Went to Soweto this morning.
Visited Nelson Mandela's house and June 1976 museum.
South Africa National Soccer coach was there too - formerly Brazil coach!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
And so to writing a report
Started to write our report today.
Then went shopping before doing some more work this evening.
Have half an eye on the Liverpool game at the moment.
Did see the Drakensburg mountains. They were spectacular.
There must be pictures on internet.
It was also very starry but could not see well on the road and in Johannesburg there's bad light pollution.
Some fireworks went off.
Then went shopping before doing some more work this evening.
Have half an eye on the Liverpool game at the moment.
Did see the Drakensburg mountains. They were spectacular.
There must be pictures on internet.
It was also very starry but could not see well on the road and in Johannesburg there's bad light pollution.
Some fireworks went off.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Setting off for Johannesburg
Now travelling back to Johannesburg having had the morning meeting with regional synod officers of Kwazulu Natal and women ministers of that region in seperate meetings.
Lots of young ministers who have been trained in courses where gender is mainstreamed. However, there are clearly some difficulties largely from women in the churches.
Lots of young ministers who have been trained in courses where gender is mainstreamed. However, there are clearly some difficulties largely from women in the churches.
Through Swaziiland
Swaziland was beautiful.
We passed some game reserves but only spotted a few monkeys.
Once we got into South Africa again I saw two zebra and a rhino standing. Then I think I also saw some lions but I'm not sure.
I had seen an elephant when we re-entered South Africa from Botswana.
After a while Kwa-Zulu Natal turns to forests which are for timber production.
Durban is built on numerous hills and has a huge port which we caught a glimpse of ... and beaches which we sadly didn't see!
Now travelling through high plains with lots of cattle very different from the bush areas where we have seen cattle before.
Shortly heading through Drakensburg mountains but will probably be too dark by then to see much.
We passed some game reserves but only spotted a few monkeys.
Once we got into South Africa again I saw two zebra and a rhino standing. Then I think I also saw some lions but I'm not sure.
I had seen an elephant when we re-entered South Africa from Botswana.
After a while Kwa-Zulu Natal turns to forests which are for timber production.
Durban is built on numerous hills and has a huge port which we caught a glimpse of ... and beaches which we sadly didn't see!
Now travelling through high plains with lots of cattle very different from the bush areas where we have seen cattle before.
Shortly heading through Drakensburg mountains but will probably be too dark by then to see much.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Arrived in Durban
Arrived in Durban. Here we are with the Synod leaders and two of the women ministers from this region. We are outside Berea Congregational Church, Durban.
Staying at a Catholic retreat house.
Did you know that under group areas act lot of protestant churches lost land and many of their churches but catholics lost none because it belonged to the Vatican.
Also evolution was not officially taught in South African schools until 1994.
Mozambique shows signs of improvement but looks quite different from Zimbabwe where buildings and roads are deteriorating from a reasonable standard.
In Mozambique they are still suffering the after effects of war also drought, floods and cyclones in different regions.
Did you know that under group areas act lot of protestant churches lost land and many of their churches but catholics lost none because it belonged to the Vatican.
Also evolution was not officially taught in South African schools until 1994.
Mozambique shows signs of improvement but looks quite different from Zimbabwe where buildings and roads are deteriorating from a reasonable standard.
In Mozambique they are still suffering the after effects of war also drought, floods and cyclones in different regions.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Services at Highbury
Shortly after Felicity finished preaching and the service in Maputo, Mozambique came to an end, we met together at Highbury for our morning service.
Our service focused on our mission partnership through the Council for World Mission and we shared in prayers prompted by Felicity's prayer pointers.
We were joined by Dr Christina Monohar. Originally from the Church of South India, one of CWM's mission partners, Christina taught theology at the Union Biblical Seminary in Puna, India until four years ago. Then it was that she and her husband David came over here to do their doctorates at the University of Gloucestershire.
In 2005 Christina's Feminist Critie and Reconstruction was published by the Indian SPCK under its Women's Empowerment Programme. Her thesis explores the way in which a Pauline Spirit Christology can speak into the Indian context more effectively than a Greek influenced Logos Christology. She is looking forward to being involved in writing for the proposed South Asia Bible Commentary.
