Pray for South Africa on Sunday, June 19, 2016
Lectionary Selection: Luke 8:26 – 39
Prayers for South Africa:
Dear God we pray today for South Africa and remember especially those who seek education and thirst for knowledge and skills. May they be given an opportunity to grow and develop the gifts and talents that you have conferred upon them. May there be a ground swell of support and those working to improve the quality of education in the land. Bless and multiply the work of Inanda Seminary and continue to provide the resources and support for them to continue their work in the country. May Inanda Seminary shine as a light of hope to the country that one day children will tell their story and proclaim what Jesus has done. We commit ourselves today to supporting our own local schools, teachers and school children. Open our eyes so that we might see as you see. Open our hearts that we might love as you love. Open our minds that we might think as you think. Amen.
Mission Stewardship Moment from South Africa:
Inanda Seminary (grades 8-12) was established by our Congregationalist missionaries, as a school for black females in Durban, South Africa. For 147 years, Inanda Seminary has consistently molded girls into strong Christian leaders that uphold the school motto “Shine Where You Are” (Philippians 2:15). Inanda Seminary offers quality education through a holistic model of spiritual, intellectual, physical and social development. The school also seeks to extend its reach into the local community by supporting community projects and offering extra maths and science lessons for children in local under resourced government schools. The hope is to extend this programme to more schools and to add professional development for teachers. Inanda Seminary also offers extra 
tuition for its own maths and science students to boost their knowledge. There is an education crisis in the country and Inanda Seminary wants to be a part of the solution. Students graduating with aptitude in maths and science will also fill the gaps of scarce skills in South Africa. The reward comes when a former student returns to tell her success story of working in the field of maths and science. A recent graduate shared that after completing her bachelor’s degree she landed a position with a top company in the country at a national key point. She spoke of how important her faith has been and thanked the school and especially God for the progress she has made in her life. How can any one of us resist the opportunity to tell our own story and proclaim how much “Jesus has done for us”?
(Prayer and Mission Moment by Rev. Susan Valiquette)
Mission Partners in South African:
- Related Institution: Ons Plek
- South African Council of Churches
- South Africa Synod, United Congregational Church of Southern Africa
- Theological Education by Extension College
- United Congregational Church of Southern Africa
More information on South Africa: http://www.globalministries.org/south_africa
Global Ministries Missionary in South Africa:
Rev. Susan Valiquette, serves with the United Congregational Church of South Africa. Susan’s appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Churches Wider Mission, and your special gifts.