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[A]
Placing many of the paid-ministry work
of the historic Churches in Africa
We wondered whether there is an engaged
awareness of the fact that of recent
international development agencies have
worked in co-operation within national
manpower development strategies to raise
the manpower-levels and work-delivery
capacities in many African countries.
Adding
to the fact that the labour cost in many
African countries is relatively cheap,
we concluded that there is a strong case
to allow European missions to place some
of their paid work activities in appropriate
places in Africa. In the least, it would
employ a relatively larger number of people
and in so doing allow for wider participation
of the larger society in crucial aspects
of God's work in the nations. The demographic
picture of the Church as at today is one
that is increasingly becoming non-white
and African, and our conclusion has this
fact in mind as well.
[B]
Orientation towards engaged awareness
and multiple-effect approach/results
In one sense, this working visit served
more as an information gathering on development
animators mentioned in the first page
: European historic Churches, thinking
academics, and dynamic African churchmanship.
Even though the visit did not directly
test the possible outcome of a working-relationship
among the development animators, it nonetheless
uncovers the rich 'worlds' of the animators
which together can generate and sustain
a taste that encourages society to work/invest
in involved-activities that produce multiple-effect
results.
Multiple-effect
approach/results always bring into communities
the aroma of God's Grace (the rich grace
of our Lord Jesus Christ - 2 Corinthians
14: ). Multiple-effect approach/results
also produce an environment filled with
signs of hope. Multiple-effect
approach/results are possible where these
development animators point people to
the principle of active and engaging
citizenship, and also point to a transforming
society.
[C]
Co-ordination
It was suggested whether at some point
in time the Institute for Community and
Development Studies would serve as a general
liaison body for some African projects
who need partners and resources within
and outside Africa. The projects in mind
are those who seek such partnerships and
resources to add best practice and
efficiency to their core services - in
such ways that help them to both serve
the people in the best ways possible and
at the same time develop their respective
opportunities as charitable organisations.
The Institute would consider that if Church
leaders in both East and West Africa will
request that formally.
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Some
Perceived Ways Forward
