In Henri Nouwen’s ‘The Wounded Healer’, Nouwen looks at ministry in a dislocated and fragmented world and at nuclear man’s [he apologises for the male-dominated language] loss of faith in technology. In technology’s power to create new life also lies the potential for self-destruction by nuclear or chemical warfare or by pollution and contamination. Nuclear man can not only destroy life but also the possibility of rebirth. It is into this situation in the Zambian uranium mining industry that the Council of Churches of Zambia is speaking.
Earlier this month Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) published its draft policy on uranium mining in Zambia suggesting how Zambia might use best practices from elsewhere to regulate its exploration, mining, processing, marketing and transportation and thereby establish a transparent, well- functioning and balanced uranium mining industry in Zambia.
The mining industry plays a crucial role in the Zambian economy and it is the recent boom there that moved Zambia from least developed to supposedly lower middle-income status according to the World Bank earlier this year.
An area of concern for many people here is the multinational-controlled uranium mining companies that have recently acquired uranium exploration concessions.
In order to protect people, the flora and fauna and the environment the report recommends training for those regulating the industry and for those monitoring the health of workers in the uranium industry.
There is a need to provide sustainable livelihoods that do not threaten the well-being of the workers or the people living in the area but these jobs should contribute to genuine poverty eradication through being economically sustainable. While uranium exploitation can bring benefits to communities in job creation, foreign exchange earnings and overall economic growth, there is also a need to protect lives and the environment.
Uranium is hazardous in water, food and air that we all drink, eat and breathe, to say nothing about its controversial use as a fuel for energy or the other immoral uses it is put to in weaponry.
The Report advocates better conditions of service for the local workers, and urges investors to use their social corporate responsibility to benefit the people in the areas they operate in and to do so but not just out of guilt, because of the considerable profits they were making.
CCZ Secretary General, Rev Suzanne Matale, said the Church, as the body of Christ, was concerned that the people to whom God had given the resources were being short-changed. She believed that the Church had a God-given mandate to be stewards of the earth, take care of one another and ensure life in abundance for all. CCZ was not against investment, but wanted to ensure that locals lived in a safe environment and benefited from the investment.
Reverend Matale said CCZ had commissioned a study on uranium mining in Zambia in early 2010 and that the findings of that study were published in a report, Prosperity unto Death: Is Zambia ready for Uranium mining? This can be googled
Rev Matale said for the Church there was no better way to preach the gospel than to act as a voice for the voiceless poor and clearly articulate their voices on issues that affected their livelihoods and put their lives in jeopardy, coupled with robbing them of their dignity.
"We believe that we have a God-given mandate to be stewards of the earth, to take care of one another and ensure life in abundance for all.” she said.
And on that uplifting note we wish you all the compliments of the season as we celebrate the Incarnation and look back with thanksgiving across the year which is passing from us now. May we in the words of Psalm 90, in the coming year, be taught to count our days and gain a wise heart. May the beauty of the Lord, Our God, be upon us and may he prosper and establish the work of our hands. Amen
Showing posts with label churches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label churches. Show all posts
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Doing More with Less
INTERNATIONAL AIDS DAY - Getting To Zero
Zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero Aids related deaths
(this year's theme)
There is good news from a recent UNAIDS report released for World AIDS Day (1 Dec). www.unaids.org/en/resources/unaidspublication/2011/ New HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths continue to fall, and the number of people on treatment in the less developed world is almost 50 percent of those eligible. This has happened in spite of a decrease in finances.
Especially encouraging for us in Zambia is that access to HIV treatment has improved greatly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the region which has long been worst hit by the AIDS epidemic, making up some 68 percent or 22.9 million of all HIV-infected people.
Access to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) has increased in SSA by 1/5 between 2009 and 2010 though 1.2m people still died of AIDS-related causes last year. Zambia has reported coverage levels of between 70 and 80 percent; nearing universal access (considered 80%).
The overall world statistics are encouraging too; while 2.7 million people contracted HIV in 2010. This represents a fall of over 1/5 since 1997.
6.6 million people are now accessing ARVs , an increase of 1.35 million in less than two years. With improved access to treatment, new HIV infections are also declining sharply.
It seems that ARVs play a role in reducing transmission of the virus to partners. Infection rates are 1/3 to ½ fewer than would have been the case without ARVs. This amounts to 2.5m people alive today who would not have otherwise been.
Changes in behaviour such as abstinence, condom-use and male circumcision are also contributing. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission is another success, where 400 000 new infections have been prevented.
To continue to do more with less, the UNAIDS Report suggests a 4- Goal Investment Framework to use funding more efficiently and effectively.
