8 September 2006

Dear Friends and Family,

No, you haven’t missed any letters from us. It has been over a month since the last.

Ted was away in Malawi and Mozambique. You can go to our web page for notes about his trip.

Meanwhile, Sue was recuperating from surgery on her shoulder and found herself busier than expected. So Ted returned on August 25. Sue arrived from America four days later. It feels good to be home and together again, though we just returned yesterday from yet another trip: this one to the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa’s General Assembly meeting held in Livingstone.

The UPCSA covers Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Republic of South Africa. We attended as fraternal delegates representing PC(USA). It gave us a chance to see our partners in context and to talk with Zimbabweans minus the usual government spies.

We noted familiar issues — especially when the assembly began discussing human sexuality. Yet their climate was hardly as political as in our own, in part because they use a different model for making decisions. On each set of proposals — no matter what the topic — they begin with a listening session. Talk is restricted to questions for clarity to insure that all proposals are understood. Next comes “Insaka”: delegates meeting in sixes or sevens to process what they hear. After dinner we then have a plenary session: each group reporting and making its suggestions. Finally, in the morning comes the session for decision. This is the time to debate. People “vote” by holding up colored cards—orange to indicate “warmth” or agreement, blue for “coldness” or disagreement. Nothing can pass unless every “blue” vote yields. They don’t have to agree; just yield. We were reminded of the Quaker schools our kids used to attend; it’s a similar way of building consensus.

Term 3 has begun here at Justo Mwale. Sadly, one of our students was just coming from Malawi when his father was killed in an industrial accident. The student didn’t learn until after arriving, so he had to turn around and make the long journey home again. On a happier note, we greeted two new babies: one born recently to a student family and the other to faculty. Life and death move in rhythm.

Yesterday our daughter called to announce her engagement to Joseph Bradshaw, who, like Bethany, is a poet/writer with ties to Portland, Oregon. Though we tried to insist on “lobola” (the bride price), Joseph wasn’t buying it — literally. Nor did he go through the angst-ridden tradition of asking for her hand in marriage. But we are grateful to have spent time with both in the States and are happy with their decision. God bless them.

Also, this coming week our son David begins his studies at Princeton Seminary.

For us? Lots of writing correspondence here at home, followed by two or three more weeks in Malawi. November promises to be full as well with visits to Maputo (Mozambique) and Madagascar. We return just in time to take part in graduation and the strategic planning roundtable of Justo Mwale Theological College. It’s all an adventure — a new form of abundant life to which we never dreamed we might be called.

Remember, God calls each of us to His great adventure as we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the prisoner and spread Good News. There are many, many ways and places in which to do this. We pray that your gifts will find fulfillment in His service. 

Faithfully,

Ted and Sue

P.S. At this season, often churches and committees start drawing up next year’s budget. If you want some advice on the best mission investment, consider offering a scholarship for training African leaders. For $2,200, you or your group can provide half the annual cost of a basic ministerial degree. We will be glad to connect you personally with the recipient. Just drop us a line, and we can answer any questions.

Without leaders, other resources hardly matter. Well-trained, committed pastors hold the key to reaching thousands … and you can help!

If you wish to receive our email newsletters that come about twice a month, send us a message, and we’ll add you to the list: Email Sue and Ted Wright.