Aethiest's thoughts on Missions

I found this of great interest, especially as I go to Malawi in the Ntchisi district every year with Berean Baptist Church to do leadership training and medical clinics.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/matthew_parris/article5400568.ece

As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God

Missionaries, not aid money, are the solution to Africa's biggest problem - the crushing passivity of the people's mindset

Matthew Parris

Before Christmas I returned, after 45 years, to the country that as a boy I knew as Nyasaland. Today it's Malawi, and The Times Christmas Appeal includes a small British charity working there. Pump Aid helps rural communities to install a simple pump, letting people keep their village wells sealed and clean. I went to see this work.

It inspired me, renewing my flagging faith in development charities. But travelling in Malawi refreshed another belief, too: one I've been trying to banish all my life, but an observation I've been unable to avoid since my African childhood. It confounds my ideological beliefs, stubbornly refuses to fit my world view, and has embarrassed my growing belief that there is no God.

Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa:....

If you like how this starts, click on the link to finish the story!

Core Workshops

Kristy and Thobe have captured our attention over the past few weeks. We are doing Sat. workshops focusing on our gifts, personalities, contributions, values, etc. Thobe spent 5 months interning with The Navigator People Resource Team at the Navigator headquarters in Colorado Springs and is now sharing that info with us! Kristy adds in great facilitation and partnership in leading the days. Kristy's background in communication and in personal contribution have been a help to Thobe. It's been fun and rewarding to see the things Thobe picked up in the States and is now passing on to students here in South Africa. We are all looking forward to the coming sessions with Thobe and Kristy!

A photoblog by Kristy

People often ask us "Why South Africa?" In fact, this question often comes from South Africans. They frequently want to know why we would leave the USA for South Africa. We always say its the people, which is true, but I came across some photos today that reminded me of how beautiful this country is. These were taken by Ben and I all over South Africa and include the UKZN campus overlooking Durban harbor, the wide open spaces of the Free State, the indescribable beauty of Cape Town, and the wild peace of the game parks. Vuka (wake up) South Africa... you are beautiful.