It was particularly appropriate for Christina to preach this morning in view of Felicity's involvement with the Team Visit to UCCSA.
Christina took as her inspiration Proverbs chapter 8 with its description of 'Lady Wisdom' and invited us to look again at Jesus through the eyes of 'Lady Wisdom'. Her appeal to an inclusive Christianity that breaks down barriers of race, class and gender is timely.
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
Amen.
Our service focused on our mission partnership through the Council for World Mission and we shared in prayers prompted by Felicity's prayer pointers.
We were joined by Dr Christina Monohar. Originally from the Church of South India, one of CWM's mission partners, Christina taught theology at the Union Biblical Seminary in Puna, India until four years ago. Then it was that she and her husband David came over here to do their doctorates at the University of Gloucestershire.
In 2005 Christina's Feminist Critie and Reconstruction was published by the Indian SPCK under its Women's Empowerment Programme. Her thesis explores the way in which a Pauline Spirit Christology can speak into the Indian context more effectively than a Greek influenced Logos Christology. She is looking forward to being involved in writing for the proposed South Asia Bible Commentary.
It was particularly appropriate for Christina to preach this morning in view of Felicity's involvement with the Team Visit to UCCSA.
Christina took as her inspiration Proverbs chapter 8 with its description of 'Lady Wisdom' and invited us to look again at Jesus through the eyes of 'Lady Wisdom'. Her appeal to an inclusive Christianity that breaks down barriers of race, class and gender is timely.
Understanding Jesus Christ from the Perspective of Lady Wisdom
Wisdom's Eternal Presence with God
Wisdom's Eternal Presence with God
Wisdom is a fine lady who is by God’s side from everlasting before earth came into being. The book of Proverbs particularly the 8th chapter celebrates Wisdom’s eternal presence with God. Wisdom signifies divine presence and activity in female form. The lady Wisdom sits on the throne by the side of God. She is a master craftswoman who brings beauty and order out of chaos. She is the mother of all good things, fashions everything and orders everything.
Wisdom inhabits or in-dwells for that is the way of Wisdom.
Wisdom is beautiful and more precious than pearls. Wisdom cannot be sought after as if it were an object. One can only prepare a dwelling place for her. Wisdom inhabits or in dwells, for that is the way of Wisdom. It is a woman’s way. How does one prepare for Wisdom? It is not by preparation, but by simply being, that one gets ready for Wisdom. One’s readiness for Wisdom is an end in itself, not a means by which to acquire Wisdom. It is to allow oneself to be inhabited by Wisdom. Wisdom found its abiding dwelling place in Jesus. Wisdom inhabits and indwells Jesus. Indwelling or being indwelt by the other is itself a feminine way of explaining the relationship between Jesus and Wisdom. Knowing Jesus who was indwelt by Wisdom requires a deeper understanding that goes beyond reason yet not negating reason. It is knowing from within.
Wisdom transcends reason yet does not negate reason
Wisdom is beautiful and more precious than pearls. Wisdom cannot be sought after as if it were an object. One can only prepare a dwelling place for her. Wisdom inhabits or in dwells, for that is the way of Wisdom. It is a woman’s way. How does one prepare for Wisdom? It is not by preparation, but by simply being, that one gets ready for Wisdom. One’s readiness for Wisdom is an end in itself, not a means by which to acquire Wisdom. It is to allow oneself to be inhabited by Wisdom. Wisdom found its abiding dwelling place in Jesus. Wisdom inhabits and indwells Jesus. Indwelling or being indwelt by the other is itself a feminine way of explaining the relationship between Jesus and Wisdom. Knowing Jesus who was indwelt by Wisdom requires a deeper understanding that goes beyond reason yet not negating reason. It is knowing from within.
