Serving in Common Witness (Scott Couper, South Africa)

The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) appointed Scott to iThafamasi Congregational Church, and its two outstations, eMbuyeni and eZimpondweni. Since July 2011, Scott and iThafamasi have ‘hit the ground running’.  The church has overseen the renovations of the eMbuyeni outstation.  The church has resurrected a food pantry ministry whereby donated food is cooked in a shipping container next to the church and distributed to children at the local school nearby so that at least all have one healthy meal a day.  Confirmation class has begun with enthusiastic young scholars learning the ins and outs of Christianity and Congregationalism.  Home visits, such as one held last week at Elliot Mbata’s khaya, sometimes continue the entire night as a prayer vigil.  Of course, funerals, tombstone dedications and coming of age ceremonies decorate the calendar.

Gracious God, thank you for those in North America who give to the ministry of Christ sending others to serve on their behalf.  Thank you for those in South Africa who also give to the ministry of Christ, so that they may host others from far away.  Thank you for Christian leaders in both North America and Africa who serve together in common witness.  Amen.

Scott Couper, a member of First Congregational Church, Winter Park, Florida, serves with the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA). He assists the Inanda Seminary in strategic planning and serve as a management consultant. He also serves as pastor of the Thafamasi Congregational Church (UCCSA).