| A poster format of the game can
be ordered through Presbyterian Distribution Services (Africa
Game Board Poster PDS# 7428004003). There is also a 16-by-20-foot
floor version that may be borrowed by contacting Vennie Constant
at (888) 728-7228 x5338.
I’d also like to share with you about another emerging
opportunity to engage in the educational mission of the Presbyterian
Church (USA): the International Presbyterian Education Network
(IPEN). This network seeks to reinvigorate our church’s
commitment to the educational ministries of our partners. Historically
our denomination has recognized the integral role of education
in the Reformed faith. This recognition is rooted in the belief
of the priesthood of all believers: each person should be able
to read and interpret Scripture for him or herself, and each of
us has the right and responsibility to develop our God-given gifts
for service to God. Judging by the well above average education
level of our denomination’s membership, we clearly place
importance on education in our individual lives. In the United
States, an extensive array of Presbyterian seminaries, colleges,
and high schools are a testament to what was an even larger involvement
in the past. In the early days of Presbyterian missions, the key
role of education was also evident. The first missionaries brought
the gospel with a three-pronged approach, reflecting concern for
the whole person: soul, mind, and body. Churches, schools, and
health clinics were established, often right next to each other.
Today our partners in Africa consistently rate education among
their principal priorities (with evangelism and church growth).
While the initial missionary efforts focused primarily on literacy,
our partners have expanded their educational ministries with programs
that help build capacities and skills needed for independent national
churches and the developing economies of their society.
Whereas in the United States the church has been able to relinquish
the charge of education to a government that is largely able to
meet the demands of secular education, many of our partners minister
in countries where governments are incapable of meeting the growing
quantitative and qualitative educational needs of their populations.
Inversely, over the past decades we as a denomination have shifted
priorities away from education. We have wavered in the recognition
of its integral role in the Christian witness of our international
partners and significantly distanced ourselves from the bulk of
the educational work of churches around the world.
The challenges facing our partners in Central Africa are numerous
and diverse in their symptoms, but at the base of most is the
pervading economic crisis plaguing the developing world. IPEN
hopes to provide multi-dimensional avenues for Presbyterians to
become involved in educational missions. For more information
on this network please write to
IPEN or visit www.pcusa.org/globaled/ipen.htm.
Information is also available from the Office of Global Education,
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1396.
May God bless your ministries near and far!
With greetings from our whole family,
Jeff
The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
38 |