Wisdom transcends reason yet does not negate reason
Pilate stood face to face before Jesus enquiring of Jesus ‘What is Truth’? trying to capture the truth by his reason, in a few palpable statements. But Pilate’s wife going beyond reason knowing who Jesus was deep within herself tried to intercede for Jesus and save Jesus’ life. Wisdom transcends reason yet does not negate reason. Wisdom relates both to an affective, sense-related, taste-related side and to an intellectual, cognitive, scientific side of life. It does not divide the world into religious and secular but provides a model for living a mysticism of everyday things.
Wisdom integrates knowledge and love, faith and work, theory and practice.
A woman stood before Jesus caught in adultery. According to the law she should be condemned to death cried all those who brought her to Jesus. Jesus was silent and in his silence he spoke a lot. This is divinity in action. The men who condemned her went away. The woman was left alone with Jesus. Jesus looked up and asked her ‘where are they?’ ‘They have gone Sir’ she replied. Neither do I condemn you. Sin no more. Not condemnation but amazing grace; not negation of life but affirmation of life; not merely knowledge of the law but knowledge and love. Not merely faith but faith and action; theory and practice.
The road of Wisdom is open, democratic and inclusive.
The road of Wisdom is open, democratic and inclusive.
Wisdom is a fine lady who brings all things together in harmony, establishes justice, peace and unity. She prepares a table and invites the simple to dine with her.
Jesus had an interesting conversation with a Samaritan woman. Jesus the Jew and this gentile female stranger became engaged in deep theological reflection. She was receptive to Jesus and accepted his message that God is Spirit and those who worship him must worship him in Spirit and Truth. Oftentimes the outsider is more receptive to Jesus’ message than his own people. Pilate’s wife pleaded for Jesus while the Jewish hierarchy, the high priests and elders pleaded for Barabbas. Very often Jesus was amazed by such great faith of the outsiders.
Jesus transgresses all human made boundaries
Jesus had an interesting conversation with a Samaritan woman. Jesus the Jew and this gentile female stranger became engaged in deep theological reflection. She was receptive to Jesus and accepted his message that God is Spirit and those who worship him must worship him in Spirit and Truth. Oftentimes the outsider is more receptive to Jesus’ message than his own people. Pilate’s wife pleaded for Jesus while the Jewish hierarchy, the high priests and elders pleaded for Barabbas. Very often Jesus was amazed by such great faith of the outsiders.
Jesus transgresses all human made boundaries
and his table fellowship includes all
As the lady wisdom summons the simple to dine with her, Jesus’ table fellowship includes all. Jesus himself was a wandering charismatic, property-less proletariat one who declasses himself. Jesus transgresses all human made boundaries – boundaries between Jew and gentile, clean and unclean, sacred and secular, men and women, servant and master, rich and the poor. That is the way of Wisdom.
Finally, Wisdom is sheer exuberant aliveness and inexhaustible source of new being that cannot be held in one form, one way and one pattern of thinking.
Mary Magdalene in her search for Jesus in the dark and cold of early morning near the empty tomb understood that she could not hold the risen Lord. No one can hold the risen Jesus. This is the way of Wisdom. The risen Lord cannot be limited or held in certain preconceived expectations. Holding him in one form would make Easter story incomplete.
I conclude now with the prayer written by an Indian poet by name Rabindranath Tagore.
Finally, Wisdom is sheer exuberant aliveness and inexhaustible source of new being that cannot be held in one form, one way and one pattern of thinking.
Mary Magdalene in her search for Jesus in the dark and cold of early morning near the empty tomb understood that she could not hold the risen Lord. No one can hold the risen Jesus. This is the way of Wisdom. The risen Lord cannot be limited or held in certain preconceived expectations. Holding him in one form would make Easter story incomplete.
I conclude now with the prayer written by an Indian poet by name Rabindranath Tagore.
Rabindranath Tagore, by his efforts and achievements, is part of a global network of pioneering educators, such as Rousseau, Pestalozzi, Froebel, Montessori and Dewey–and in the contemporary context, Malcolm Knowles–who have striven to create non-authoritarian learning systems appropriate to their respective surroundings. In a poem that expresses Tagore’s goals for international education, he writes:
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
Amen.
