Region: Africa
Capital: Luanda
Area: 774,200 sq miles
Population: 12,263,596 (est July 2007)
Languages: Portuguese - other African languages widely used
Religions: Indigenous beliefs, Roman Catholicism, Protestantism
Life expectancy: 37.63 (est 2007)
Population below poverty line: 70% (est 2003)

 

In Angola, up until Spring 2008, Mary Parsons was working with the BMS (Baptist Missionary Society) partner IEBA (Evangelical Baptist Church in Angola). Her role is primarily in an advisory capacity with IEBA, travelling to different health centres in Luanda and surrounding areas, giving support to Angolan doctors in their daily working practices. She also works at a health post based in Terra Vermelha, a growing community on the outskirts of Luanda where thousands of Angolans are living in poverty.

 

 

The following photographs provide some insight into the place where Mary is working.

In October of 2005 a Delegation from IEBA - Evangelical Baptist Church in Angola- Made a trip North.
The first night we slept in the cars en route to our first destination.
Here we are in the morning having a time of prayer before setting out on the next part of our journey.

A stop for lunch.
No motorway coveniences or cafes.

Travelling in Angola is slow because of roads like this.
A 400 Kilometre distance will take 12 to 14 hours.

One of the aims on our visit North was to listen and chat with the local people to learn what their vision is for the redevelopment of their area.
Pastor Matondo and his congregation at Sacandika

This church building was first completed in 1899. The first Baptist church in Angola.
IEBA - The Evangelica Baptist church in Angola has over 90,000 members
In 2005 the local government gave a grant towards restoring the building as it is considered a building of important historical value.

Here the IEBA church delegation is photographed with some of the local government administration in Sacandika (North Angola).
An important aspect of the visit North, was to chat with and listen to the local authorities and hear their hopes and aspirations for their area.