at a local church, we were welcomed
with singing in the local language. Among
the learners is Rone, a mother and adult
literacy student at the church. Rone shared
some of the challenges she faced as a nonreader
in her village and how learning to read
has blessed her. “Learning to read has made me
a better witness for Christ.” Shalom Africa provides
notebooks, chalkboards, pens, literacy primers in local
languages, and other supplies that facilitate effective
teaching and learning in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Burundi, and the Central African Republic.
Shalom is also committed to improving farming practices
in Africa. Last year, we trained agriculture coordinators
from Togo and the DRC at the Empowering Lives
International agricultural training center at Kipkaren,
western Kenya. The agriculture coordinators train members
of their communities with time-tested practices
associated with farming. Farmers are taught how to be
good stewards of their resources, as well as basic backyard
gardening skills and how to raise poultry. Other
programs that Shalom will launch in Africa include
agribusiness, food distribution, and provision of
medical supplies.
Pray that the Shalom Africa Initiative, through
the partnerships of OMS’ Village Church Planting
program, Bridge to Reading, and Empowering
Lives, will provide a strong platform for sharing
the Gospel and will meet the physical needs of
the communities in the tension belt.
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