19 minute read
More than a sticking plaster
“I can’t be pregnant. I can’t be pregnant. I’ve taken precautions.” These were the words of a seven-month pregnant young girl who thought a sticking plaster on her belly button would stop her from conceiving.
At the time these words were spoken at a local clinic, the average age of first pregnancy in Arua, north west Uganda, was 14. A lack of sex education is a big part of the problem; girls don’t know how their bodies work, and sometimes rumours about sticking plaster contraceptives are the most reliable information they have. In these rural communities in Uganda, teenage pregnancies happen all too easily.
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The issue is a complex one. Quite apart from a lack of sex education, girls have very low self-esteem and are desperate to earn some money. Poverty is widespread, and young girls struggle to afford food and their school fees. In the evening when young girls go out to collect water, boys are waiting at the water pumps. They know girls are easily won over with a few kind words. Older men are also waiting for these girls. Having left their families behind to get work in this part of the country, they are out looking for young
virgins. They know girls will sleep with them for as little as 10,000 Ugandan shillings (about two pounds).
When a girl gets pregnant at 14 or 15 years old, she drops out of school. Pregnancy shuts down future opportunities that an education would have made possible, and every teen pregnancy contributes to passing on the poverty cycle to the next generation. Many girls in this part of Uganda see teenage pregnancy as inevitable. Why would their life take a different path from that of their mothers and older sisters?
CHANGING THE SCRIPT
Breaking this long-standing poverty cycle isn’t easy; these girls’ mothers usually haven’t been to school, and the cultural expectation is that a girl learns how to do the household chores and is married off when she is old enough to produce children. Her impoverished family are likely keen to marry her off, as they will receive a bride price for her. Having raised a certain number of cows to buy a girl, a husband’s attitude is often, “I’ve paid for you. Therefore you need to produce children, you do the work that I want you to do.” She is not loved as a person, but seen as an object that has been bought. When she reaches menopause, her value as a wife is diminished, and her husband may buy another 14 or 15-year-old girl to satisfy his desires while his first wife sleeps in the kitchen.
BEGINNING TO DREAM
CMS mission partner Heather Sharland, a midwife by profession, has a heart to show these young girls the love of Jesus, and show them what love really is. She has a passion for giving these girls a chance at a different future.
WEEKEND FOCUS
GOOD SOIL, RECEIVING Saturday–Sunday 20–21 June
BY IAN ADAMS, MISSION SPIRITUALITY ADVISER FOR CHURCH MISSION SOCIETY
This weekend, we pray with Jesus’ parable of the soils.
Other seeds fell on good soil... (Matthew 13:8) Soil’s main task seems to be to receive – rain, sunshine, nutrients – and then allow them to bring life-giving change. Pray today, perhaps with an openhanded stance, that you may receive from God whatever you need to be the good soil in which the seeds of Christ’s mission can grow and flourish. Gracious God, Help me to receive from you all that I need at this time to be the good soil that you created me to be. Amen
Heather started a youth programme called Wise Choices for Life, which gives girls in these communities options through a mixture of education, peer encouragement and mentoring. Heather engages godly, educated girls in their 20s who can come alongside younger girls to set an example and show them what’s
Page 14:
Young mentors through Wise Choices for Life bring change one girl at a time
Page 15, bottom photo:
A young mother with her child
Top right:
Heather Sharland helps girls to understand how their bodies work – a first step to a different future
Bottom right:
Mentors Cindy and Harriet encourage a schoolgirl
possible. The poverty cycle can’t be broken overnight, but change can happen one girl at a time.
When they start the programme, some of the girls have such low self-esteem they don’t think they’re important to Jesus. Heather teaches the girls that each one of them is a beloved daughter of God and that he has good things in store for them. She shares God’s heart for them; that he doesn’t want them to be pregnant at 14.
In one of Heather’s teaching sessions, she pressed a doll against a young girl’s stomach. “It doesn’t fit!” the girl said, struck by the stark reality of teen pregnancy. She was so impacted by the illustration that she started to cry, saying she didn’t want a baby yet. Heather linked her up with a mentor, who walked alongside her and encouraged her in her education. Now this same girl is in her third year of secondary school, with a bright future ahead of her.
As well as addressing hopelessness, sex education and low self-esteem, Heather talks to the girls about goals. They talk about how to set them and what kind of goals they might already have, or like to have. Many of them weren’t even sure why they went to school at all. One of the girls on Heather’s programme said she’d like to be a nurse. As a group they discussed what might prevent her reaching the goal and what seemed to get in the way of goals. The girls told Heather, “Girls in our community don’t go to further education.”
