With a charity initiative at a children’s hospital, specialised pastoral care training, and a festive divine service to round off the event, the Mamas in Angola marked their third National Women’s Day in a spirit of service, learning, and faith.
From 9 to 12 July 2026, women from all over the country gathered in the city of Benguela for the third National Women’s Day of the New Apostolic Church in Angola. More than 3,000 women from across the country participated.
Affectionately known as “Mamas”, these women are actively involved in many areas of congregational life. Whether teaching children, providing pastoral care for fellow members, or meeting regularly for mutual support and fellowship, they play an essential role in the life of the Church.
Inspiration for pastoral care and congregational life
The three-day programme offered a rich blend of opportunities for personal growth, spiritual enrichment, and fellowship. One highlight was a visit by a delegation to a children’s hospital in Benguela, where the women spent time with the young patients and their families while delivering urgently needed relief supplies.
The programme featured a series of lectures focusing on pastoral care. Topics included effective communication in pastoral conversations, the role and objective of pastoral care, and the support of elderly members. In a training session, District Apostle Helper João Misselo reinforced the important role women play in providing spiritual and pastoral care. He encouraged the participants to remain steadfast in faith, love, and dedication to God’s work, and outlined a forward-looking perspective for the work of women in the Church.
A joint concert was organised featuring nineteen choirs from across Angola with praise, cultural diversity, and fellowship at the heart of the programme.
Divine service brings the event to a close
The celebrations culminated in a festive divine festive on Sunday, which brought the third National Women’s Day to a fitting close. Apostles from across the country travelled to Benguela for the occasion, joined by representatives of government institutions and political parties. District Apostle Helper Misselo based his sermon on an excerpt from Mark 6: 50–51: “But immediately He talked with them and said to them, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased.”
Photo: NAK Westdeutschland
