David and Betty Payne - UK |
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Prayer Letter February 2008
As we write this letter, we are praying for our friends in Kenya going through political and economic turmoil, following the disputed Presidential elections. Why have so many African nations experienced these kinds of troubles since they gained their independence? This question was asked by Dr Tokunboh Adeyemo, the main speaker at ‘The Africa Conference’ we attended just north of London a couple of months ago. Dr Adeyemo, a distinguished Nigerian Christian, is the founder of the Centre for Biblical Transformation in Nairobi, Kenya. Africa’s enigma, he responded, is that it is said to be the richest continent (75% of the world’s gold, oil and mineral deposits) and yet its people are among the poorest in the world. They are sitting on gold and begging for bread: so many are malnourished, living on a pitiful income, debilitated by disease, oppressed by injustice. And yet, among Africa’s people are some of the most brilliant minds, many are hardworking and highly regarded, and Africa’s churches are among the fastest growing in the world.
“When you think of Africa, what do you see?” asked Dr Adeyemo. “An amazing mix of smiling and suffering, and – apart from a few outstanding exceptions – a tragic lack of servant-hearted leaders.” His centre is dedicated to coaching Christian leaders to become engaged constructively in society, for the transformation of Africa, on the model of Daniel 6:3, “Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and high officers by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.” Transformation, says Dr Adeyemo, is a radical change by the Spirit of God using the word of God – an active work of grace to change people’s hearts – a worldview change leading to political and structural adjustments. “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)
Leadership development
With this motivation, and to mark A Rocha’s 25th year, we have launched a Leadership Development Fund, to appoint nationals with management experience to lead the younger organisations through their next stage of development. Our priority is to strengthen A Rocha’s capacity in Africa – Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and the new initiative being established in Uganda. These organisations are all staffed by dedicated people with a great vision; however, mature leaders with relevant training and experience are required to enable them to respond to the many opportunities now being presented for creation care through the churches and in society. This is all the more urgent as we hear reports that habitats continue to face extreme pressure, and local communities feel ever more deeply the impact of a degrading environment.
A Rocha International (ARI) has already begun this process of organisational development by renewing its own leadership. We reported last year the appointment of Dr Marie Connett Porceddu as Chief Executive Officer. After placing advertisements in the autumn, we have just made appointments to two newly created positions. I am very pleased that David McKay, a chartered accountant in Coventry, has been appointed as ARI’s Finance Director. He will soon be taking over my responsibilities for ARI’s financial management and for training others in this area – a task that has grown enormously with the growth of the A Rocha family to 18 national organisations and several trans-national conservation programmes including Climate Stewards. Dr Martin Kaonga, a Zambian environmental scientist with experience in agroforestry and conservation projects in six African countries, has been appointed as ARI’s Conservation Projects Director. Martin and his family currently live in Cambridge, from where he will be responsible for leading and developing these new programmes.
New emphasis
In planning the appointment of a Finance Director, ARI was preparing for the change that’s coming in our lives, as Crosslinks’ policy is for mission partners to retire at 65; for us that will be October this year. Once I have handed over my financial responsibilities, I am hoping to have time to work on ways A Rocha might involve more people in its work. We are constantly aware of opportunities for wider involvement in conservation (and related environmental issues) but we simply lack the human resources to respond. In financial terms A Rocha is a very small organisation in the conservation world, but because of its voluntary ethos and links with the world-wide church it has a huge potential for making a difference.
This is being demonstrated right now in the ‘David vs Goliath’ response to the destruction of the Alvor Estuary wetland habitats reported in our last two letters. We continue to trust that God is at work, praying and working with those who share our concerns – often, like us, feeling powerless against injustice. It is hoped that A Rocha’s draft management plan will be adopted as the basis for ensuring the area’s sustainable use alongside the conservation of its diverse habitats and species.
These ideas are explored more fully in Peter Harris’ London Lectures, “Redeeming Creation”, delivered in November at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. The CDs are available at www.EssentialChristian.com, or you may prefer to read Peter’s new book “Kingfisher’s Fire” (£7.99) which we would be pleased to send you; we highly recommend it!
Thank you for your continuing support and encouragement in prayer
David & Betty Payne
PRAISE & PRAYER
- Thank God for calling David and Martin to join the A Rocha International team, and pray for them as they start work and learn about their new roles over the next few months
- Continue praying for the A Rocha Portugal team’s protection and provision, perseverance and wisdom in continuing the Alvor Campaign.