Joshua is a Maasai pastor who is well over sixty years old - in Africa, reaching this age is quite an accomplishment. Steeped in Maasai culture and rural lifestyle, Joshua is very comfortable sitting under an acacia tree watching his cows. Elvis and Janet (seated together on the right) are a complete contrast. Westernized, urbanized, with excellent English, this young couple is familiar with issues of globalization and world affairs. They own a transportation company in Nairobi and drive their own vehicle. Joshua doesn’t know how to drive, walks most places and does not know what “globalization” means. What does Joshua have in common with Elvis and Janet? They are all students in the Vineyard School of Ministry’s first course launched earlier this month. Joshua is a pastor in a serene countryside Vineyard church while Elvis and Janet are young leaders in a Vineyard located near hectic, downtown Nairobi.
Africa has more refugees and displaced people within the continent than outside the continent. Famine, migration, and refugees fill up the first chapter of the book of Ruth and are issues that most Africans can readily relate to. As we taught these leaders how to interpret Scripture, we studied passages like Ruth one and drew parallels between the story and culture of the Bible and African culture. Animated discussions and even debate made the course a lively experience as the material clearly resonated with the students.
(Students in the first VSM class)
As we end 2011 and look forward to 2012, we do so with a sense of accomplishment. Two projects that we have been working on for almost two years have finally been launched. Our last blog posted earlier in December told of the start of a Financial Empowerment program designed to address poverty. Now we can also celebrate the opening of the Vineyard School of Ministry!
( Lenoard Lumumba, at the front of the classroom above, is being mentored by Doug to teach future VSM Courses)Our thanks to you for your -
Love and Friendship – your emails, calls, and cards have helped sustain us during some seasons of frustration and near despair.
Love and Friendship – your emails, calls, and cards have helped sustain us during some seasons of frustration and near despair.
Prayer and Financial Support – we have faced as serious a spiritual battle as any time in the decades of our being Christians. The resources you have given have had direct impact on our ability to influence and empower others towards the Kingdom of God.
for the Kingdom,
Doug and Sue
Doug and Sue
No comments:
Post a Comment