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News from West Africa

There are two New Church congregations in Abidjan located about a 25 minute drive from each other. The larger of these groups has been forced to relocate. Moving a church in a developing country can be disastrous for a group whose members walk to church every Sunday. Fortunately, the Abidjan group found a property only 15 minutes away from the place they were renting and put a down payment on it.

While the move, though minimal, is a challenge, there are also advantages. They will now own property instead of being forced to pay rent. They can also start to develop a permanent church structure that is more attractive than a simple post and beam structure that supports a tin roof.

Also, the Theological Training program in Abidjan is nearing its second year. Many of you saw brochures that were distributed last year describing the French Speaking Theological education that is taking place in Abidjan. This project has huge implications for the church in French speaking Africa. Any French speaking prospective minister can apply for a theological education there that will eventually lead to ordination. This cuts out the many difficulties associated with trying to attend the Academy of the New Church Theological School for education in Bryn Athyn.

There are cultural advantages as well. Rather than schooling a person in an American culture, the Abidjan Theological Institute allows training in a much more culturally relevant setting for the work these future ministers will be doing in West Africa. We see this as an essential grounding piece for a healthy French speaking West African Church.

Both of these projects are under funded. Of the two, the Theological School particularly needs funding support. If possible we would like send a Masters of Divinity trained minister to teach in French there for some months in the Winter. This can only happen with additional contributions.

-David Lindrooth

If you wish to make a contribution to support these efforts, please email David Lindrooth.