Sadly these issues are not only
affecting the work of the church but its witness as well, causing
at times a complete separation of the church leaders from the
people and work going on in their congregations. These issues
are causing pain and frustration at many levels. Recently, during
the visit of a delegation from the PC(USA) to Sudan, this frustration
led one of the church leaders to declare that he was “fed
up” with the PC(USA)’s need for accountability and
didn’t understand why it was so important. I have to admit
that as I listened to this conversation I was silently saying
“and so am I,” possibly for different reasons. But
the sense of anger and frustration was there for the both of us.
The reasons for these problems are far too complex and diverse
to fully discuss them here. The discussions have started me looking
for root causes, which has led me to review how we “missionaries”
work and relate as partners: Are we really “doing mission
in partnership” or are we perpetuating an unhealthy dependency?
I believe God is calling all of us, the PC(USA), the local church
leaders, Betsy, and myself to take a serious look at our “partnership”
and how we are doing mission. Are we really doing what God wants
us to do or are we “off track” and need to be redirected?
Are we doing more harm than good, hurting and not helping? Is
what we want to be doing and what actually is happening anywhere
close to our understanding of the true nature of partnership?
We are scheduled to return to the United States at the end of
May 2004 for a period of mission interpretation. We see this time
as an opportunity to reflect on these issues and questions with
you. We look forward to visiting and dialoguing with you, our
supporting churches and friends. We will be in the States for
six months. With the exception of a month’s time for holiday
we would welcome invitations to visit with you and share our experiences
and our common interests in Sudan. We have asked Betsy’s
brother-in-law and sister, the Rev. Jack Carlson and Lynn, to
help us with organizing our visits. In the past we have found
some problems with trying to make connections while living here
in Khartoum. So we are asking that if any of you are interested
in having us visit, please contact the Carlsons at the address
below. We will be working closely with them in arranging these
schedules. We encourage those of you who we have not yet been
able to visit to try and set an appropriate time and date for
us to come and be with you. We also remind you that we do have
limited time and the time gets filled rather quickly so we ask
that you try and contact us as early as possible.
Thank you all for your prayers and support for us and for the
church and people of Sudan. Please continue to pray that the peace
process will move forward and that the churches can have a vision
of their role in that process.
For scheduling interpretation dates please contact:
The Rev. and Mrs. John V. Carlson
722 Chambers Circle
Bel Air, Maryland 21014
(410) 836-1370 (office)
jvcarlson@hotmail.com
Yours in Christ’s Service
Barry Almy and the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth A. McCormick
Mission Co-workers, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
47
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