Overseas
REPORT OF OVERSEAS COMMITTEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2005 Mission Statement of the Overseas Committee “The Overseas Committee, in seeking to fulfil Christ’s commission to “go into all the world and make disciples”, commits itself to a World Vision. It will therefore seek to maintain its historic roots in Southern Africa and will further encourage congregations to take all nations into their concern for a World Gospel. The Committee, whenever possible, will seek to develop a policy of equal partnership in all missionary work and with their brothers and sisters in Christ.” INTRODUCTION It is February and the first flush of Spring is in evidence at every turn. New shoots are appearing from a cold wet soil, sticky buds are forming on bare and apparently barren branches. Even the air feels different. It is so good to know that Easter is around the corner and that we can begin to anticipate the months ahead. However this report is not a naturalist’s diary – the observations made concerning the first signs of new life are but parallels with what the Overseas Committee is sensing and witnessing in their work. There is a sense of standing on the threshold with many of the projects waiting to see them burst into life. The last two years have required both patience and diligence as significant projects were given great consideration. The Committee is very aware of the critical eyes that look expectantly, and possibly enviously, at the Overseas Funds which are in relative terms quite significant. Understandably many may feel this is an unused and neglected asset – and has been so for some time. The Committee therefore lays this report before the Assembly in the hope that it may be reassured that any apparent lack of progress in recent times should not be read as inactivity or indolence. Like any good scheme, or dinner, there has to be a period of maturation and simmering to bring out the best flavours to be served when the time is right. It is the Committee's belief and deep desire that 2005 will be the year when all the plans of the last twenty-four months will materialise and take root, to produce excitement and wonder in the Church: 'of more worth to God is a quiet trust and confidence in Him and His purposes than any mighty or majestic scheme devised by ‘man’. STANDING ON THE THRESHOLD The Committee feels the time is ripe to realise the benefits gained over the years through accumulated encounters and experiences with our associates overseas. The visits by Committee officials, past and present were never regarded as courtesy exchanges or ‘jam’. These visits were invariably busy and intense exchanges, meeting many people, interacting with cultures and outlooks different from our own, building and consolidating relationships, developing confidences along the way to allow for future co-operation. Occasionally one can 'put one’s foot in it' leading to the possibility of misunderstandings. Mercifully the partnership with brothers and sisters at home and overseas has stood the test of time. However major spiritual changes are taking place in Scotland which have ramifications for the Church’s understanding of its relationship to partners round the world. It is only in recent times that the Scottish Church has begun to realise that the ground beneath it has altered and that it is no longer true, if it ever were, that it was divinely appointed to be for all time the ‘sending’ Church. The uncomfortable truth is that Scotland now is looking at itself as a valid mission field in need of evangelisation. In looking to the future, the Church in Scotland will become involved both as a ‘sending’ and as a ‘receiving’ agency sharing resources and personnel – mission partners in future will recognise that each has something unique and valuable of its own with which to bless and benefit the other.
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Overseas Three projects in particular have been evolving over a period though these are by no means the only or main concerns of the Committee but they reflect areas of sustained development. These projects are: 1. The Memorandum of Association To develop and put flesh on this understanding the former Memorandum of Association with the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, revamped in 1995, has been fully reviewed and overhauled in a new Statement entitled a ‘Partnership agreement .... ’. Of course it remains a ‘statement of intent and expectation’ for of itself it can accomplish nothing if it is left lying on the table. However it serves as a reminder to both Churches in the partnership of what is fundamental to our understanding of the relationship, which has grown and matured over long years and more notably again in recent years. The re-wording is not simply an attempt to render it politically correct by emphasising the 'equality issues'. It is meant to provide for each Church a point of reference, a common base-line, for understanding and developing our future partnership. The reviewed Memorandum appears as an appendix entitled, ‘The Partnership Agreement between the United Free Church of Scotland and the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa’. Each Church is placing it before the General Assemblies of the United Free Church of Scotland and the United Congregational Union of Southern Africa for recognition as an agreement. The proposed agreement seeks to recognise our historic partnership with Botswana and to enlarging our vision of mission in its more global context as set out in the Committee’s mission statement above. It further sets forth our belief in equality of partnership and a mutual recognition of ordained ministers. It will require a conscious change of mind-set for Scotland has proudly, over many generations, sent forth its brightest and most committed talents to evangelise in almost every foreign mission field. Now Scotland is compelled to confess it too is in every sense a ‘mission field’. Will it make a difference to our relationships? The Committee certainly hopes it will make a difference to the Church’s understanding of ‘partnership’. 2.
