MWR : Web of churches in South Africa

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Aug. 10, 2009 issue

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Web of churches in South Africa

Anabaptist group begins gathering, sharing resources

By Dan Nighswander Mennonite Mission Network

PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa — An initiative here is gathering people, churches and other Christian organizations into a web of beneficial relationships.

Pastor Ekien Nsulunka leads the Mennonite Brethren Church recently planted in Durban and part of the Anabaptist Network in South Africa. — Photo by Dan Nighswander/MMN

The Anabaptist Network in South Africa seeks to apply the teachings, experiences and perspectives of Anabaptism to contemporary issues of Christian faith and practice in southern Africa.

To foster personal relationships, organizers have developed a virtual network to promote conversation informed by Anabaptist convictions and values. A website includes personal stories, study resources, news items and links to similar networks around the world.

Pastor Benedict Macebo of Hillbrow Brethren in Christ Church is delighted to connect with churches and ministries that share Anabaptist values.

“Our churches need support from each other to keep focused on our values,” Macebo said.

Allen Goddard is a South African whose discipleship and life have been shaped by Anabaptist theology for 25 years.

“The radical hospitality and peacemaking of the Anabaptists are what the South African church needs to walk through the challenge of reconciliation with our past and truly make restitution with one another,” he said.

Although Anabaptist theology and practice have influenced many South Africans’ lives and beliefs, Anabaptist churches are relatively new in South Africa. Brethren in Christ and Mennonite Brethren churches have emerged in the last few years.

North American Mennonite agencies began working in South Africa in the 1970s. They supported conscientious objectors to the military draft and those who were resisting the system of apartheid. They also started Bethany Bible School in Mthatha to teach Bible and theology to pastors of African Initiated Churches.

Since the end of apartheid, Mennonite agencies have worked with South African churches and agencies to strengthen Christian witness. They have also worked with agricultural, food and water issues, refugee support, HIV/ AIDS support and reconciliation between various factions in South African society.

ANiSA receives support from a partnership represented by Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Church Canada Witness and Mennonite Mission Network.

Comments

Praise God?i am from KENYA and 4yeras ago i visited your church on missionary work for 2years.i worked in Durban,PM B AND Swaziland.currently i am working with HOUSE OF GRACE ATHIRIVER KENYA as a personal assistant to the senior PASTOR MICHAEL MUSANGO.The church is among the most growing and we planning for a restoration meeting in Durban in January and we would wish to partner with you in this to save souls to Christ.can we consider doing this prayerfully/thank you and God bless you.

- kenneth malonza (oct 29 at 4:58 a.m.)
I am, a Malawin and am doing theology,iam looking for a church which is God feary, good doctrine that i may start here in Malawi.For more information about me write me a massege.

- joseph (nov 17 at 1:26 p.m.)

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