"That is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
—2 Corinthians 5:19-20 | |||||||||
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Minute for Mission
Please lift up in prayer all leaders and attendees of the first annual Assembly of the Church of the Brethren in Spainon October 11-12. Pray for sacred listening and wisdom as all involved prayerfully discern God's plan for the church. Pray for the two individuals being ordained and the two individuals being licensed for ministry, that God may direct their leadership.
Expanding learning: Montessori and EYN
Carol Smith recently settled in Abuja, Nigeria, to consult teachers and parents on using Montessori methods in the pre-schools of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN). The plan is to create a model classroom where teachers from schools throughout EYN can eventually visit and learn different ways of teaching and where parents can learn about and collaborate with the efforts of the teachers.
Carol explains the Montessori method as a scientific approach to education that is based on the developmental needs of children using observation, experimentation, and analysis. The method embeds meaningful contexts that provide frameworks and motivation for acquiring knowledge.
Given the values of peace, service, logical thinking, problem-solving, and empowerment that Montessori shares with EYN and the Church of the Brethren, Smith believes a Montessori system of education can help to raise children with the values of EYN. She states: "In view of the violence that currently faces the EYN church in Nigeria, it seems especially appropriate to consider moving towards a system of education that promotes peace and nonviolent problem-solving."
Here are Carol’s thoughts as she began work at the school:
I am happy to be back in Nigeria and on the brink of fulfilling a dream that I have had for a long time—a dream of bringing Montessori education to EYN. Yesterday I met with the teachers of Brethren Schools Abuja, and we practiced some simple presentations: how to roll a rug, how to take care of a book, how to do a puzzle (without dumping it), and The Pink Tower.
We discussed potential parental concerns, which led me to write couple of additions to my series of daily parent-education fliers that we will send home with the children during the beginning weeks. It seems that parents the world over think first of academics, often failing to appreciate the value of balancing academics with assets like a love of learning, initiative, decision-making skills, self-control, respect, problem-solving, confidence, independence, service, peace studies, creativity, and tools for learning.
The teachers want to start on Monday, and that is our plan. The children were ready to start two days ago when some of them saw me unpacking books and enticing materials! They called them toys and found it funny when I explained that the materials were not for playing but rather for working.
I can't remember any time when I tried to do something for which I felt more affirmed or affirmed by more persons, be it friends from church or strangers that I met while traveling. I am grateful to God, to the Church of the Brethren, and to EYN for giving me this opportunity. I pray that ultimately it will help to promote peace in Nigeria.
 Program volunteer Jillian Foerster (right) with RECONCILE colleague. Photo courtesy of RECONCILE International.
Transforming peace: A reflection from program volunteer Jillian Foerster as she enters her final months of service with RECONCILE International
There's a tall, unkempt man who paces the half mile between where I work and live. We often cross paths, and he's attracted to my different, un-African look. Several times I've deflected hugs and his methanol-scented breath by relying on the speed of my bike or the assistance of a friend.
This man is certainly not the only person who suffers from alcoholism in South Sudan. Many indulge in the strong, cheap sachets of low-quality alcohol that litter the ground. It’s easy to look at these individuals and ignore their suffering due to the threat they pose, or to criticize those who buy alcohol instead of paying their children’s school fees. Still, this is a symptom of a larger societal problem.
The impact from war is overwhelming, and everyone has a story to tell—even those who seem to be in better health. Generations have been permanently altered from decades of fighting. The fabric of South Sudanese society has seen so much trauma that it's torn almost beyond repair. This results in behaviors such as substance abuse, depression, suicide, violence in the home, and, more fatally, conflict amid communities. As we say, "trauma that is not transformed is transferred."
It has been inspiring to be a Brethren Volunteer Service worker in this community for the past two years, and to learn from my colleagues at RECONCILE, an indigenous, faith-based, peace-building organization. RECONCILE is intent on patching the broken pieces of this society through education, counseling, and other activities.
RECONCILE's work has already seen a reduction in suicides and gender-based violence, as well as transformation of individuals who were on the brink of becoming another town drunkard or of wandering the streets with mental illness. Many of those whom we have trained are working in their communities as peace builders, struggling to mediate inter-ethnic conflict and to talk to their church communities about the effects of trauma.
It will take years for South Sudan to rebuild, but the work of RECONCILE and other peace builders around the new nation gives hope and proves that no place, no matter its history, is forsaken by God.
Spreading God’s love in France
Kim S. of Florin Church of the Brethren in Mount Joy, Pa., and her husband Collin have been serving as church planters in northern France since July 2011. With support from the Church of the Brethren, Kim and Collin work with Greater Europe Mission to spread the word of God through daily interactions in their community and outreach efforts such as English classes, children’s activities, and coffee distribution. They describe their latest ministry and how Church of the Brethren members can lift them and their two young sons up in prayer:
We're very excited about our newest outreach initiative which is a Discovery Bible Study in our home. What we especially love about these events is that we can present the entire gospel message to a small group of seekers and then open it up for honest discussion. The attendees ask some of the most insightful questions and we do our best to introduce them to Jesus.
As we go about all of these activities, we pray that God will bring us into contact with those individuals whose hearts are ready to receive Him. You can pray for us, for effectiveness in our work. You can pray for safety for us and our family as we live in a very lively neighborhood. You can pray for God's Spirit to move in northern France and for many individuals to come to know Him.
Go to ablutionandatonement.
Service opportunity
John Braun, a Church of the Brethren pastor working to support trauma healing in the African nation of Burundi, invites you to join the THARS International Burundi Mission Work Camp (PDF) from February 12 to March 1, 2014. THARS (Trauma, Healing, and Reconciliation Services) International provides micro-finance grants, coordinates mission partnerships and work camps, and facilitates cross-cultural trauma healing training. The workcamp gives opportunity for many different tasks during construction of the THARS Training Campus near Gitega, Burundi.
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| "Minute for Mission" is published by Global Mission and Service, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 362;www.brethren.org/partners © Church of the Brethren Church of the Brethren is a non-profit religious and educational organization recognized by the Federal and State governments. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Share this message with a friend |
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Minute for Mission, October 7, 2013
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