Prayer Pointers
- Thanks for improving relations in South Africa. But concern that this is not always reflected in UCCSA’s synod where churches are still either black or coloured.
- Botswana is now one of the strongest countries in Africa but as NGO’s pull out to work in other countries it must continue to progress. Pray that new law on domestic violence will be passed this month.
- Pray that women in the church will find the courage to support those women who stand for office and not vote for men because of their cultural tradition.
- Give thanks for the home for blind and partially sighted children run by UCCSA and for primary school where they attend and for their inclusion in main stream education.
- Zimbabwe. Give thanks for the faith and hope of the people we met who did not complain but told us frankly of their need for water, food and power.
- Give thanks for the welcome and generosity.
- Give thanks for the preschool for orphans run by the church in Bulawayo. Older girls leave their siblings there while they go to school.
- Remember the high school at Inyati the first school in Africa. Now with 500 pupils and such a sad library. At the start of term the parents had to donate food and fuel so the school could open.
- One minister we met said that when a home never has visitors the neighbours think there is something odd there … but we had visited Zimbabwe.
- Pray for on-going work for peace in Mozambique and the work of the Mozambique Christian Council Council of Churches turning weapons into tools
- Pray for the women's conference and for Felicity as she preaches at their Sunday service.
Preaching in Maputo
Saturday, 3rd November
It has been decided that we will go to the service and I am to preach.
All the ministers will be there and all the women who have had their conference.
It starts at 8-30 and we leave at 10-30 for 8 hour drive to Durban.
Forgot to say it has to be translated into Portuguese. (This was in correct it was translated into the local language which I think is Tshwa)
Saw sea tonight after meal but it was dark so no swimming!
It has been decided that we will go to the service and I am to preach.
All the ministers will be there and all the women who have had their conference.
It starts at 8-30 and we leave at 10-30 for 8 hour drive to Durban.
Forgot to say it has to be translated into Portuguese. (This was in correct it was translated into the local language which I think is Tshwa)
Saw sea tonight after meal but it was dark so no swimming!
On to Mozambique and Maputo
Mozambique, Maputo
Just arrived in Maputo. (10-37)
Arrived in Maputo at lunch time. Visited Mozambique Christian Council of Churches. General Secretary is Methodist. He explained why only Protestant group because Catholics discredited by association with colonial government. Tomorrow we are to lead a workshop at a women’s conference. Clearly very poor country but some positive things happening in terms of resources. Not sure yet if we will be at church on Sunday may need to leave early for long drive to Durban sadly.
MCCC have programme of receiving weapons and giving tools in exchange. (21-54)
Forgot to say met Rev Arao Litsure who came to Bar b q in our garden during Ayr CWM Assembly. He recognised me and I was expecting to meet him because I had checked church visitors book. (22-08)
Just arrived in Maputo. (10-37)
Arrived in Maputo at lunch time. Visited Mozambique Christian Council of Churches. General Secretary is Methodist. He explained why only Protestant group because Catholics discredited by association with colonial government. Tomorrow we are to lead a workshop at a women’s conference. Clearly very poor country but some positive things happening in terms of resources. Not sure yet if we will be at church on Sunday may need to leave early for long drive to Durban sadly.
MCCC have programme of receiving weapons and giving tools in exchange. (21-54)
Forgot to say met Rev Arao Litsure who came to Bar b q in our garden during Ayr CWM Assembly. He recognised me and I was expecting to meet him because I had checked church visitors book. (22-08)
Return to South African and Johannesburg
South Africa
Next day while we visited blind centre some repairs done to the mini bus. Then set off for Johannesburg arriving very late.
Yesterday after a lie in and quiet morning went to Apartheid museum and back for supper.
Woke at 5-45 for planned early start but still at office now waiting for other two to get visas.
2-11-07
Just crossing the border. Hope you are OK. (8-39)
Next day while we visited blind centre some repairs done to the mini bus. Then set off for Johannesburg arriving very late.
Yesterday after a lie in and quiet morning went to Apartheid museum and back for supper.
Woke at 5-45 for planned early start but still at office now waiting for other two to get visas.
