In this September 2024 update, we want to say “Congratulations” to our UM Board Members, who “are promoting change and transformation dynamically” through their leadership, work, and lives.
The Changing Shape of the African American Christian Family: Today, only 3 out of 10 Christians attend Church regularly, and the implications of this changing reality are at the heart of this book, which will be published on September 10, 2024. As a contributing author, Rev. Dr. Moses Woodruff, Jr. has written the chapter “Current Tensions Impacting Black Families” in this thought-provoking book authored by Rev. Dr. Ural H. Hill.
Bouquets of Bloom is the title of this intriguing novel written by Danita J. Snulligan. It is about the members of the Duvernay family who are determined to maintain inner peace while holding onto the unique gifts they each possess after surviving the 2010 Haitian earthquake. Cristal, a young girl adventitiously blinded years before, is consumed with a passion for gathering flowers and making fragrances. She believes there is no place for her to blossom inside the walls of public education. Once the Duvernay's emigrate to the United States and settle far from their beloved Caribbean home, their faith is transformed by the nourishing embrace of a community where blessings gallantly exceed obstacles.
This summer, Rev. Dr. Wanda Lundy was interviewed on “In the Mixx”: Latino Mixx Radio
This stimulating interview can be found on YouTube:
In this September update on the Mentoring page, Rev. Dr. L. Rita Dixon challenges us to “Do Something!!” Because the upcoming election is crucial to all of us, she invites you, the reader, to share what you plan to do to make a difference. She wants to hear from you.
Imam “Mikal” Saahir, a regular writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, has written the article “Addressing violence in America – by speaking a word directed to the truth,” which appears in this September update of UM on the page “Teaching and Learning.”
Rev. Phyllis Byrd serves with the Organization of Africa Instituted Churches (OAIC) in Kenya. Originally from New York, she serves as a mission co-worker with Global Ministries, the common witness of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. Get to know her through this a recent interview.
How would you describe our partner’s mission in Kenya?
The Organization of Africa Instituted Churches (OAIC) brings together African Independent and Instituted Churches to develop indigenous forms of worship, theology, and social organization and improve the lives of more than 60 million AIC members across the continent.
“I am working as the Director of the Just Communities Program for the OAIC International office. The OAIC works with African Indigenous/Independent churches across Africa. Just Communities program of the OAIC starting point is our biblical faith and spiritual understanding of fairness and being honorable. AIC’s use as a trajectory their Christian faith and God speaking to them through visions and everyday life challenges. It is this that gives them the impetus to work for social and spiritual transformation, based on African cultural and their theological understanding that all of us should be well and this wellbeing is the basis on which each person can stand in community with others. The Just Communities program seeks to raise the capacity of our members and communities to call to account the various institutions within society – the family, economy, politics, government, culture and others in order to evaluate and challenge them on how well they enable each segment of society live productively and with dignity. At the same time, the JCP along with member churches challenge and evaluate the global trends that causes worldwide inequalities that result in massive poverty and inequalities in the world.”
What led you to engage in this calling?
My passion for Justice leads me to look at the root cause of global injustice. We are made in the image and likeness of God. It is, therefore, my theological conviction that justice is not something that we “do for others” but it calls into question all that we do, the way we live, the decisions we make, and how we live out our spirituality. Archbishop Romero speaks of the “poor” needing to be the protagonist for justice and liberation, and we are all called to participate, not in giving a handout but in working for justice.
Is there a passage of scripture that carries special meaning in your daily work?
There are so many passages that have meaning to me, and it is difficult to pick out one in particular. I love Isaiah 10:1-3 as well as many others that guide my life.
What are some of the challenges facing the people of Kenya?
Poverty is a big word that only contains seven letters. I liken poverty to crabgrass that spreads and manifests itself in many different challenges that face people in the area where I work, such as :
Food Security
Drought
Environmental destruction
Education
Sustainable development
What lesson have you learned from our partner that you feel should be shared with churches in the U.S.?
The love, concern, and knowledge they have of what is taking place in the world. This is seen as they discuss global issues in prayer meetings and other church gatherings. Our partner church has even shared resources with others who have faced challenges.
Which books have influenced your understanding of your country, work, or theology?
Globalization, Spirituality and Justice, by Daniel G. Groody
Jesus and the Disinherited, by Thurman Howard
Generous Justice: How God’s Grace makes us Just, by Timothy Keller
The Spirituality of African Peoples, by Peter Paris
Watch Phyllis’ presentation on her time with the OAIC in Kenya and throughout the continent of Africa at https://vimeo.com/440007617. (This can be downloaded for use in virtual Sunday School and worship.)
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