I was struck by the strength that came through her petite frame. As Helene spoke about the work that United Methodist women in East Congo were doing to help survivors of sexual violence, her strength of character was evidenced in the determination of her eyes and the rising of her voice. As she forcefully pounded the dirt mixture into a mold – making bricks one by one – her physical strength was made visible.

“In the construction of this center, women are now in the circle,
changing the lives of many others.”
Helene, United Methodist Women’s chaplain in East Congo Annual Conference

Not only is Congo Women Arise about the survivors of sexual assault arising from horrific wounds…it is about women like Helene in East Congo who are rising up to do all they can to put a stop to what has become ingrained in culture – that women can so easily be abused and discarded.

Watch the video. Do you see it? Strength. Vision. Faith in Christ. These women cannot be stopped. They, too, arise.