On July 2, 2004 the women of the Western Congo Baptist Community organized the graduation ceremony of 14 girls who just completed a one-year training course in sewing, home economics, Bible and life skills. This was the third class of girls to complete the training at the Mitendi Women's Center in Kinshasa. My colleague Jill Lowery and I attended the graduation.

The Mitendi Women's Center was a dream for many years in the minds of Congolese Baptist women—a place to minister to the needs of Congolese Baptist women and girls. Thanks to financial and prayer support from American Baptist women, many obstacles were overcome and the center opened its doors to its first class of unwed mothers in December 2001.

Young women who have finished the program are grateful for the opportunity to live responsibly and provide for the needs of their children. They are employed in several businesses in Kinshasa, including a large transportation company, Orgamen.

A seven-minute video presentation of the Mitendi Women's Center is available from International Ministries by calling Ron Schlosser at 1-800-222-3872 extension 2178.

From August 14 – 21, Congolese Baptist women will host a conference for over 500 Baptist women from several central African countries.

• Pray that resources will be made available so that women from the war ravaged provinces of eastern Congo will be able to attend.

Thanks for your prayer and support!

In Christ,

Wendy