The Wise Choices programme is a space to learn about the opportunities education can open up: becoming a nurse or a doctor or a teacher, and earning your own money. At the idea of earning their own money, the girls’ eyes light up, inspired by the idea of taking a different path, reaching their goals and being independent. They talk about the things that might stop them reaching their goals, such as distraction by boys and getting pregnant, and how to hold each other accountable and focus on their goals instead.
Heather and her husband David have never had any children. In this culture, a woman’s value is so tightly bound up with producing children that people say to David, “Why don’t you get another wife? Throw this one away. She’s not produced any children.” In this context, it’s hard for a girl to have a real sense of her worth apart from her ability to produce children or gratify a man. “It’s very hard for some of our young girls to understand the father heart of God because they’ve not seen a father’s love, they’ve not experienced love
from a mother or father, because basically they’re an object to do things rather than to be loved.” David and Heather see part of their role in this community as modelling what marriage really means, and to validate the reality of being a woman who’s not had children and yet is loved.
A BRIGHTER TOMORROW
Gradually, the number of young girls avoiding pregnancy and going on to secondary school
is increasing. Since Heather and Cindy Okollo started this youth programme in 2015, the average age of first pregnancy in the area has increased from 14 to 16. By helping girls to make wise choices, the culture is being changed from the inside out, one girl at a time. It’s a long-term solution that has the potential to change the future for generations to come.
Now these girls have a beautiful self-confidence and can say, “I am valued.” Now there is hope for the future. Many young girls are setting their sights on education, meaning they won’t be dependent on a man for their basic needs. As for the next generation, there’s no telling how far they’ll go.
PRAY
Pray for these young women and their families. Please pray also for the region where Heather and David work, facing locusts and the danger of coronavirus on top of the challenges that already existed.
MON – UGANDA
Pray for David and Heather Sharland: for David as he finds new ways to serve struggling and marginalised farmers in the name of Creator God, and for Heather as she offers medical care to some of the most vulnerable people in their community.
TUES – AFRICA-WIDE
Regional manager for Africa Steve Burgess asks for prayer for protection for people all across Africa. Pray for resources to be available to be able to care for the sick as well as deal with the Covid-19 crisis and its aftereffects (which could be wide-ranging and long-lasting).
WEDS – MADAGASCAR
Derek and Jane Waller, based in Toliara, are continuing as best they can with their work of making disciples and encouraging young Christians. Pray for encouragement for Derek and Jane as they turn their focus not only to God, but outwards in acts of kindness and generosity towards others.
THURS – UGANDA
Malcolm Pritchard, teaching at Archbishop Janani Luwum Theological College, writes, “As many preach a message of repentance (2 Chronicles 7:13–15), let’s pray that a message of the God of love will draw us back to Jesus selflessly rather than be driven back… by images of a merciless god.”
FRI – SOUTH AFRICA
Caroline and Dick Seed, resourcing key theological institutions across Africa through George Whitefield College, ask for prayer for priorities in work at this time when so many colleges across the continent need support in online teaching.
TRIBUTES
The Church Mission Society community joins those around the world mourning the death of former CMS general secretary Simon Barrington-Ward, 89. After studying at Magdalene College, Cambridge, and Westcott House, Simon was ordained. He served at Magdalene College (first as chaplain, later as fellow and dean), Ibadan University (Nigeria), Church Missionary Society (1975–1985), as chaplain to the queen (1984–1985) and as Bishop of Coventry (1985–1997). Several members of the CMS community shared memories: “I recall his depth of spirituality, his brightness of thought and devotion, great sense of fun and humour and that sense when speaking to him that you had his full attention. He was a man without guile who inspired so many.” John Clark, former CMS communications director “We are so grateful to God for all that we learned from and through Simon, for his life and the depth of his ministry.” David and Jane Fulford, CMS Asia forum “Bishop Simon had so much gentle spiritual gravitas and wisdom. He has been a wonderful gift to CMS and the wider church. We remain truly indebted to his Christian life of service.” Paul Thaxter, CMS director of international mission We also grieve the death of Peter Vaughan, 89, who served as Principal of Crowther Hall, the former CMS training college in Selly Oak, from 1975–1983, though his CMS connections and his passion for mission extended back to his birth in Persia (now Iran) when his parents were CMS missionaries, and he and his wife Elisabeth also served with CMS in Sri Lanka. He later became Bishop of Ramsbury and then Honorary Assistant Bishop in Gloucester, Bristol and Bradford. His friends and colleagues speak much of his evident faith, graciousness, kindness, humility, pastoral care and love of God’s mission.
