Training in Almost Everything

After almost 2 years in Goma, Martin is finally starting to do a bit more of what he came to DRC for - training and theological education. Last month he had the chance to return to Aru (in a small 12-seater plane - above) in the north east of Congo where he did his theological college placement 13 years ago. Bishops and theological college principals came together from across the Anglican Church of Congo to discuss the future of theological education.

We looked at the why, what, who and how of theological education as well as addressing more down to earth questions of how to encourage students to read in a non-book culture and how parishes can take on the responsibility of farming the fields of the students while they are at college. Ande, the new archbishop, appointed Martin to lead the Theology Commission that came out of the meeting.

Peace

Back in Goma for our ecumenical peace project, we’ve done the first training of 60 faith leaders in transforming conflict. They have now returned to their parishes to mobilise their congregations and engage more intentionally with conflicts in the local community. We are supporting them in various cultural and sporting activities and working towards a “peace hut” where live community issues will be brought to be aired and solutions sought.

One leader told us, “This training had a big impact on me. I had lived in unforgiveness for so long. I didn't know that I was hurting myself by carrying hate in my heart.... The training enabled me to face the fear of speaking to the person who had wronged me.” Another said, “As a village chief, I always take care of the legal affairs of my people. My way of dispensing justice was very different from what I learned in all the sessions. Before, I was doing the work of justice without aiming for peace and reconciliation. Now I am sure that my legal justice work will be enhanced in my community.”

Family Life

We are also working with the Mothers’ Union to give teaching to strengthen marriage and family life – particularly of pastors and evangelists. The first session was focused on communication. One of the pastors said, “The Building Family on Jesus Christ training has totally transformed my life in the household. Now in all we say and do we are open with each other and the neighborhood has testified to the model of life we live, a life of love and cooperation.” The plan is to take this this training across the whole of the diocese.

Preaching

We’ve recently done training in preaching for 50 pastors and students given by Langham Preaching. Not a small number of sermons here are either rehashed from radio broadcasts, vague thoughts loosely based on a couple of Bible verses, rants about how sinful the congregation is, or a unique opportunity to condemn those you consider your enemies. If Jesus hadn’t risen from the dead he’d be turning in his grave. Langham Preaching gives an approach that is faithful to the Bible, relevant and practical. Again, the aim is to roll this out across the diocese over the next 3 years.

Evangelism

Finally, Lake Kivu Christian Centre, the interdenominational evangelism school Martin is temporarily leading, is planning to open its doors again in October after 3 years of not being able to take students. We are refocusing our approach towards integral mission and evangelism – still training evangelists in church-planting and growth, but enhancing this with a focus on development and stewarding local resources for the common good of church and community. This is in partnership with Tearfund.

In other news: we are thankful for a fun holiday in Uganda over Easter; Anthea has just returned from a work trip to Central African Republic; our chickens have had babies and we have added Guinea Fowl to the menagerie.

Please give thanks to God

• That the little boy kidnapped from church has been safely reunited with his family

• That one year on from the volcanic eruption all is quiet.

• For the relative absence of internal conflict in the Diocese of Goma meaning that we can start to plan for the election of the next bishop.

• And please pray for the success of the various training initiatives above.

From Martin, Anthea, Silas, Zachary and Imogen