1.Maximise benefits of HIV Response
2.Use national epidemiology to ensure best allocation of resources
3.Implement programmes based on local context
4. Increase efficiency in prevention treatment care and support
This new approach in funding could prevent some 12.2 million new infections - including 1.9 million children, and 7.4 million AIDS-related deaths between now and 2020 says the report.
For universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2015, an estimated US$22-$24 billion annually is required.
In the past two years donor funding has been cut by 10 percent from $7.6 billion in 2009 to $6.9 billion in 2010.
Without stable funding, opportunities to prevent new infections will be missed and there is a risk that the progress gained in the fight against HIV could be lost.
Our Aids Relief Programme at the Mission Hospital here in Mwandi continues with its static clinic based here at the hospital and the 6 mobile outreach clinics. The outreach is now undertaken weekly. There are 1478 people on ART, 164 of whom are children.
We are grateful to many people for being able to look after our clients in many different ways. Starting at the top we have PEPFAR and AIDS Relief with the funding and other structural and logistical support. On the ground here we have a number of Church Partners who help such as IPC with reagents, Aiken and Goldsboro and other individuals for their contribution to the Formula Programme. There are over 250 children alive today who benefited from this programme that uses WHO guide-lines. The Church of Scotland Guild ’s Food Support programme that brings nutritional support to the Hospital and Home-based Care programmes. There are numerous churches and visitors who by buying bags and craft items made by the Mothers’ Support Group give this group a small but steady income throughout the year.
This year in Mwandi the Community will meet as usual on AIDS Day Eve for a candle-lit service in memory of those who are no longer with us and who have been lost to HIV/AIDS. At the service we will have a large number or Orphans and Vulnerable Children, a visible legacy and testimony to the destruction caused to ordinary families by this appalling pandemic. It is a sad and moving occasion but also one of joy and hope in the presence of these children.
The next day, AIDS Day, there will be a march through the village, an all-age gathering for some speeches, songs and drama; a Fun-Run and Football Match are the sporting events planned.
Zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero Aids related deaths
(this year's theme)
Especially encouraging for us in Zambia is that access to HIV treatment has improved greatly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the region which has long been worst hit by the AIDS epidemic, making up some 68 percent or 22.9 million of all HIV-infected people.
Access to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) has increased in SSA by 1/5 between 2009 and 2010 though 1.2m people still died of AIDS-related causes last year. Zambia has reported coverage levels of between 70 and 80 percent; nearing universal access (considered 80%).
The overall world statistics are encouraging too; while 2.7 million people contracted HIV in 2010. This represents a fall of over 1/5 since 1997.
6.6 million people are now accessing ARVs , an increase of 1.35 million in less than two years. With improved access to treatment, new HIV infections are also declining sharply.
It seems that ARVs play a role in reducing transmission of the virus to partners. Infection rates are 1/3 to ½ fewer than would have been the case without ARVs. This amounts to 2.5m people alive today who would not have otherwise been.
Changes in behaviour such as abstinence, condom-use and male circumcision are also contributing. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission is another success, where 400 000 new infections have been prevented.
To continue to do more with less, the UNAIDS Report suggests a 4- Goal Investment Framework to use funding more efficiently and effectively.
1.Maximise benefits of HIV Response
2.Use national epidemiology to ensure best allocation of resources
3.Implement programmes based on local context
4. Increase efficiency in prevention treatment care and support
This new approach in funding could prevent some 12.2 million new infections - including 1.9 million children, and 7.4 million AIDS-related deaths between now and 2020 says the report.
For universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2015, an estimated US$22-$24 billion annually is required.
In the past two years donor funding has been cut by 10 percent from $7.6 billion in 2009 to $6.9 billion in 2010.
Without stable funding, opportunities to prevent new infections will be missed and there is a risk that the progress gained in the fight against HIV could be lost.
Our Aids Relief Programme at the Mission Hospital here in Mwandi continues with its static clinic based here at the hospital and the 6 mobile outreach clinics. The outreach is now undertaken weekly. There are 1478 people on ART, 164 of whom are children.
We are grateful to many people for being able to look after our clients in many different ways. Starting at the top we have PEPFAR and AIDS Relief with the funding and other structural and logistical support. On the ground here we have a number of Church Partners who help such as IPC with reagents, Aiken and Goldsboro and other individuals for their contribution to the Formula Programme. There are over 250 children alive today who benefited from this programme that uses WHO guide-lines. The Church of Scotland Guild ’s Food Support programme that brings nutritional support to the Hospital and Home-based Care programmes. There are numerous churches and visitors who by buying bags and craft items made by the Mothers’ Support Group give this group a small but steady income throughout the year.
This year in Mwandi the Community will meet as usual on AIDS Day Eve for a candle-lit service in memory of those who are no longer with us and who have been lost to HIV/AIDS. At the service we will have a large number or Orphans and Vulnerable Children, a visible legacy and testimony to the destruction caused to ordinary families by this appalling pandemic. It is a sad and moving occasion but also one of joy and hope in the presence of these children.