2-11-07
Just crossing the border. Hope you are OK. (8-39)
Back to Botswana
Botswana
We then set off back to Botswana hoping to reach Gaborone but only getting back to Francis Town that night.
We then set off back to Botswana hoping to reach Gaborone but only getting back to Francis Town that night.
Over the border to Zimbabwe and Bulawayo
- Zimbabwe, Bulawayo
Just crossing Zimbabwe border after 3 hours because of a delay with Jennifer visa. Not sure if we will have signal over weekend.
Pressed on to Bulawayo where we met Rev Sibanda who led us to our accommodation. This was in a former white area and my impression was that they might still own but have left their staff to run it.
31-10-07
Here are some prayer thoughts for Sunday.
Thanks for improving relations in South Africa. But concern that this is not always reflected in UCCSA’s synod where churches are still either black or coloured.
· Botswana is now one of the strongest countries in Africa but as NGO’s pull out to work in other countries it must continue to progress. Pray that new law on domestic violence will be passed this month.
· Pray that women in the church will find the courage to support those women who stand for office and not vote for men because of their cultural tradition.
· Give thanks for the home for blind and partially sighted children run by UCCSA and for primary school where they attend and for their inclusion in main stream education.
· Zimbabwe. Give thanks for the faith and hope of the people we met who did not complain but told us frankly of their need for water, food and power.
· Give thanks for the welcome and generosity.
· Give thanks for the preschool for orphans run by the church in Bulawayo. Older girls leave their siblings there while they go to school.
· Remember the high school at Inyati the first school in Africa. Now with 500 pupils and such a sad library. At the start of term the parents had to donate food and fuel so the school could open.
· One minister we met said that when a home never has visitors the neighbours think there is something odd there … but we had visited Zimbabwe.
Sure you will add in other prayers as appropriate. We have over seven hours on road tomorrow. Quick visit to Apartheid Museum. I have a bit of tiredness, strange diet and reaction I expect.
1-11-07
Our journey start has been delayed so goodness knows what time we will arrive. Hope you have a good meeting tonight. I will try to get up to date with my story.
On Sunday we had cooked breakfast but there was no cereal or fruit because it was not available We were two in two churches. Pamela was preaching on Luke 4 at the big church and we all started there. Jennifer and I left to go to a smaller church where she preached on the demon possessed man. When we arrived study groups and Sunday school was in progress outside. I went to the children who were singing carols. I sang Jesus love which some of them knew. Later they sang it in church slightly differently from us. We joined the choir before the service. Service in Ndebele but recognised some tunes. Sermon was translated. Lots of reports and notices and collections. Communion at end. Several left before and men sat on one side and women the other except young people. There were some glasses of water on each tray. At end of service did High Leigh handshake which apparently happens after every black church service.
After church we went to Synod office where we had lunch with other ministers and spouses followed by a fascinating discussion on our agenda which I chaired. My opening question was to the elderly male chair of synod was, are you the first male chair? Some tension but much awareness raising.
Drove back through town.
Empty shops but small stalls on street or outside homes selling a few things. Long queues at closed petrol stations. Drivers leave cars and come back when they hear there is fuel. Then allowed 30 litres. Say much being brought across border in all sorts of containers for black market. That night after supper took time to reflect as a group.
Monday we visited the orphan centre and then drove out to Inyati to the school and church. Met group of pupils and then group of teachers. People from two churches came to meet us and this is the only time we were asked for money but some see CWM as source of money which is opposite to those in UK who see it as only about giving money. Then had lunch at school. Usual fare of rice meat cole slaw and gravy.
On to Botswana and Gaborone
Botswana, Gaborone
23-10-07
Just in Botswana.
Travelled on some incredible long straight roads from Jo’burg to Gaborone. Met with a women’s group but we were very late so a bit awkward but went OK. Saw kudu, baboons and springboks from car. I have a bit of a sniffle and Jennifer is not too good but nothing serious. Luckily for me it was cooler today and rained tonight.
24-10-07
I went to a harvest and thanksgiving concert at Trinity Congregational church, Gaborone where Rupert is minister. He was not there. Now off to Zimbabwe tomorrow. Been cold and yet here today which is good for the country and me but everyone else is struggling to keep warm.
