Pray for South Africa on Sunday, February 7, 2010

Pray for South Africa on Sunday, February 7, 2010

Lectionary Text and Prayers for South Africa: Luke 5:1-11

God, we thank you that when we follow Jesus, you lead us to into an abundant and meaningful life. Help us to listen to his voice so that we may know where to cast our nets in the sea of life. Give us the courage to believe that you want to bless our work and ministry. Today, we pray for our partners in South Africa. We thank you for the work that they are doing there in your name and we ask you to help us to faithfully walk with them as they follow Jesus.

(Prayer by Bob Shebeck)

Global Ministries International Partners in South Africa:

  • South African Council of Churches: This council consists of the joint work of 26 member churches.  The SACC focuses its ministry on social justice, the integrity of creation, and the alleviation of poverty.
  • Theological Education by Extension College: This college, supported by nine member churches, helps prepare students for ministry, whether lay or ordained.  The college is ecumenical and students come from Catholic, Anglican, Reformed, and African Independent backgrounds.
  • United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) – South Africa Synod:  The UCCSA – South African Synod consists of over 250 churches, divided into 11 regions.  Within the Synod one can find many different cultures and languages, making the SA Synod an example of reconciliation in the new South Africa.

Global Ministries Missionaries in South Africa:

Jonathan and Dawn Barnes, members of the Seventh Street Christian Church, Richmond, Virginia, serve the Kei Regional Council of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA). They work as a development officers in the Kei region of the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

Scott Couper and Susan Valiquette are members of First Congregational Church, Winter Park, Florida. Scott serves with the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA). He assists the Inanda Seminary in strategic planning and serve as a management consultant. Susan serves with the Inanda Seminary, Durban, South Africa. She works as the school chaplain and a class instructor.

Carla Giger, a member of Slater Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Slater, Missouri, serves with the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), based in Johannesburg. She works as an assistant program coordinator for Girls Against the Spread of Aids providing HIV/AIDS education for youth. She is a Global Mission Intern funded by Week of Compassion.

Emily Christmas, a member of Florence Christian Church, Florence, Kentucky, serves the Theological Education by Extension College (TEEC) in Johannesburg, South Africa. She works as an administrative assistant in the Academic Department and Library. She is a Global Mission Intern funded by Week of Compassion.