Pray for South Africa, Sunday June 15, 2008

Pray for South Africa, Sunday June 15, 2008

Lectionary Text and Prayers for South Africa: Matthew 9:35 to 10:8

God of love and compassion, we ask you to bless the rich diversity of South Africa—a land rich in resources, land, and people.  Yet we lament that in the midst of this beautiful country it is also riddled with crime, rape, violence, poverty, unemployment, an AIDS pandemic, and recently xenophobia.  There is much to be done to heal the nation.  Call forth new labourers, O God.  Commission new compassionate leaders who will cure the sick, raise-up those dead in poverty, cleanse those with HIV and AIDS, and cast out the demons of hatred towards one another.  We pray for our refugee neighbours from Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo who fear they will be the next victims of xenophobia. We pray for the AIDS orphans who are deprived of their most basic needs and will never know what it means to have parents.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Prayer by Susan Valiquette and Scott Couper)

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 by Extension College: 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 Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) – South Africa Synod:  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 new South Africa.

Global Ministries Missionaries in South Africa:

Jonathan and Dawn Barnes are missionaries with the Kei Regional Council of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, South Africa.  They serve as development officers in the Kei region of the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

Scott Couper and Susan Valiquette are missionaries serving in South Africa.  Susan serves as the Chaplain of Inanda Seminary (Secondary school of the UCCSA).  Scott is the HIV and AIDS coordinator for UCCSA kwaZulu Natal Region and serves as the pastor of Bethel UCCSA church.

Carla Giger is a Global Mission Intern (funded by Week of Compassion) serving with the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa as an Assistant Program Coordinator. She works on the Girls Against the Spread of Aids (GASA) program.