Whether in her role as a wife and mother, as an active member of her church and as a loan officer for HEKIMA, World Relief's microfinance program in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rebecca Mapendo can often be found walking the streets of Goma. Before coming to HEKIMA, Rebecca was a vendor selling her goods in the local market in the afternoons. The little profit she made was unpredictable and went directly to basic needs of the household. Since joining HEKIMA, her income has become predictable and regularly reinforces her husband's income.

Rebecca walks from home to her workplace. She walks from market to market and from stall to stall, visiting clients, collecting loan repayment and disbursing new loans. HEKIMA loans empower clients, mostly women, to provide for their families and act on their entrepreneurial ideas. Like Rebecca, they are enabled to provide regular and dependable income for their families. As Rebecca encourages them and offers advice, she shares the love and grace of Christ she has experienced with them.

Rebecca walks to church. An active member of her church, she attends Sunday church services, mid-week meetings and even serves as treasurer of the women's committee at the church.

Rebecca walks (and sometimes runs) after her three children, all under the age of five. As she raises them to know Christ and the power of his love and compassion in their lives, she empowers them with the knowledge that they have a hope outside themselves.

For more information on the Congo click here.

Congo
Population Density:
N/A
Infant Mortality Rate:
92.87 deaths for 1000 live births
Average Daily wage:
Less than $2/day

Those 15 and over who can read and write:
65.5%
Religion:
20% of the population is Protestant

Prayer Request

• Pray for Rebecca's safety as she travels to visit vendors in markets across the city.
• Pray that those who receive HEKIMA loans would be empowered to provide for their families.
• Pray for Rebecca's children, that they would grow up to seek after and respond to the call of Jesus in their lives.
• Pray that the Rebecca's work would point those she works with to the love of Christ and encourage them to believe in Jesus.