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YWAM Africa Leadership Team meets in Bamako, Mali Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5
The river was used as a metaphor during a time of worship this morning. The picture was given of this calm river suddenly in flood, washing things away with its force. With this came the warning of Christ's return as a conquering King, when people will be held accountable for what they've received.
Time was then spent in small groups, discussing passages in 1Timothy3 and Titus1 regarding the character qualities required of elders. The ALT talked of the need for tested character, and the importance to keep mentoring others. An ALT working group later proposed a method for regular self-appraisal, linked into small support groups, to help prevent the isolation many leaders face.
The ALT also spent time grappling with the challenging issue facing YWAMers over finances. The leaders committed to ongoing dialogue amongst staff to find creative and appropriate solutions.
The Regional Directors all gave reports about YWAM's work in the different regions. Wonderful stories were told of successful primary schools in East Africa, fruitful work amongst the unreached in Mozambique and Angola, and the rapid growth of bases in Southern Africa. There were also sober reminders of crisis situations faced in North Africa and Nigeria over the last year. Leaders were encouraged to actively build the network of Member Care and Trauma Response, particularly given the growing sense in YWAM that we have entered a season of persecution and increasing martyrdoms.
Please pray for the development of these networks, and for those in YWAM Africa who are grieving after passing through trauma. Pray too for the protection of YWAM staff in dangerous situations throughout the continent. |
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The YWAM Africa Leadership Team continued with the second full day of meetings today. When not in meetings, people often sit in quiet, shady spots beside the Niger River, which flows past slowly, a kilometer wide at this point. It meanders for 1700km through Mali, heading towards the coast in Nigeria, bringing life to the barren desert regions it flows through.
A second working group gave a presentation on 'Vision'. There was honest reflection on the fact that, after four decades of YWAM involvement in Africa, there are huge areas in the heart of central Africa essentially untouched. Individuals shared about the challenging reality of pioneering ministries in such places, in the face of great personal danger. The ALT committed to continue in their role as elders, casting vision within the continent, pointing people to the areas of greatest need.