We are sorry to share news of former trustees and staff of CMS/MAM/SAMS who have died in recent months, including:
Ian Leakey, Kenneth Baker, Patrick Coghlan.
THE CMS COMMUNITY PRAYER, WRITTEN BY SIMON BARRINGTON - WARD
Lord, as you have entered into our life and death and in all the world you call us into your death and risen life, forgive us our sins; and draw us we pray, by the power and encouragement of your Spirit, into an exchange of gifts and needs, joys and sorrows, strength and weakness with your people everywhere; that with them we may have grace to break through every barrier, to make disciples of all peoples and to share your love with everyone for your glory’s sake. Amen.
WELCOME TO:
Frauke Eicker, church mission enabler (February); Luke Harrison, video and multimedia content producer (March).
CHANGES:
Leanne Saint, church mission project manager, started maternity leave (February); Danni Parker, individual fundraising officer, returned from maternity leave (April).
PEOPLE IN MISSION CHANGES
MISSION PARTNERS ENDING SERVICE:
Peter and Sally Bartlett have retired after their second term of service with SAMS. Peter was Bishop of Paraguay, where they have been since 2009, and Sally led small groups and an English-speaking congregation. Joan and Nigel Bull were mission partners in Pakistan for 10 years. When they returned to Bradford in 2013 Joan continued as a mission partner. Both have now retired but continue as mission associates.
Maryam and Mohammad Eghtedarian
served in the Middle East and have now moved to the Diocese of Leicester where Mohammad has a new role.
NEW MISSION PARTNERS:
Tom and Verity Clare, with Ezra, Eli, Simeon and Joel, moved to Arua, northern Uganda, in March to be involved in health and reconciliation work. “Alex” has begun serving in the UK, advocating for Christians under persecution in the Middle East and North Africa.
NEW SHORT - TERMERS:
Anthea and Martin Gordon, with Silas, Zachary and Imogen, have gone to Rwanda, en route to DR Congo, where Anthea will work for Tearfund and Martin will teach at the Goma Diocese Bible school. Two gap-year students, Emilia and Lucy, have gone to South Asia. Margaret Mockford, an experienced physiotherapist, has become a mission associate.
E X P LO R E YOUR CALL
Ever wondered about serving God overseas in mission? Now is the time to explore your calling.
It may seem counter-intuitive to start exploring overseas service now. But for many of us, discerning is not an overnight miracle. The process takes time. Time away from our usual routines gives opportunities to rethink, reimagine and rebuild life differently. We may have experienced this in the past with a move, a new job or even loss and bereavement – change, eventually, becomes an opportunity to evaluate.
Sometimes it can be hard to discern what God is saying to us. At Church Mission Society we’ve put together some resources to help you with that. Head to churchmissionsociety.org/explore.
Here are some questions to start with: What are you going to do differently as a result of this time? When this is all over, what do you want to change? What have you always wanted to change but it’s just never been the time? What have you had to lay down in this season that’s not worth picking back up again? What priorities have become apparent to you?
One thing this crisis has shown us is that we are truly connected to each other. We are a global people. We are a global church. We can’t go anywhere in lockdown, but you can explore a calling to overseas mission. Now is the time to come before God, pray and seek his leading. Now is the time to start to talk to some trusted Christians who can discern with you. Now is the time to take a first step. Get in touch with us and we’d love to discern with you.
We offer gap opportunities from January 2021, as well as short- and long-term opportunities. Have a look on our website to see the full range.
We will walk with you as you explore what God is saying. You’ll have interviews with various staff, and a discernment weekend if you are looking to go long term. We work with our overseas partners and you to find the right placement where you can learn, grow and share who you are. All programmes have training built in to the preparation stage. So it’s never too early to get in touch with us.
Take some time to pray about this for yourself. Encourage others to explore, too.
ACT
Head to churchmissionsociety.org/ mission-opportunities to find out more about opportunities with CMS, or get in touch: vro@churchmissionsociety.org
WEEKEND FOCUS
BENDING, NOT BREAKING Saturday–Sunday 27–28 June
BY HELEN KISAKYE, A DANCE ADVOCATE, HELPING TO CHANGE ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN UGANDA THROUGH SPLASH DANCE COMPANY
Today I wish to share a message of encouragement with you from the Bible. In Psalm 16:8 it is written, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” This is indeed a time where we are shaken but let us remember that we will not be overcome.
