In the Spirit of Partnership

Scott & Susan Couper Valiquette – South Africa

Scott & Susan Couper Valiquette – South Africa
Global Ministries (UCC and DOC), USA
United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA)
First Congregational Church UCC; Winter Park, Florida
Berea Congregational Church (UCCSA); Durban, South Africa
Rollins College; Winter Park, Florida
Inanda Seminary; Durban, South Africa

What do they all have in common?  PARTNERSHIP!

If there is one ideal that Global Ministries has instilled in me as a missionary, it is partnership.  In a very unique way, all partners listed above have teamed up to send a young South African to Rollins College. 

During our time of interpretation as missionaries in Florida in 2004, the concept to offer a scholarship to a recent high school graduate connected to the partner church, the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, developed.  The partnership dates back to the early 1800’s when our American Congregationalist missionaries were present in South Africa erecting schools and churches.

The recipient of the first scholarship is a member of a UCCSA church and connected to an American Congregational missionary school, Inanda Seminary, where I serve as Chaplain. 

The recipient is Lindinhlanhla Mngadi who is now a full time student at Rollins College, also an historic Congregational institution.  Rollins College is located in Winter Park, Florida, across the street from First Congregational Church (FCC).  Through this overseas link, the local College and Church, (Rollins and FCC), have renewed their historic link as well. 

Rollins College has played the largest role in this partnership when it agreed to offer a scholarship to a disadvantaged student from the UCCSA and Inanda Seminary. 

It has taken several years to plan and find the best candidate, and through the spirit of partnership, this idea has come to fruition.  The planning and preparation of this partnership has been a rich experience for all involved, and has strengthened the relationship between the UCCSA and Global Ministries as well as Rollins College and First Congregational Church. 

Scott Couper and Susan Valiquette are missionaries serving in South Africa.  Susan Valiquette, missionary, serving as Chaplain of Inanda Seminary (high school of the UCCSA).  Scott Couper, missionary, serving Bethel UCCSA and HIV and AIDS co-coordinator for the UCCSA KZN Region