ZZMUSA Mission Network

Gifts have come to us from all places. Gifts of all amounts have come from varied individuals. They have come from congregational mission funds and they have come from congregations who received special offerings. They have come from Presbyterian Church (USA) World Mission and they have come from Presbyterians committed to equity, justice and mission. Together the gifts will make it possible for persons engaged in the ZZMUSA Network to deepen relationships, hear diverse voices, support and strengthen theological education and allow new work to be envisioned. We give thanks for the generosity that has been shared with the Network. And we give thanks to God who has been at work in the hearts of so many across the church.

On September 8 in Lusaka, Zambia thirteen ministers and elders of the Synods of Harareand Zambia of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP), the Presbyterian Church (USA) (PCUSA) and the Presbytery of Zimbabwe and the Synod of Zambia of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) will gather to begin a two- week Insaka – a term, common in many Southern African cultures, that connotes friendly, open discussion. This will be a time of learning, sharing and travel. During that time the group will seek to live out the purposes of the ZZMUSA Network that stress “partnership, mutual respect, compassion and constant gratitude.” The group will travel across Zambia from Justo Mwale University to Chasefu Theological College and will also visit congregations and with leaders of churches. Theological education, including faculties, staff members and students, will be a key focus of meetings and discussions in Zimbabwe. There the group will visit Reformed Church University in Masvingo, Rock Haven and United Theological Colleges in Harare and meet with leaders of denominations. In both Zambia and Zimbabwe, the group also will be exploring new ministry possibilities that address concerns for sustainable livelihoods, health issues and on-going communication. It also will be looking for new ways to express the healing, peace and justice of Jesus Christ. Through all their meetings, study, worship, sharing and travel the group will work to fulfill the theme of the Insaka and become “One in Christ.” To be “One in Christ” is the hope, of course, of not only the Insaka but also the Network itself and all its members.

Joining together on this Insaka will be:
Rev. Paula Cooper (PCUSA)
Rev. Kevin Ireland (PCUSA)
Rev. Sevatt Kabaghe (CCAP-Synod of Zambia and Network Co-Convener)
Rev. Esau Mbondo (CCAP-Synod of Harare)
Rev. Lloyd Mithi (CCAP-Synod of Zambia)
Rev. Dr. Garikai Mufanebadza (UPCSA- Presbytery of Zimbabwe and Reformed Church University)
Rev. Bannet Muwowo (CCAP-Synod of Zambia and Chasefu Theological College)
Rev. Sauros Phaika (UPCSA- Synod of Zambia)
Elder Barbara Ringk (PCUSA)
Rev. Farisi Sakala (UPCSA-Presbytery of Zimbabwe)
Rev. Dr. Thomas Sheffield (PCUSA and Network Co-Convener)
Dr. Douglas Tilton (PCUSA)
Rev. David Young (PCUSA)

It is a large task for only thirteen people. Just as we needed the support of the whole network and friends and colleagues across the church to make the Insaka a reality, we need prayers to fulfill its hopes. So we are asking for your prayers for this time. We are asking again that as financial gifts came together, we are asking for your prayers to come together as preparations continue, as travel begins, and together we all seek to be “One in Christ.”