The Overseas Partnership Scheme It has taken the best part of two years for this scheme to develop from a vision to become a workable opportunity in which real partnership between two Churches can be truly consummated. Three ordained ministers from South Africa have expressed an interest in exploring the possibility of taking up appointments in the United Free Church under the terms of the Partnership Agreement, an agreement which both Churches endorsed last year. It is too soon to forecast what will come of these pilot visits but surely they must encourage us to press on with the vision, thankful that the men who responded to our call to ‘come over into Scotia’, were of such high academic standard and ministry experience, both in pastoral care and leadership. A very full encounter-experience spanning two weeks was arranged for each of them. It is hoped that the verbal report during the General Assembly will be able to convey progress with these applications submitted by the ministers and congregations. Quite apart from the purpose of filling long vacancies it is hoped that successful appointments will bring fresh life and vision to the Church as a whole. We stand on the threshold looking with expectation to the future of this partnership.
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Overseas 3.
The Alfred Merriweather Memorial Church Project This project has been simmering for nearly three years. It took the first year to clarify what type of project might be a worthy one to perpetuate the name and legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Alfred Merriweather, one which would be generally favoured by all parties close to Alfred. It has been a process involving the Merriweather family, the Overseas Committee, the Botswana Synod of UCCSA, the local congregation in Gabane, where the project is to take shape, and various architects involved at different stages, making it a complex exercise consulting and coordinating with them at a distance. The latter delays have occurred owing to the difficulties encountered in producing a place of worship that was distinctive and within an acceptable budget. The Committee is able to report that agreement has been reached with all parties on most of the main issues regarding this project. In consequence a denominational appeal was finally launched and will be further reported on during the Assembly. The purpose of the Appeal is to give opportunity for local congregations to participate in a notable project where they can personally own this memorial reflecting our Church’s contribution to Christian mission in Botswana, particularly amongst the Bakwena. The new church will also be home to a memorial room providing space to display the doctor’s work, placing it in the context of the spread of Christianity in that region connected to the work of Moffat and Livingstone. The Women’s Home and Overseas Committee launched their appeal amongst the Women’s Associations of the Church in faith that all the hurdles involved in the project would be overcome! The Committee is most grateful for their interest, encouragements and support. At this stage the project has yet to go to tender but estimated costs are close to our budget – again we stand on the threshold of new things and long to see this memorial completed in the near future. BUILDING ON FOUNDATIONS ALREADY LAID Some important decisions were taken two years ago to prioritise the overseas concerns of the Committee and to maximise the use of the Committee’s funds. These changes are now beginning to impact on the work, clarifying main areas where we can concentrate our endeavours as a Church. It is generally felt that there is much to be gained, when the denomination is so small, by remaining with known schemes and building on established relationships, however this should not exclude other projects from being brought to the Committee’s attention. Maintaining a Focus on AIDS Overseas Committee members visited the Orphan care projects below in 2003 and were impressed by the dedication, leadership and training offered by these organisations: the Committee is eager to see them enjoy continued support in order to establish their expanding portfolio of help and advice to families in distressing circumstances. a.
