Here Jubilee Centre discusses what we think is important for short term mission programmes. Sharing together canbe a powerful experience for all involved if people come to the partnership ready to learn from one another. In the article we look at why we think global partnerships and exchanges for learning are a good idea, what people can give and receive if they are part of the programme, as well as providing a checklist of do’s and don’ts for people coming to visit us. We hope this will be just one stage in the journey and that you will carry on being involved in global issues through campaigning, living ethically, giving and praying on a long term basis.
We want our visitors to be able to empower the communities they partner with through listening to them and using local knowledge during your interactions. This is important to us as local people are the experts in their own lives. As a result we have produced some facilitators guidelines that show how you can hear from the people you are working with. We ask all of our visitors to read and to think about how they will incorporate the ideas into their teachings and interactions with the Zambian communities they meet.
In this interview with Christianity Today, Bishop Zac Niringiye discusses the relationships between international churches, especially in the light of short term missions. You can read the article here along with some questions to help you think about your role in the global church.
Read this article to find out more about the traditions of the Ubantu culture which is a broad culture that spans eastern and southern Africa. As international partners work together the Zambian author, Chiku Malunga, calls for new ideas to be grafted onto existing indigenous cultures, rather than simply uprooting them and transplanting foreign models. He also believes that to promote ongoing behavioural change in leaders, it is essential to tap into the energy, commitment and authenticity that reside within the culture concerned. Read the article and the questions we have added at the end to help you think things through.