January 7 – 9 I was privileged to participate in an Author Consultation hosted by Africa University Faculty of Theology in partnership with the General Board of Discipleship. This event provided an opportunity for members of the Faculty of Theology and pastors in the Zimbabwe Area to present book proposals to panels of their peers and theology students. I cannot adequately convey the excitement, anticipation and good work that came from these two days together. But I want to share with you the image Steve Bryant used to frame the event and set the context for this new publishing initiative among United Methodists in Africa (as recorded by Nancy Heron of Africa Upper Room)…
Stephen Bryant on behalf of the GBOD welcomed all participants and introduced the partnership and the Special Resourcing Initiative. The purpose of SRI is to provide resources and publishing capacity for resources of Africa. These resources are to meet the lack of resources that are affordable, contextual and appropriate. This is not only about Africa but about the Church globally to hear the voice of faith through African voices. The need being addressed is the lack of appropriate resources for the United Methodist Church in Africa. Developing resources from outside Africa can be costly and therefore limiting to the work of the UMC’s local churches. How do we develop those resources to provide ongoing resources for Africa?
Steve Bryant spoke about the need to “dig our own wells”, like his grandfather who farmed in the arid region of Texas. His grandfather started by relying on the unpredictable blessing and nourishment of the rains. While welcome and essential, these rains were not enough to sustain his crops and livelihood. So he began to dig channels to reach streams that flowed far from his farm. This irrigation enabled him to draw more water and to produce larger and healthier crops. But then he dug wells on his own property. From here he could draw as much water as he needed right where he lived and his farm flourished more than ever before.
That is where the United Methodist Church in Africa finds itself now. It has relied on and benefited from the gift of resources from the US and Europe. Though sporadic, they often come at the right time to feed and assist the people. Pastors have also established channels to receive resources from the West, Bible studies and curriculum. But these resources never quite fit the needs of the church because they are written from and for a different context. But now, the United Methodist Church of Africa is digging its own wells. They are drawing from the experience and expertise of their own clergy and lay people, tapping the vast resources that lie just below the surface. And these wells of deep water will sustain, nourish and feed the church right from their own land, allowing the church to flourish.
Facutly of Theology Staff, Students, Guest Speaker Lawrence Darmani (MAI), and Steve Bryant
And all the people said, “Amen.”
