{"rendered":"

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CHURCH AND\u00a0<\/strong>MISSION RELATIONS<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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The leadership of the Confessional Lutheran Church of the Democratic Republic of the Congo gathered to evaluate the work of the church, including the relationship they are developing with us as global workers. \u00a0The meeting was focused on how the NALC, WMPL, and the Confessional Lutheran Church of the DRC can strengthen their relationship for effective ministry. The Rev. Pierre Keya Masuangi, the Bishop of the Congolese Church, acknowledged our presence as workers and commented on the positive impact we are having on church development. The theological training facility and the women’s empowerment program were at the center of our conversation. Ser<\/span>afina was given full responsibility to train, lead, and empower women of the church, and I was appointed as an acting Dean of the Lutheran Theological Facility. Please continue to pray for the leadership of this church.<\/span><\/p>\n

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TAKING LIVES OF WOMEN<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Mrs. Melanie was a dedicated church woman, mother of four, who lived a rough life with her husband, who was a policeman. \u00a0Her husband beat her many times and considered her his slave. Tradition required Mrs. Melanie to be obedient to her husband and did not allow her to break their relationship. Three weeks ago, Mrs. Melanie was beaten by her husband, ended up hitting an electrical wire and died. Her husband didn\u2019t accept that his wife\u2019s death was his fault, but rather alleged that she was electrocuted. Since he is a policeman, no action was taken against him, and he continues to be free. \u00a0This type of situation is a big challenge for us. We have begun training churches, community leaders, and families on how to protect the vulnerable and be the voice for the voiceless.<\/p>\n

VIOLENCE PREVENTION TRAINING<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"Serafina led a seminar about violence prevention in a vulnerable community of Boma. The seminar was organized by a local church, Dove Community Evangelical. The seminar was well attended by church and community members. The participants were impressed by what they learned and requested the continuation of this kind of training.<\/p>\n

Prayer Requests<\/strong><\/h3>\n