Jeff Boyd, the PC(USA) liaison for Central Africa, met with the Presbytery Rwanda Mission Team at Graystone Presbyterian Church in Indiana on July 11. The Rwanda Team will be departing the United States for Rwanda on September 15 and returning September 27 as representatives of the Presbytery's Rwanda Partnership. Team members include Chuck Bollinger, Rev. Marty Cartmell, Sally & Fred Carrier, Donna Doutt, Rev. Boyd Edmondson, Betty Grunstra, Jack Loucks, and Kay Smith.

Jeff’s role is to facilitate PC(USA) relationships with partner churches, institutions, and mission personnel in Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Rwanda. He also is a resource for U.S. congregations who are a relationship with one of our partners in the region. In keeping with his experience as an educator, Jeff's special focus is on the educational work of our partners.

At the meeting, he served the Team by answering their questions regarding protocol and expectations of the group during the trip. Since this is not a work project trip, he suggested that mutuality in our relations should be the main focus. Some of the considerations should be:

Value BEING, not always DOING

Focus on relationships vs. charity.

Acknowledge, as the Bible does, that God has often chosen the poor and oppressed to forward His will in this world.

Commit to lasting, not fleeting, relationships. Invest in the relationship by learning about the partner, their country, and their concerns. Avoid mission tourism and impersonal charity.

Facilitate visits to the US, for the good of your whole congregation or community.

Commit to deepen the relationship and understanding between visits.

By listening to our partners’ hopes, concerns and ministries he feels we can best discern how to engage in a meaningful way with our sisters and brothers in these countries.

In a country where per capita income is $220, and the life expectancy is an average of 40 years, the Team members asked how our Presbytery might help support our Rwanda Partnership. Jeff suggested, "Develop a campaign in your churches and presbytery to raise additional support for the outreach ministries of our church." Support is needed in several areas. If your congregation wishes to contribute, contributions can be submitted using the regular Presbytery Mission Remittance form. At the bottom under "other," please indicate clearly "Rwanda Partnership."