Cradling Abundance
One African Christian's Story of Empowering Women and Fighting Systemic Poverty
by Monique Misenga Ngoie Mukuna
Pub Date 27 Jul 2021
InterVarsity Press, IVP Academic
Biographies & Memoirs | Christian


I am reviewing a copy of Cradling Abundance through InterVarsity Press, IVP Academic and Netgalley:



Monique Misenga Ngoie Mukuna persevered through many challenges growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She lived through political turmoil and violence, misogyny and patriarchy, lack of community resources and personal loss. As she carved out a life for herself, her family, and her community, she kept seeing the same story played out for women vulnerable and trapped in poverty. She knew every system was stacked against them. So Maman Monique committed to take action in every sphere she could: through education, the local and national church, and international cooperation. In 1999 “Maman” Monique joined she joined with other Christian women to start the nonprofit Femme, Berceau de l'Abondance—Woman, Cradle of Abundance.




Cradling Abundance offers unique window on the lives of women in Congo, across Africa, and throughout the Majority World. In Cradling Abundance she recounts her remarkable experiences as a gifted student and teacher, successful businesswoman, local and denominational church leader, visionary social activist, and matriarch for her extended family. With stories of other African women woven in, this narrative presents a panoramic view of Christian women at work at every level of the church and community. This books shows us the resistance many women face even within their own congregations and families, as well as how their faith leads them to oppose injustice, discrimination, and suffering.


If you are looking for a pose story about a remarkable woman who fought to make a difference I highly recommend Cradling Abundance.



I give Cradling Abundance five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Maman Monique’s life story, her determination and grit, the horrors she witnessed, the trials she endured are truly inspiring and amazing. She grew up in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), lived through civil war, the affects of genocide, and deeply embedded misogynistic views. Through it all, she held fast to her unwavering belief in God and his providence. God has used Maman Monique to challenge the patriarchy (in a Christian way) and provide ministry to women of all backgrounds.

This book read like a textbook, rich in detail and descriptions. I would highly recommend Mukuna’s book to be utilized in the undergraduate setting. She provides so much insight into the culture and history of the DRC that isn’t always conveyed properly by outsiders. This is also a fantastic book for those interested in learning more about the DRC and the role of women (and how those roles are evolving with inspiring women, including Maman Monique, at the helm of the fight for gender equality).

Thank you to NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for providing me with an ARC.

Cradling Abundance is the story of the life of Maman Monique, a courageous woman who loves God and loves those around her. To be a woman in some cultures can be challenging, and this is something that for other cultures would be hard to understand. In this book Maman Monique offers us an deep understanding of the culture and political background in her country. It is amazing to see how one woman who was loved and encouraged by her father can bring changes in a culture where the value of woman is many times nothing. Maman Monique and her team keep empowering woman in Africa, teaching them the love of God and the worth they have in Gods eyes and giving them the resource to be able to work and support themself. It's a good book to reflect and think about what we can do with what God has given us.

An interesting story of a remarkable and courageous woman, which provides a fascinating insight into life in the DRC.