Recently, I had the opportunity of traveling with my husband to Angola. It was my first trip there. I had heard so many positive things about the brethren in Angola from my husband Jorge, who has traveled there. I was excited, and nervous, to meet the brethren there. I did not expect the wonderful and inspiring experience that followed!

We arrived in Luanda, Angola, on July 14 and were met at the airport by Paulino João Foi, pastor and member of the Council of Elders of Igreja de Deus Mundial. He accompanied us on the airplane to Huambo. Huambo has the second largest congregation of brethren in Angola. We were taken to the local church, where we were met by many of the pastors, wives, and brethren. After a wonderful welcome of prayers thanking God for our safe arrival and asking for His blessing on our visit and the activities planned, we greeted some of the brethren.

On Friday, as we arrived to the Church hall, brethren were singing hymns. The brethren really enjoy singing and were practicing new hymns. The program that was to follow was focused on developing leadership skills. During lunchtime, I had the opportunity to speak to some of the ladies, with Jorge translating. I was impressed with the beautiful dresses and how respectful they were to each other. After lunch, there was an additional leadership presentation followed by more hymn singing.

The Sabbath service began about 10 a.m. Services were held outdoors, as there were 346 brethren who attended from different areas of Huambo. Definitely, one of the highlights of the service was the different choirs that performed. Each choir had a beautiful outfit representing their congregation. We were also welcomed to the area by the regional director of religious affairs of the province.

After the service concluded, we were asked to leave first. We went and stood in the back of the garden. As each row filed out, they came very orderly and greeted us. Everyone had the opportunity to greet us, and then each other. We greeted all 346 brethren! A delicious meal was served after services of meat, fried fish, greens, beans, corn meal, salad and fruit. After dinner, we had a Bible study and more hymn singing. The Sabbath was concluded by prayers for the profitable and uplifting day! It was an inspiring day!

Leadership training and meetings continued on Sunday. I presented a session on how women in the Bible showed leadership qualities. I gave the examples of the Proverbs 31 woman, Esther, Ruth and the leadership qualities they had. We then broke into groups and discussed how we can show leadership in the Church, community and home. Each group of ladies appointed a spokesperson and then presented their ideas. Jorge led an interactive Bible study with the teens on how to build a relationship with God through prayer. This concluded the leadership training.

On Monday, July 25, we were taken to the airport in Huambo and went to South Africa. A few of the brethren were there to say goodbye and to thank us for our visit. Our journey continued onto Johannesburg and Cape Town. We were able to meet with brethren and friends, some of whom we have known for a long time!

The time came for us to leave. What a wonderful and profitable experience! The Angolan brethren are so warm and hospitable; the South African brethren as well.

It is inspiring to see how God is working in different parts of the world. It reminds me of the scripture in Habakkuk 2:14: “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”