Pray for Zambia on Sunday, August 10, 2008

Pray for Zambia on Sunday, August 10, 2008

Lectionary Text and Prayers for Zambia: Matthew 14: 22 – 33

God, we lift up the many ministries working to provide comfort, sustenance, and healing for the people of Zambia in the name of Christ Jesus.  We thank you for the opportunities for theological education at United Church of Zambia Theological College.  We pray for the strengthening of these leaders as they prepare to serve the Church in Zambia.  We ask for health for those infected and peace for those affected by HIV and AIDS.  We pray that educational ministries will be effective in stopping the spread of HIV and AIDS and will lead to the compassionate treatment of those infected with the virus.  We ask for abundant food and medication for the outreach visitation programs for the infected and affected in the greater Mindolo area to distribute especially to the women and children.  We pray for your children in Zambia.  We pray that the children of Zambia, Africa, and many other nations around the world, would not have to work to help support their family.  We pray that they might have the opportunity to go to school and to play.  In the name of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.  Amen.

(Prayer by Tracy Siegman)

Global Ministries International Partners in Zambia:

Council of Churches in Zambia is an ecumenical Christian organization composed of most of the Protestant churches in Zambia.

Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation, founded in 1958, is an interdenominational center that serves as a place of worship, study, consultation, and reconciliation.  Also on the campus are: Africa Literature Center, Young Women’s Christian Association, United Church of Zambia Theological College, Theological Education by Extension in Zambia, and St. John’s Anglican Seminary.  The Dag Hammarskjöld ‘Messengers of Peace’ Training Programme is run by the foundation, offering a three-month or nine-month Peace Certificate. 

Theological Education by Extension trains laity and ordained ministers to better serve their congregations. Emphasizing the participation of women in the TEE-Zambia program, TEE-Zambia continues to be on the cutting edge of their work.  In 2001, TEE-Zambia program implemented of communications equipment – computers, printers, and scanners have been installed and the school now has email and internet access.

United Church of Zambia came into being in 1965 with the combined mission of the Methodists, Congregationalists, Presbyterians and Reformed Evangelicals.  The United Church of Zambia declares its commitment to attaining and maintaining its existence as an effective and perfect instrument for God’s work, eager and powerful to proclaim by word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, filled with greater clarity and peace, enriched in worship and fellowship.

United Church of Zambia Theological College was founded in 1949 by the United Church of Zambia at Kashinda Mission in Mporokoso District and moved to its current site in the city of Kitwe in 1961.  It has a teaching staff of 22, which includes both full and part time staff.  84 students were registered in 2006 of which 24 were women.  The college offers the BTh Degree in its 3 year program, Diploma in Theology (3 years) and the Certificate in Diaconal Ministry (2 years). 

Global Ministries Missionary in Zambia:

None at this time.