Mtshabezi, Zimbabwe—A women’s conference held here in April 2011 attracted more than 1,300 women and resulted in the formation of an “interlink” committee to carry forward the vision of the organizers.

The purpose of the gathering was to “link and network on worship matters” among Brethren in Christ and Mennonite women, to learn about income generating projects and to “teach each other on matters of church doctrine and fight against cultural myths that threaten our churches.”

The gathering was hosted by the women’s organization of Ibandla Labazalwane kuKristu eZimbabwe (Brethren in Christ Church of Zimbabwe) with invitations for delegates from eight other countries—Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa, Kenya and Uganda. Only the last two were not able to send delegates.

Conference attendees elected a Brethren in Christ/Mennonite Church Interlink Committee to further the goals of the network and to plan for the next gathering to be held in Botswana in 2012. Persons from countries which do not hold women’s conferences were inspired to start.

The conference was funded in part by funds from the MWC Global Church Sharing Fund and in part by registration fees paid by the participants.

Conference organizers gave $1,251 US to Mennonite World Conference president Danisa Ndlovu as an offering or tithe to be used to enhance food security programs at Wanezi Farm in Zimbabwe.

“This is in recognition of the challenges that we are experiencing as a nation,” commented Felicia Sibanda, the organizing secretary of the event. “A seed planted is food for tomorrow!”

- MWC release