Yesterday we started with a meeting with the director of the women’s affairs department of Botswana government. Told us of struggles to get domestic violence legislation through next parliament. Marital rape had to be removed at insistence of church leaders. Then to meet general secretary of Botswana council of churches. After to meet staff of Kgolagano college including Rupert. Name means covenant. Went to traditional African lunch where I tried to two sorts of pap which is sorghum porridge. Not bad. Next instalment later.
Just had coffee with Russell. Seemed pleased to meet but quite reserved. His brother lived near him but had arranged for him to come because of uncertainty of contact.
30-10-07
On an eight hour journey.
It is Sunday evening and there is no access to a network here but I will try and get up to date with my messages.
On Friday afternoon we visited the offices of the Botswana Council for women. They ran a number of nursery schools and had done other projects which had now stopped because of they were not economic. However, they still ran the Miss Botswana competition but this did not generate income. The message we received was that money was more important than vision or passion to improve things for women. Our next visit was totally different and much more encouraging. We met staff and volunteers who ran a women’s shelter. Though the people they help are in great trouble it was a good news story. They run programmes to economically empower women who have left violent relationships. They offer counselling to men and women. After a meal we went to the concert I mentioned.
31-10-07
*some text missing * … so only had time for meal in Francis Town before heading for the border. Good job too because the queue was long and there was some difficulty getting our Guyanese member a visa. We were there nearly four hours.
23-10-07
Just in Botswana.
Travelled on some incredible long straight roads from Jo’burg to Gaborone. Met with a women’s group but we were very late so a bit awkward but went OK. Saw kudu, baboons and springboks from car. I have a bit of a sniffle and Jennifer is not too good but nothing serious. Luckily for me it was cooler today and rained tonight.
24-10-07
I went to a harvest and thanksgiving concert at Trinity Congregational church, Gaborone where Rupert is minister. He was not there. Now off to Zimbabwe tomorrow. Been cold and yet here today which is good for the country and me but everyone else is struggling to keep warm.
Yesterday we started with a meeting with the director of the women’s affairs department of Botswana government. Told us of struggles to get domestic violence legislation through next parliament. Marital rape had to be removed at insistence of church leaders. Then to meet general secretary of Botswana council of churches. After to meet staff of Kgolagano college including Rupert. Name means covenant. Went to traditional African lunch where I tried to two sorts of pap which is sorghum porridge. Not bad. Next instalment later.
Just had coffee with Russell. Seemed pleased to meet but quite reserved. His brother lived near him but had arranged for him to come because of uncertainty of contact.
30-10-07
On an eight hour journey.
It is Sunday evening and there is no access to a network here but I will try and get up to date with my messages.
On Friday afternoon we visited the offices of the Botswana Council for women. They ran a number of nursery schools and had done other projects which had now stopped because of they were not economic. However, they still ran the Miss Botswana competition but this did not generate income. The message we received was that money was more important than vision or passion to improve things for women. Our next visit was totally different and much more encouraging. We met staff and volunteers who ran a women’s shelter. Though the people they help are in great trouble it was a good news story. They run programmes to economically empower women who have left violent relationships. They offer counselling to men and women. After a meal we went to the concert I mentioned.
31-10-07
*some text missing * … so only had time for meal in Francis Town before heading for the border. Good job too because the queue was long and there was some difficulty getting our Guyanese member a visa. We were there nearly four hours.
The Team arrives in Johannesburg
20-10-07
In departures. All well so far.
South Africa, Johannesburg
21-10-07
I am in bed and breakfast. Lunch with Dibeela family. Now waiting for pizza. Pam from NZ comes tomorrow. Adaptor no good should have looked at small print. Might be problems with camera.
Had a good day spending some time with Cheryl and the children. Pam has arrived from NZ. Had a meal but she is tired after a long journey with a stop in Sydney. Flight from there followed the sun so might was created by crew four hours into flight. They flew over Antarctica. Jennifer arrives tomorrow early about the same time as Springboks return possibly even on same flight. Cheryl thinks she has adaptor which will work for me.
