Pray for South Africa on Sunday, October 18, 2015

Lectionary Selection: Mark 10:35-45

Prayers for South Africa:

Caring and loving God,

Help us as your people, to gain greater clarity of what it means to be your children; servants in the manner that our Lord Jesus taught, to put aside the doing of things because we might think that we will get “double in return”……putting aside thoughts of “you scratch-my-back and I will scratch-your-back.” Help us to glorify you, O Lord, help us to be thy servants. Help us to use our time and energy to be a good friend to others in need; and to understand that commitment to you means not only words, but also doing things with our whole heart, mind….and everything that is in us.

We pray especially today for the people of South Africa and those groups and organizations trying to make a difference for the better – Ons Plek, South African Council of Churches, the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) – both the South Africa Synod as well as the regional body and Theological Education by Extension (TEE) College.

Lord Jesus, we give thanks and praise to you as a source of our strength, that keeps us on a steady path and who lifts us up when we stumble and sometimes lose our way.

Mission Stewardship Moment from South Africa:

For several weeks, I have been working on a chapter for a textbook relating to the issue of xenophobia, the irrational fear of “others;” people different than ourselves. Since coming under democratic rule in 1994, South Africa has witnessed several xenophobic attacks against foreigners, some having occurred this year. Nonetheless, one doesn’t have to look far to see that it is a worldwide issue, especially when we see what has been unfolding in the news media as of late. Prejudice, racism, poverty, desperation, irrational fears – the issues are complex. At times like this, I am drawn to the Bible for guidance and direction to see things for what they are.

Paul writes in his letter to the church in Corinth: “If one member suffers, all suffer together, if one member is honoured, all rejoice together.” (I Cor 12:26) (RSV) The concept of shared responsibility is vitally important for all members of God’s family. As individual Christians, we may attend church regularly and know the Scriptures well, especially those portions of the Bible that affirm that all humans beings are equal in the eyes of God, and that in Christ Jesus there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or master, male or female. (Gal 3:28) But our real responsibility becomes evident when we attempt to put into practice what we read in the Scriptures. As individuals and as a Church let us sensitize ourselves to the plight of refugees; of being victims of prejudice, to all those who have their back against the wall and no place to go and no one to whom they can turn for help. Help us to be “active servants,” to understand and respond positively to the liberatory struggle. Amen

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Jim and Jayanthi Wilson)

Mission Partners in South Africa:

More information on South Africa: http://www.globalministries.org/south_africa

Global Ministries Missionaries in South Africa:
Jim and Jayanthi Wilson serve as Missionaries with the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), seconded to the South Africa Synod and assigned to Kuruman Moffat Mission. Jim will be serving as an instructor at the UCCSA House of Formation. Jayanthi will serve as librarian at Kuruman Moffat Mission. Their appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Churches Wider Mission, and your special gifts.