The Bongani Orphan Care Programme It was recognised that the pandemic of AIDS, particularly in Africa, is a major problem that is going to be around for a long time. Thus, when our three-year commitment to the Bongani project in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, was drawing to an end it became abundantly clear that to abandon it for some other noble cause was poor timing. The scale of need in Zimbabwe was intensifying and any attempt to scale down our support as a Church would have been sorely felt and have resulted in serious consequences for many individuals. The Committee took a decision to extend the Church’s commitment of £5,000 p.a to flow over into 2005 and 2006. This will be covered by the Overseas Funds, however the Committee would welcome any efforts by congregations to share in this commitment and so gain the satisfaction of making a real difference to the lives or orphans and their future personal development prospects. It is the intention of the committee to arrange for the Bongani project leader to visit Presbyteries in the coming year and allow her time to speak of and to promote interest in the project's orphan care programme. 3
Overseas
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The Kaletso Orphan Care and Counselling Centre, Molepolole This work is expanding into new premises and provides a major arm of support to hundreds of families in Molepolole – a large township of over 70,000 now but still with a village feel about the community. Ella Mohammadi and her team of trained counsellors and activity leaders have made steady progress in developing this work along sustainable lines. c.
Flying Mission, Gaborone, Botswana F.M. has grown mightily since it came into being through its founder Dr. Malcolm McArthur. Now under its new Director, John Lubbe, it continues to expand its role. In creating a second base in the north of the country many more opportunities exist to touch the lives of more needy and remote people. One distinctive ministry developed and supported by Flying Mission, apart from the obvious flights in support of medical and other needs, is the work of Christian education in combating some of the major causes in the spread of the AIDS virus. Programmes approved by the Education Authority have been given access to both primary and secondary classes. The committee has given modest seed-corn support for this work but it deserves all then commendation we can give it… Churches are encouraged to make the well-produced Annual Report of Flying Mission available for members to digest Focus on China The past year has been an extremely busy one for the Scottish Churches’ China Group (SCCG). During this time Patricia Johnston, the China Field Officer has undertaken 4 visits to China. In addition the SCCG has welcomed 4 Delegations and Groups of Visitors to Scotland, among these was a high ranking Delegation, led by a government Vice-Minister, from the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA). The SCCG was greatly encouraged by the openness of the SARA Delegates and our prayers remain with them as new laws regulating religious activities and study are introduced into China. In addition to the above the SCCG continues to work with partners, both religious and secular, in the fields of health and education. As tourism to China increases images of a wealthy and rapidly developing country abound. While this is undoubtedly true it remains a fact that this reflects minority China. For hundreds of millions of Chinese poverty is an every day reality they have to live with, bringing with it non-existent or limited health care and education. The SCCG, working alongside The Amity Foundation, Shanghai and Shenyang Diocese and the No 2 Affiliated Hospital, Shenyang are developing health and education projects which will improve the lives of people marginalised in China’s rapid economic development. Finally, with the Beijing Olympics in the not too distant future, the SCCG is developing education materials, focussed on China and compatible with the 5-14 Curriculum. It is hoped that these materials will be available to every Primary School in Scotland by August 2006. Please pray for the churches in China as the impact of the new laws becomes more obvious. Pray to for the on-going partnership between the SCCG and Chinese colleagues.
