A New Beginning
“Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 (CEV)
Unpacking our belongings; going to town and getting lost; finding a doctor, meeting all kinds of new people is all part of moving to a new place.
It is by faith in God that we begin this new assignment in Kuruman, South Africa at the Moffat Mission – a national heritage site. The Mission was established by the London Missionary Society in 1816 and moved to its present location in the early 1820s. Today, the Spirit of God continues to renew and uplift people in varied ways – educational ministries, community outreach, ecumenical endeavors, and hosting of worship services.
Having arrived on Jan 20th, both Jayanthi and I were warmly received by everyone at the Mission. One of the wonderful things about serving the Church is that wherever we go, God provides us with opportunities – to be embraced and included in a church family. As we become settled in our new home, we give thanks to God for having journeyed with us over the last 25 years in our work in Lesotho, Botswana and now in South Africa.
While at the Mission, Jayanthi will work as the librarian and I will be working as the Director of Ministerial Formation at the Kuruman House of Ministerial Formation which is located on the Mission grounds. It is through this institution that people are given support for studying theology by extension, usually preparing themselves for the ordained ministry through tutorials.
Although we are unsure as to what our work totally entails, we can be assured that God will be with us every step of the way. It is also a reminder that we need to open and willing to hear the voices of our partners who journey with us. There are no blueprints for mission work. Faith in God is the understanding that there is a power greater than us- a power which can work through all of us for the glory of God.
James & Jayanthi Wilson serve with the UCCSA, seconded to the South Africa Synod and assigned to Kuruman Moffat Mission. Jim serves as an instructor at UCCSA House of Formation. Jayanthi serves as librarian at Kuruman Moffat Mission.