On August 29th a delegation of UCC Conference staff, Board members and GM staff will gather in Atlanta, Georgia to begin their 12 day journey to Zambia and South Africa with a time of orientation and Ministries and Mission Interpreters (MMI) training. The pilgrimage that they will undertake is a part of a UCC initiative to commemorate 200 years of global mission to which God is still speaking.

In the preparation materials given to trip participants, Sandra Gourdet, GM Africa area executive says: "Since the four young New Englanders from Andover Theological Seminary asked to be sent abroad in 1810, the United Church of Christ has maintained global mission as a priority. Through 200 years and by varied mission programs of all the traditions the church has been and continues to be formed. I am thrilled that you will be traveling to a part of the world that I hold so dearly in my heart. While on this journey we will meet co-missioners and partners living out the long standing legacy of mission in Zambia and South Africa."

The groups participants are the following: Charles and Cecelia Barnes - Rhode Island Conference, Kathy Clark - Southeast Conference, Mary Susan Gast - Northern CA-NV Conference, Kent Siladi - Florida Conference, Loyce Edwards - WCM Board member, Angela Menke Ballou - GM/WCM Board member, Jan Aerie - GM staff and Sandra Gourdet - GM staff. Please pray for their journey and return to this page for updates along the way.