Pray for South Africa on Sunday May 2, 2010

Pray for South Africa on Sunday May 2, 2010

Lectionary Text and Prayers for South Africa: John 13:31-35

Loving and Gracious God, we thank you today for the new commandment of Jesus. We ask that you might help us increase in our love for one another through tangible acts of giving and receiving. As we think of our partners in South Africa today, we pray that love might abound in our relationship with them and also their relationships in the South African context. Help us all to demonstrate together that we are truly disciples of the Risen Christ. Amen

(Prayer by Bob Shebeck)

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, members of the Seventh Street Christian Church, Richmond, Virginia, serve the Kei Regional Council of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA). They work as a development officers in the Kei region of the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

Scott Couper and Susan Valiquette are members of First Congregational Church, Winter Park, Florida. Scott serves with the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA). He assists the Inanda Seminary in strategic planning and serve as a management consultant. Susan serves with the Inanda Seminary, Durban, South Africa. She works as the school chaplain and a class instructor.