Community Voices A News Resource ... A Positive Perspective!
|
OUR WORLD
Personal Perspectives
From South Africa
PATRICKS T.E.A.M. SOUTH AFRICAN
UNION BIBLE INSTITUTE
By Marjorie Patrick
Marjory and David Patrick, U.S. Citizens from Kalamazoo, MI and
Ypsilanti, MI, are currently serving as Missionaries in South Africa.
Words have the power to both destroy and
heal. When words are both true and kind, they
can change our world. -- Buddha Quotes


BACK IN SOUTH AFRICA...
(News in brief)
FIFA WORLD CUP SOCCER FEVER
After a short visit home (in America) we are back at work in South Africa joining a
nation who is gearing up for the FIFA World Cup soccer games to be held in July.
Some of the limelight is shared with Oscar nomination INVICTUS (a film about the
Springboks winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup) starring Morgan Freeman as
Nelson Mandela.
KZN's, the province we live in, Premier, Dr. Zweli Mkhize placed his signature on the
touring Adidas Bafana Bafana (the boys) sports jersey marking his rubber stamp of
the states readiness for the World Cup games to begin. Also in our city,
Pietermaritzberg, over 20,000 youngsters are being trained to do the Diski Dance, a
series of choreographed soccer style moves. The instructor was motivated by the
Glen Miller American 1950 big band music style. Youth are motivated, given
extramural activities, and aids the nation in generating excitement for the 2010
games. These are exciting, times stay tuned.
FEBRUARY HISTORY MARKS
Just as February marks Black history achievements in the U.S., in S.A. February also
has significant historical achievements. February 1990 marks the date of S.A.'s last
white president. F.W. deKlerk called for a new democratic constitution ending
international sanctions and spearheading the release of Nelson Mandela's 27-year
imprisonment. He is not nor may never be everyone's hero but February 2, 1990 will
be remembered as the day he had the bravery to do the right thing.
THE BIRTH OF PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA'S 20TH CHILD IGNITES CONTROVERSY
After returning from travels to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland and the
African Union meeting in Ethiopia, President Jacob Zuma arrived here at home into a
fire pot of controversy over news of the birth of his 20th child with a woman who is not
one of his 3 wives or fiancée. His polygamist marriage continues to stirs its own rise
of eyebrows.
There is great emphasis on family values in the Zulu culture. It is better to become
the fourth wife. The Induna (Chief law) custom states a man must be able to take
care of all his wives. Ilobola (bride price) is paid for each wife. Inhalwulo (damages)
is paid to the family of the 'baby's mama'
Sentiments are saying his personal life is private but has public ramifications. Zuma
doesn't have to be as moral as Mother Theresa, but he should be honest. As leader
of the largest political party, Zuma has made many statements regarding
relationships, especially after the long public rape trial for which he was exonerated
but now all his statements appear hypocritical.
The ANC Youth League even launched a "one girlfriend, one boyfriend campaign as
part of the fresh approach to HIV prevention. His public speeches parade the notion
of safe sex behaviors. This makes the nation question does the ANC leader say one
thing in public, committing the ANC to one policy and then the leader does exactly the
opposite in private? How this matter unfolds will help determine the level of trust
members of the nation have in its leader.
SOUTH AFRICA'S RESPONSE TO THE QUAKE IN HAITI
A South African 12-member team responded to the tremendous needs remaining in
Haiti after its quake. Gift of the Givers, a Muslim founded medical base organization,
reached over 1,000 needy people in 10 days, demonstrating humanitarian
assistance by establishing a medical tent. This South African initiative in the midst of
the country's own ills will continue by sending additional medical teams.
--------------------
Posted CVs February 23, 2010
Community Voices ... Serving a Multicultural Community! Opinions expressed on this Website do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Community Voices LLC, which has no control over, thus no responsibility for, the content of Linked sites to this Web page, financially or otherwise. Issues concerning content should be directed to Community Voices LLC Voicemail (269) 343-4653 * Write: P.O. Box 424, Kalamazoo, MI 49004 * Fax (269) 343-2270 * E-Mail Comvoices@aol.com About Us Advertise Contact Us
|
A Day in the Life of a Missionary David & Marjorie Patrick
|
This weekend was so-o-o busy. I shared in
ministry at a Women of Destiny breakfast on
Saturday morning. The keynote speaker was a
black lawyer. About 45 women gathered in an
exquisite afrocentric decor setting in
commitment to mentoring young women in their
God-given destiny.
The next meeting I had to be at a Youth Expo at
the City Hall, promoting UBI, from 2-8pm.
Dancers from the Indian culture, Zulu culture
and youth hip hop culture entertained the
audience. The keynote speaker was one of the
country's sport stars. All in attendance
accomplished our goal to offer youth options
after leaving high school. Do they go on to
further education, vocational opportunities or
have a "gap" year of ministry opportunity.
Sunday morning Dave preached at an 8am
service an encouraging message for believers to
stay on track in the Christian race from the book
of Hebrews. We sang a special item, then
continued on from 11am-3pm at another Zulu
service. True Vine Church lived out the theme of
the day to give honor to whom honor is due.
Even the junior church gave a special
presentation.
Another special feature of the service was the
engagement service. The Zulu culture does not
encourage the western concept of dating. The
engagement service highlights the seriousness of
relationships and genuine commitment. Ruben
Mvilla does not have parents and asked us to sit
in as parents. We received all the traditional
gifts given to the senior family members.
We also caught up with an orphan that stole our
hearts 9 years ago when we first arrived in
KwaZulu Natal. We always knew she was so
special. She is now a sophomore at the
University of Natal. We had not seen her for
years. What a dejavu' day.
Tomorrow is reading the drafts of student mini
thesis. They will have to sit before external
moderators on Thursday night. Topics to be
presented and challenged include: "The Impact
of the Lack of Acknowledgement of Black
Presence in the Bible which has Negative
Eternal Consequences." "When Culture and
Christianity Conflict the Authority of the Word of
God Prevails." and "Every Culture Recognizes
Male Leadership" -- so I have 18 students to get
ready for this Cross Cultural class final exam.
On November 28 we graduate the 67th class
from the Union Bible Institute. Dave and I will
leave the next day to come home for a short visit
with family and friends.
Greetings/love to all.
Sonibonani Uthando Nonke
-----------------------------------
Posted CVs November 15, 2009
"Click"
on these
WEB LINKS
-----------------------------------