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Missionaries

Berry supports the many missions of the United Methodist Church, but reserves the special honor of being in a covenant relationship with missionaries in Senegal, Africa. The Rev. Nkemba Ndjungu along with his wife, Mbwizu, and their five children are from the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C.) and currently serve in Dakar, Senegal. Rev. Ndjungu is the only ordained United Methodist minister in the country and heads the entire mission works, including overseeing the countries 16 United Methodist churches.

Senegal is a western African nation which is 96% Islamic and has a population of 9.9 million people. The missionaries in Senegal recognize the difficulties presented them when most of the population is Muslim. The United Methodist Church believes in working to establish strong relationships with others of different faiths. In addition to making disciples for Christ, the missionaries work to improve the quality of life for all. To this end, one of the main efforts of Mrs. Ndjungu is the Wellness Program. Mrs. Ndjungu says of the program, "it's a twofold outreach ministry-nutrition and community-based health care. The nutrition program takes care of malnourished children, ages five and under. We give them food that contains protein and calories, and then we teach the mothers how to cook such food. The community-based health care program deals with first aid, hygiene, and how to treat common diseases with herbs and plants. We bring answers to people who live in a place where there is no doctor."

Today, the United Methodist Church in Senegal has eight parishes. Three are in Dakar, and five in the regions of Senegal at Thies, Saint-Louis Senegal, Kaolack, Thiadiaye and Mbour. There are a total of 413 members, including 192 men, 119 women and 102 children. Each of these parishes have social outreach programs: Economic Empowerment, Sewing, Urban Agriculture, Prison Ministry, Literacy for Women, Nutrition Day Care, Welding Workshop and Fitness Center. This is huge growth as seen though Rev. Ndjungu's description of his arrival in 1997. "I remember my first worship service when I arrived in Dakar six years ago-only 15 people, including the eight members of my family, gathering in somebody's living room. No doubt, the Holy Spirit is moving to gather the United Methodist Church in Senegal."

To be in covenant relationship with the Ndjungu's means that Berry United Methodist Church is committing over the next three years to contribute $3 per member toward the salaries of the Ndjungos. Additionally, we hold the Ndjungu family in our prayers and seek other ways to support their work in Senegal. Each year, we have a special day where we ask members and friends to contribute directly to this mission. This year, that day will be October 8th, 2006. Please join with us in our support of their efforts.