More than 3,000 women from countries in West and Central Africa gathered in Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast, for a first-ever international congress of Seventh-day Adventist women from the region. The event was held August 8 to 15.

About 30 tents were set up in the city stadium but even these cannot house all of the women who came to Grand Bassam to take part.

Fasting, prayer and a communion service were the essence of the first day's events. "I have never seen such a great number of people participating in the Lord's Supper since I started my ministry" declared Pastor Danforth Francis, a 35-year veteran of church service who attended the event.

Grand Bassam's mayor, Jean Michel Moulod led the group of dignitaries participating in welcoming ceremonies for delegates. He was joined by Mrs. Victorine Wodie, president of the national congress and human rights minister; and Mrs Madi Marie Victoire, representative of the nation's first lady. Each expressed their satisfaction at the event taking place in their nation, and said they appreciated the work done by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in their country.

"We are here for the first International Congress of Women to consolidate unity, fellowship, personal and collective growth and to acquire the appropriate tools for an effective leadership," said Ardis Stenbakken, director of women's ministries for the world church. "We should be women God can use. God is using millions of women from our church all over the world. Let it be the same for the women of West and Central Africa."

Added Mrs. Metonou Priscile, director of women's ministries in the West-Central Africa church region, "The theme of the congress, 'Women United in fellowship with Christ' has been chosen because when there is unity there is strength, success, comfort, and the feeling of belonging to a community. We talk a lot about unity, but any unity without Christ cannot last long."

The weeklong series of meetings included leadership training, seminars, workshops and concerts from participants throughout the region. A special Sabbath, or Saturday, worship service was planned for August 14 as the capstone of a memorable event.[Gilbert Weeh for ANN/APD]