Phyllis Byrd

Phyllis Byrd serves with the Organization of Africa Instituted Churches (OAIC) in Kenya.

How would you describe our partner’s mission in Kenya?

The Organization of Africa Instituted Churches (OAIC) brings together African Independent and Instituted Churches to develop indigenous forms of worship, theology, and social organization and improve the lives of more than 60 million AIC members across the continent.

“I am working as the Director of the Just Communities Program for the OAIC International office. The OAIC works with African Indigenous/Independent churches across Africa. Just Communities program of the OAIC starting point is our biblical faith and spiritual understanding of fairness and being honorable. AIC’s use as a trajectory their Christian faith and God speaking to them through visions and everyday life challenges. It is this that gives them the impetus to work for social and spiritual transformation, based on African cultural and their theological understanding that all of us should be well and this wellbeing is the basis on which each person can stand in community with others. The Just Communities program seeks to raise the capacity of our members and communities to call to account the various institutions within society – the family, economy, politics, government, culture and others in order to evaluate and challenge them on how well they enable each segment of society live productively and with dignity. At the same time, the JCP along with member churches challenge and evaluate the global trends that causes worldwide inequalities that result in massive poverty and inequalities in the world.”

What led you to engage in this calling?

My passion for Justice leads me to look at the root cause of global injustice. We are made in the image and likeness of God. It is, therefore, my theological conviction that justice is not something that we “do for others” but it calls into question all that we do, the way we live, the decisions we make, and how we live out our spirituality. Archbishop Romero speaks of the “poor” needing to be the protagonist for justice and liberation, and we are all called to participate, not in giving a handout but in working for justice.

Is there a passage of scripture that carries special meaning in your daily work?

There are so many passages that have meaning to me, and it is difficult to pick out one in particular. I love Isaiah 10:1-3 as well as many others that guide my life.

What are some of the challenges facing the people of Kenya?

Poverty is a big word that only contains seven letters. I liken poverty to crabgrass that spreads and manifests itself in many different challenges that face people in the area where I work, such as :

  • Food Security
  • Drought
  • Environmental destruction
  • Education
  • Sustainable development
What lesson have you learned from our partner that you feel should be shared with churches in the U.S.?

The love, concern, and knowledge they have of what is taking place in the world. This is seen as they discuss global issues in prayer meetings and other church gatherings. Our partner church has even shared resources with others who have faced challenges.

Which books have influenced your understanding of your country, work, or theology?

Watch Phyllis’ presentation on her time with the OAIC in Kenya and throughout the continent of Africa. (This can be downloaded for use in virtual Sunday School and worship.) 
Presentation with questions at the end

Phyllis’s appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Church’s Wider Mission, and your special gifts. Make a gift that supports the work of Phyllis Byrd

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