Throughout her childhood, Anny Kalingwishi Kapundu had devoted herself to the work of her United Methodist Church in Mulungwishi in Congo DR. Other people and her pastors began witnessing something more than ordinary in her way of serving the Lord.  Soon, Anny began hearing the Lord’s calling.  She could not believe that God was choosing her and struggled to accept the calling, not finding the self-assurance she needed to feel as if she could do what God was asking.  At the tender age of 16, Anny’s father gave her a verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”  As she worked to find the confidence to follow this calling, her father said to her, “Keep your dream and have a vision with the Lord.” 

This is exactly what Anny is doing today.  She is currently serving the Twin Rivers United Methodist Parish in Silver Creek while going through the process of local pastor certification and ordination as elder.  As parents of three young boys, she and her husband struggle to find the financial support necessary to continue her journey, but she continues to follow her father’s advice. As a recipient of Foundation scholarships, Anny is grateful for this opportunity to continue her studies.  Anny has this to say about people supporting the Foundation’s scholarship program: “The donors might not see the great value, but they should be aware that their contributions are really impacting the lives of many of us. They are lifting up lives, careers and humanity. Their generosity has changed my life. I am so grateful to them and the Foundation. I pray for them and thank them.”