I also wanted to share the image above of the vibrant tree (created by Emma Lou from my church) bending in the wind but not breaking. The image of the tree is a powerful image that speaks of lasting hope when all around is darkness. Let us remember the light we have within that continues to glimmer boldly despite everything.
There is so much information about washing hands, which is imperative at this time, but let us also remember to creatively use our hands to bless others from afar. In 1 Corinthians 4:12 it is written, “We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it.” How can we use our hands today to share, care and bring a little love? You might be the only person who reaches out to someone who needs it today. We will get through this and we will get through it better together.
PRAY
1 9 Pray for Helen as she seeks to use her hands to bless others.
MON – SPAIN/MIDDLE EAST
A mission partner couple are praising God for the safe arrival of their third child at the end of last year and are now settling into life as a family of five. Pray that they will learn to shine Jesus’ light in new ways.
TUES – ISRAEL
Local partner Oleg Kligman, director of the Beer Sheva Rehabilitation Center, lives with and is available to his 14 rehabilitants 24/7. Praise God that he is changing the lives of these 14 men; pray for Oleg as he spends more time than ever at the rehab centre due to coronavirus restrictions.
WEDS – NETHERLANDS
Berdine van den Toren Lekkerkerker, who resources others for a life of mission through teaching, asks for prayer for the Anglican University of Congo’s house of prayer, a place of healing prayer. Pray for God to continue to pour out his healing even while the building is closed.
THURS – NORTH AFRICA
M and T ask for prayer to be people of faith who stir faith and hope among those in their circles of influence during a time of fear. Pray for them as they continue their work of preparing and supporting mission workers to serve in challenging contexts in North Africa.
FRI – JERUSALEM
Local partner Rami Fellemon, part of a dedicated team who walk alongside people on their faith journey, is very busy during lockdown, engaging with people through social media and answering questions about Jesus. Pray for Rami to have the right words to say to each person he encounters.
The call in action
PLACES WHERE WE OUR CALL INTO ACTION
17 18 3 32 42 15 4 31 16 39 5
12 10 35 9 2 1
50 34 8 11 41 40
1. Argentina 2. Bolivia 3. Brazil 4. Britain 5. Bulgaria 6. Burundi 7. Cambodia 8. Central African Republic 9. Chile 10. Colombia 11. DR Congo 12. Ecuador
13. Egypt 14. Ethiopia 15. France 16. Germany 17. Guatemala 18. Honduras 19. India 20. Indonesia 21. Israel/Palestine 22. Jordan 23. Kenya 24. Lebanon 25. Madagascar
26. Malawi 27. Malaysia 28. Mozambique 29. Moldova 30. Nepal 31. Netherlands 32. Nigeria 33. Pakistan 34. Paraguay 35. Peru 36. Philippines 37. Romania 38. Rwanda
PLACES WHERE WE ARE PUTTING OUR CALL INTO ACTION
49 13 24 21 22 44 30 47 7 36 45
26 38 25 46 48
23 14 33 43 19 27 20
39. Serbia 40. South Africa 41. South Sudan 42. Spain 43. Sri Lanka 44. Sudan 45. Taiwan 46. Tanzania 47. Thailand 48. Uganda 49. Ukraine 50. Uruguay
CMS PEOPLE ALSO WORK IN SENSITIVE LOCATIONS IN:
Central Asia Middle East North Africa East Asia South East Asia
To find out more about our people in mission go to: churchmissionsociety.org/pim
WEEKEND FOCUS
WHEN THE DOORWAY BECOMES A TUNNEL Saturday–Sunday 4–5 July
BY PHIL AND SYLVIE GOOD, WORKING AMONG REFUGEES ALONGSIDE CHURCHES IN BEIRUT
Refugees usually see their current situation as temporary; they are on their way to a better future. It is like being in a doorway between past and future, but over time the doorway becomes a tunnel. Most of our friends have been in this tunnel for four years or more, and in that time they have had to make a life in the tunnel.
Civil unrest and economic collapse seem to fill the news every day, putting us all in a tunnel with the bright future receding as the difficulties get bigger and the possible solutions diminish. Coronavirus has now been added to the load we must carry as if there weren’t enough uncertainties to live with.
We are all living in uncertain times and despite the continual economic, technical and medical advances we have seen, it seems we have as much need of security as we ever did. We find ourselves praying to connect with the faithful God whose love is certain and where we find a security that is better than anything the world can offer. We need this security as we face the uncertain future because our job here is to testify to the people around us that our God is big enough and strong enough for them too.
2 1
Pray for
continued opportunities for Phil and Sylvie to testify to those around them that God is with us and cares for us through times of great trial.