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Overseas Focus on Volunteer Service and Exchanges Overseas For a number of years the United Free Church has embraced the work of the Scottish Churches World Exchange based at St. Colm’s International House in Edinburgh. It has always been the Committee’s hope that members of the United Free Church might find through this body opportunities to offer their service to projects in developing countries, or in areas where there were particular needs. More familiarly known as Church’s World Exchange, CWE offer preparation and support of volunteers before, during and after their experiences. Not only so, but it is now involved with volunteers from overseas doing exchanges ‘in reverse’, for there are areas of great need and deprivation in Scotland. CWE fills a unique niche in the Volunteer sector and its Director, Rev. Bobby Anderson, is now well known south of the border and internationally for his particular body of experience. Major issues this last year have been the plans to incorporate CWE as a Limited Company. This was to have taken place in June 2004 but current changes in the Charity Law have meant deferring the implementation of this decision. The Overseas Convener remains a Trustee Member on the Board of CWE in the meantime and valuable insights have been gained from this. Though the Committee has reduced its annual contribution significantly this should not be read as diminishing the value of this work. On the contrary – the Committee hopes to use the services of CWE to help with the orientation of the South African ministers and their respective congregational leaders in the event of any resultant settlement. MISSIONARY AND PROJECT SUPPORT Years ago it was the common feeling amongst many missionaries who had links with the United Free Church that they were by-and-large fairly superficial associations – their main link was with the Women’s Home and Overseas Committee, the Prayer Union and personal correspondence. As a Church there was much needing done to address this perceived lack Recent years have seen a number of developments which have made a great difference. There is now greater cooperation between the Overseas Committee and the Women’s Home and Overseas Committee through the sharing of information and concerns. The work of the Prayer Union through its prayer diary has been a blessed instrument ensuring a wide prayer base for all our missionaries. However as far as the Committee’s work is concerned it has gained immensely from the services of the Missionary Secretary, Helen Sunter, who has personalised the link between the missionaries and the denomination as a whole. Letters from missionaries consistently reflect a rising feeling that their work is being noticed and valued prayerfully and practically. The Committee continues its practice of sending a monetary gift before Christmas – this is always warmly appreciated and welcomed by the missionaries. The Committee was pleased to receive word of a congregation intent on sending aid to Romania. It will mean a small team of volunteers offering their services to particular projects during their stay. It will involve considerable fund-raising. The Committee would warm to such imaginative congregational projects where real initiatives are taken to reach out across national and cultural divides to engage in communities where great need is being experienced.
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Overseas THEOLOGICAL TRAINING The General Assembly may rightly wonder what has happened to the Church’s commitment towards the preparation of overseas students for the ministry. This was a matter that was close to Dr. Merriweather’s heart and led to three candidates for the ministry being prepared in Glasgow. With rising costs, the preference for a more culturally relevant ministry training and for courses which were run nearer to home and family roots, it made much sense to divert the Overseas Funds to training courses nearer home. This will allow many more students to be trained. In Botswana a temporary moratorium has been placed on any further theological students being accepted for ministry training at seminaries. Instead the emphasis has been on preparing ordinary members for lay ministry in order to meet the rapid rise in new churches. These courses are less expensive and can be built up over a period allowing candidates to use them later as stepping-stones towards ordained ministry. This is a short-term fix, one which may result in longer-term benefits should these members proceed further with their theological studies. The training of ordained ministers is a matter currently being keenly debated. The preferred method of training is through Houses of Formation (seminaries), which offer residential studies alongside personal support. It is however a costly option, to which each Synod of UCCSA aspires. Realistically this is quite a way off for most Synods through serious lack of funds but the Overseas Committee has been looking intently at involvement in the development of a seminary in South Africa. More information is awaited. As these developments may take some time to come to fruition the Committee has been looking into the possibility of supplying books for theological college libraries where students can share such resources. IN CONCLUSION The Committee wishes to place on record its appreciation of the work carried out by the former Committee on Overseas and Inter-Church Affairs and to note that the new Committee is working to maximise the advantages of separating the Overseas and Inter-Church work. It has allowed for sharper focus and more time to deliberate on issues of deeper concern. The Committee has been greatly helped this year by the officials of the Ministry Committee and the National Development Coordinator through dialogue and valuable time spent in consultation, regarding the practical workings of the Overseas Partnership Scheme. The Scheme is currently in the process of being given its first ‘test-drive’. It is an exciting prospect but one that carries with it the need for considerable care and attention to fine detail, meticulous planning and extensive co-operation involving Congregations, Presbyteries, Denominational Administrations and Assembly Committees. In the name of the Committee JAMES D NEIL PATRICIA A JOHNSTON JOHN O FULTON
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Convener Vice-convener Secretary