Pray for South Africa on Sunday May 6, 2012

Pray for South Africa on Sunday May 6, 2012

Prayers for South Africa: John 15:1-8

This year, Inanda Seminary looks back and celebrated 143 years of Christian ministry and education.  On “Open Day”, the school looks forward when prospective students discern their calling to be a “member” of the Inanda sisterhood.  With such a bright past and future, how can the present be anything but bright as well?  The school’s motto proclaims “Shine Where You Are!” (Philippians 2:14-16).  Rev Dr Thandazile Ferriel Ngcobo recently visited the school.  Thandazile is a former student, teacher and Chaplain at Inanda Seminary.  After studying theology and social work in South Africa, Thandazile won a World Church Fellow Scholarship to the Chicago Theological Seminary (1972-1973) where she went on to earn two Masters and a Doctorate of Ministry in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).  She also was the first woman to be ordained at Trinity Church (UCC) in Chicago.  Inanda Seminary produces pioneers; Thandazile was the first black female to be a fully certified CPE instructor.  She marveled at the Inanda Seminary’s recent infrastructural improvements and incredible academic achievements.  Thandazile represents the past, present and future beauty of Inanda Seminary.  Thandazile’s blazed a trail for black women in South Africa and the USA, thus proving that mission is a “win-win” endeavor.

Gracious God, inspire us to inspire each other to live to our fullest God-given potential.  Remind us that in enabling others to be fulfilled, we also enable ourselves to be fulfilled.  We give you thanks for our forefathers and mothers in mission, who in generations past built solid institutions that have stood the test of time.  We give you thanks that those who gave and those who received were faithful to one another and to you.  We pray for the leaders and the students at Inanda Seminary today, that they may have the same vision for themselves, in response to you.  We pray, O God, for the future of Inanda Seminary, that it may continue for generations to come to raise female Christian leaders of impeccable morals and qualifications, thus enabling them to benefit their nation.  We thank you, God, for sisters like Thandazile, who have given more than they have received and blurred the distinction between the one who is blessed and the one who blesses others.  Amen.

(Prayer by Susan Valiquette & Scott Couper)

To learn about Scott Couper’s book on Albert Luthuli, click here: http://globalministries.org/news/africa/global-ministries-missionary.html

Video Resources for South Africa:

Susan Valiquette – Celebrating 142 Years of Inanda Seminary: http://globalministries.org/resources/multimedia-resources/videos/video-mission-moments/south-africa-inanda-seminary.html

Kristine Tisinger – Theological Education by Extension College in Johannesburg: http://globalministries.org/resources/multimedia-resources/videos/video-mission-moments/kristine-tisinger.html

Global Ministries International Partners in South Africa:

  • South African Council of Churches: This council consists of the joint work of 26 member churches.  The SACC focuses its ministry on social justice, the integrity of creation, and the alleviation of poverty.
  • Theological Education byExtensionCollege: This college, supported by nine member churches, helps prepare students for ministry, whether lay or ordained.  The college is ecumenical and students come from Catholic, Anglican, Reformed, and African Independent backgrounds.
  • United CongregationalChurchofSouthern Africa(UCCSA) –South AfricaSynod:  The UCCSA – South African Synod consists of over 250 churches, divided into 11 regions.  Within the Synod one can find many different cultures and languages, making the SA Synod an example of reconciliation in the newSouth Africa.

Global Ministries Missionaries in South Africa:

Scott Couper and Susan Valiquette are members of First Congregational Church (UCC), Winter Park, Florida. Scott and Susan serve the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA). Both Scott and Susan live at and serve the Inanda Seminary in Inanda township (near Durban), South Africa.  Scott serves the school as the Development Manager.  Scott also serves local churches as a pastor. Susan serves the school as the Chaplain and a teacher.

Kristine Tisinger, a member of University Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Fort Worth, Texas, will serve the Theological Education by Extension College (TEEC) in Johannesburg, South Africa. She will work as an administrative assistant in the Academic Department and Library. She will begin her term of service as a Global Mission Intern this summer.