The next day, AIDS Day, there will be a march through the village, an all-age gathering for some speeches, songs and drama; a Fun-Run and Football Match are the sporting events planned.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
TEEZ
Last week we had a visit from a team from TEEZ (Theological Education by Extention in Zambia) who ran a three-day Tutor Course for 18 Church members from Mwandi Consistory, at the Church. This had been arranged by our Minister, Rev Wezi Manda.
TEEZ is an ecumenical project which came into existence in 1979 based at the Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation Campus. Its main function is to equip Church members in socially relevant and biblically–based coursework to better serve the Church. “To prepare all God’s people for the work of Christian service….” Ephesians 4:12
Participating Churches are: African Methodist Episcopal Church, Anglican Church, Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Community of Christ, Lutheran Evangelical Church, Reformed Church in Zambia, UCZ, Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa and United Methodist CChurch
Since it started, over 12 000 people have successfully completed courses and over 5000 tutors have been trained. The TEEZ courses are taught in a group by local tutors and this involves individual home-study, weekly group learning discussions and practical work.
The courses are available to anyone who needs them and subsidized so that they can be afforded by most people. Prisoners and rural women are provided with free courses as well.
TEEZ offers Basic Certificates in Church Ministry in the areas of Preaching, Counselling, Teaching, Worship and Leading Church Meetings in six different languages. For those with a stronger background in Bible and with Basic Certificates Advanced Certificates in Church Ministry are offered. Each course has 24 weekly lessons and covers the areas of the Gospels & Acts, Old Testament, the Epistles of Paul, Biblical Doctrine, Psalms and Bible Study and Church Administration.
A good time of learning and fellowship was enjoyed by those taking part in this useful and challenging course. It was well organised by capable and committed staff who willingly bring these courses to the rural areas as well. TEEZ is a Zambian organization belonging to Zambian Churches and is doing a commendable job. It is worthy of material and prayer support in order to help it carry out and expand its ministry.
The three members of staff, Rev Kangwa Mabuluki, Rev Banda and Rev Rebecca Jones who came are testimony again to how interconnected the Christian family is. The Director of TEEZ is Rev Kangwa Mabuluki. His son, Kapamba, was a student of ours and a classmate of our children at Chengelo. He is also a friend of Rev Alex Slorach, another family friend and former Zambian Missionary. Rev Rebecca Jones is from PC(USA) and is on a year’s secondment with TEEZ. There is a Mwandi posting on her blog at http://www.mapc.com/outreach/blogs/a-year-in-zambia/
TEEZ is an ecumenical project which came into existence in 1979 based at the Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation Campus. Its main function is to equip Church members in socially relevant and biblically–based coursework to better serve the Church. “To prepare all God’s people for the work of Christian service….” Ephesians 4:12
Participating Churches are: African Methodist Episcopal Church, Anglican Church, Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Community of Christ, Lutheran Evangelical Church, Reformed Church in Zambia, UCZ, Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa and United Methodist CChurch
Since it started, over 12 000 people have successfully completed courses and over 5000 tutors have been trained. The TEEZ courses are taught in a group by local tutors and this involves individual home-study, weekly group learning discussions and practical work.
The courses are available to anyone who needs them and subsidized so that they can be afforded by most people. Prisoners and rural women are provided with free courses as well.
TEEZ offers Basic Certificates in Church Ministry in the areas of Preaching, Counselling, Teaching, Worship and Leading Church Meetings in six different languages. For those with a stronger background in Bible and with Basic Certificates Advanced Certificates in Church Ministry are offered. Each course has 24 weekly lessons and covers the areas of the Gospels & Acts, Old Testament, the Epistles of Paul, Biblical Doctrine, Psalms and Bible Study and Church Administration.
A good time of learning and fellowship was enjoyed by those taking part in this useful and challenging course. It was well organised by capable and committed staff who willingly bring these courses to the rural areas as well. TEEZ is a Zambian organization belonging to Zambian Churches and is doing a commendable job. It is worthy of material and prayer support in order to help it carry out and expand its ministry.
The three members of staff, Rev Kangwa Mabuluki, Rev Banda and Rev Rebecca Jones who came are testimony again to how interconnected the Christian family is. The Director of TEEZ is Rev Kangwa Mabuluki. His son, Kapamba, was a student of ours and a classmate of our children at Chengelo. He is also a friend of Rev Alex Slorach, another family friend and former Zambian Missionary. Rev Rebecca Jones is from PC(USA) and is on a year’s secondment with TEEZ. There is a Mwandi posting on her blog at http://www.mapc.com/outreach/blogs/a-year-in-zambia/
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| The Mwandi tutor group (photo by Rebecca Jones) |
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