Visiting international countries is no small feat. It takes months of planning – financially, physically, emotionally and mentally.
Aside from getting your passport, visa, yellow fever shot and malaria pills, planning includes studying the culture, knowing which foods to avoid, and being safe while traveling.
Missionary Diana Jackson-Washington, a licensed evangelist missionary, a Church of God in Christ, Inc. District #4 Missions Department Elect Lady, and special assistant to the supervisor of women at Church of God in Christ, Inc., is a native of Sunflower County, born in Sunflower. The Gentry High School graduate of the class of 1986, and Alcorn State University master’s-level graduate, dreamed of someday visiting and ministering to children in Africa.
This dream came true in August of 2023 and continued this year in April. During both of her visits, Washington had the opportunity to travel with Supervisor Chiquita Turner, the jurisdictional supervisor of women of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. Turner welcomed her support and skills as her companion in ministry.
Traveling and ministering abroad come with many challenges. There is no room for fear, distress, or giving up. However, after hearing about the unrest in the country, Washington knew that her God would keep her and Turner safe, in the midst of whatever might happen.
For this trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the team focused on two projects: developing a newly acquired sewing room with machines; and a Life Library, which houses books from all genres on the campus of an orphanage.
The team and supporters purchased five sewing machines and donated funds to buy library books.
The purpose of the sewing room is to provide training and build a source of financial support for girls and women for their families.
Washington had the opportunity to teach girls and women, focusing on spiritual identity and the journey with Jesus Christ. She says that teaching them impacted her experience the most. She shared with them her journey of poverty, cotton chopping, factory work, family dynamics, times of loss, church support, professional work experience, and the road to success.
She hoped to change their mindset of fear and defeat to hope and life.
Washington, Turner, and Lady Octavian Howard plan to return in August to continue and advance the work of the COGIC’s First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Congo.
The team requests your support and prayers as they plan to improve the living conditions of orphans, schools and girl moms.
Washington and Turner thank the special projects team, local churches, supporters and friends for their donations and gifts.
Washington is a member of Rash Temple Church of God in Christ, located in Sunflower. She is married to Pastor Perry Washington and together they have six children.
To learn more about the organization and its work, please visit https://bellahands.givingfuel.com/congo-special-projects-team.