22-10-07
All here now get under way tomorrow after quite a long build up period. Johannesburg is difficult to work out. Most people give the impression of being isolated and fearful. Everywhere you go there is a door to lock. Watching Man U. Cracking result for gunners.
In departures. All well so far.
South Africa, Johannesburg
21-10-07
I am in bed and breakfast. Lunch with Dibeela family. Now waiting for pizza. Pam from NZ comes tomorrow. Adaptor no good should have looked at small print. Might be problems with camera.
Had a good day spending some time with Cheryl and the children. Pam has arrived from NZ. Had a meal but she is tired after a long journey with a stop in Sydney. Flight from there followed the sun so might was created by crew four hours into flight. They flew over Antarctica. Jennifer arrives tomorrow early about the same time as Springboks return possibly even on same flight. Cheryl thinks she has adaptor which will work for me.
22-10-07
All here now get under way tomorrow after quite a long build up period. Johannesburg is difficult to work out. Most people give the impression of being isolated and fearful. Everywhere you go there is a door to lock. Watching Man U. Cracking result for gunners.
Introducing the CWMM team visit to UCCSA
The Council for World Mission is a worldwide community of Christian churches.
The 31 members are committed to sharing their resources of money, people, skills and insights globally to carry out God's mission locally.
CWM works through missionary exchanges, communication networks, community projects, theological study, empowerment of women and youth, and much more.
CWM was created in 1977 and incorporates the London Missionary Society (1795), the Commonwealth Missionary Society (1836) and the (English) Presbyterian Board of Missions (1847).
In 1992 CWM launched the Community of Women and Men in Mission (CWMM) as an important aspect of CWM policy.
The Community of Women and Men in Mission is a Council for World Mission programme encouraging member churches to build:
• Equal partnership between women and men,
• An end to violence against women,
• Economic empowerment for women,
• Equal access to education and health.
Insaka is the Community of Women and Men in Mission's regular newsletter that provides news, features and Bible studies.
The word Insaka comes from Zambia and has a number of meanings: a village council where men, women and youth meet to dicsuss issues affecting the community; a place for communal meals; and it can refer to the skills and instructions given as a preparation for adulthood
The team visit Felicity is leading to the United Congregational Churches of Southern Africa is part of a project of CWM's Community of Women and Men in Mission.
Members of CWM partner churches from New Zealand, Guyana, the UK and South Africa are visiting churches, projects, training institutions, church offices that belong to the United Congregational Churches of Southern Africa.
Their three week programme is taking them to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
This blog contains a digest of the texts Felicity has sent back reporting on the team visit.
The 31 members are committed to sharing their resources of money, people, skills and insights globally to carry out God's mission locally.
CWM works through missionary exchanges, communication networks, community projects, theological study, empowerment of women and youth, and much more.
CWM was created in 1977 and incorporates the London Missionary Society (1795), the Commonwealth Missionary Society (1836) and the (English) Presbyterian Board of Missions (1847).
In 1992 CWM launched the Community of Women and Men in Mission (CWMM) as an important aspect of CWM policy.
The Community of Women and Men in Mission is a Council for World Mission programme encouraging member churches to build:
• Equal partnership between women and men,
• An end to violence against women,
• Economic empowerment for women,
• Equal access to education and health.
Insaka is the Community of Women and Men in Mission's regular newsletter that provides news, features and Bible studies.
The word Insaka comes from Zambia and has a number of meanings: a village council where men, women and youth meet to dicsuss issues affecting the community; a place for communal meals; and it can refer to the skills and instructions given as a preparation for adulthood
The team visit Felicity is leading to the United Congregational Churches of Southern Africa is part of a project of CWM's Community of Women and Men in Mission.
Members of CWM partner churches from New Zealand, Guyana, the UK and South Africa are visiting churches, projects, training institutions, church offices that belong to the United Congregational Churches of Southern Africa.
Their three week programme is taking them to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
This blog contains a digest of the texts Felicity has sent back reporting on the team visit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
