E.L.C.A. - M.U.D.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (E.L.C.A.) Ministry Upstream & Downwind (M.U.D.) program provides one-year service and learning opportunities in South Africa for E.L.C.A. young adults (between the ages of 21-30). As the young adults offer themselves in service, they also learn more about themselves, their relationship with God, and their place in God’s world. Young adults are transformed by their experiences, equipping them to take on responsibilities within the E.L.C.A. and to provide a global perspective on issues facing the church and society.

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Saturday, April 4, 2009

Tutu Confronts ANC, Zimbabwe Launches Recovery Program (Nontando Hadebe)

It has been another week of high drama in South Africa and more mixed news from Zimbabwe. In South Africa three key issues have dominated public debate. Namely, the verbal confrontation between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the African National Congress leadership; the mystery and suspense over whether the National Prosecuting Authority will go ahead and prosecute ANC President Jacob Zuma on corruption charges, and the election campaigns ahead of the elections on April 22.

Archbishop Tutu expressed his dismay over the ANC leader in light of corruption charges still pending against him, and in response the ANC lashed out at Tutu, accusing him of being out of touch with the “ordinary people.” The exchange of words is still going on. It’s a sad spectacle, because during apartheid when Tutu spoke against injustice, he was hailed as a hero, but now when he speaks about similar issues he does not get the same status !

We are still waiting for a decision on whether prosecution against Zuma will go ahead in light of new evidence brought by his lawyers. Lastly, election fever is mounting and political parties are working harder than before in trying to lure voters. It’s interesting to listen to the issues that come from the grassroots — most of these are for basic needs such as sanitation, running water, housing, and employment. Issues that are common across class boundaries are crime and corruption. With so much going on, we are all grateful for the five public holidays in April, including Easter (April 10, 13, 22, 27, and May 1)!

In Zimbabwe, all government ministers (70 total) are meeting today for a three-day workshop to launch the Short Term Emergency Recovery Program (STERP). According to the local paper, the purpose of STERP is to “address the key issues of economic stabilization, and national healing.” It sets out actions that should be taken or actively considered in the first 100 days of the new inclusive administration. The five priority areas that have been identified as the cornerstone of STERP are economic stability, food security, restoration of basic services, guaranteeing of rights and freedoms, and improving international relations.”

We pray for visionary leadership on both sides of the political divide to put the interests of Zimbabweans first and forge ahead with a program that will set in motion a process of recovery. Your continued prayers are requested. Thank you.

Nontando Hadebe is originally from Zimbabwe and is now pursuing graduate studies in theology in South Africa.

Posted by ELCA - MUD at 2:31 PM
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Country Coordinators

Brian & Kristen Konkol (Country Coordinators)

The Country Coordinators, Brian and Kristen Konkol, oversee and facilitate the ELCA-MUD program. They facilitate in-country logistics such as visa procedures, finances and stipends, housing, working out individual placements, arrivals and departures, and evaluations of volunteers. Brian and Kristen have overall responsibility for the volunteer's well-being, support, and guidance during their term of service, and thus play both a pastoral and administrative role. In consultation with ELCA and ELCSA staff, they have the primary role in making decisions about a volunteer's placement, term of service, facilitating conflict resolution, and responding to crisis and emergencies.

Brian Konkol was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. His parents are George and Judy Konkol, who reside in Amherst Junction, Wisconsin. After graduating from Amherst High School (Amherst, Wisconsin) in 1997, Brian enrolled at Viterbo University (La Crosse, WI), and after four years on the men's basketball team and in pursuit of a Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, he graduated from Viterbo in 2001 and immediately enrolled at Luther Theological Seminary (St. Paul, MN) in order to pursue a Master of Divinity degree, with the hopes of being ordained as a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The "turn" into international service came during Brian’s third year of theological study, when he was selected by the E.L.C.A. to serve in an international "Horizon" internship, and was placed in New Amsterdam, Guyana, with the Ebenezer Lutheran Parish. Following a worthwhile internship year, and after graduating from Luther Seminary in May of 2005 and receiving official ordination into the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in June of 2005, he was invited to return to Guyana as Long-Term Global Mission Personnel, serving with the Emmanuel Lutheran Parish of Skeldon within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana. While in Guyana from 2005-2007, in addition to serving as pastor of four congregation, Brian also served as Director of the Lutheran Camp and Retreat Centre (2005-2006), Lecturer at the Lutheran Lay Academy (2005-2007), Co-Host of "The Word for the World" national television program (2005-2007), Advisor to the National Youth Commission (2005-2007), and also provided leadership and support in various other ministries within the community and wider church.

Kristen Konkol was born in Atlantic, Iowa. She is the daughter of Rev. Dr. Charles and Sharon Tews, who reside in Waupaca, Wisconsin. After graduating from Waupaca High School in 1995, Kristen accepted a full-scholarship to play basketball at the University of Toledo (Toledo, Ohio). She graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree with an emphasis on Cardiac Rehabilitation, while also earning four letters on the highly successful women's basketball team. After graduation, Kristen then pursued Post-Graduate studies at the University of Minnesota, where she earned a Masters of Arts in Kinesiology, with a minor in Complementary and Alternative Therapy and Healing Practices through the Center for Spirituality and Healing. Kristen then worked as a community health specialist and research associate with the University of Minnesota. She worked with a Susan B. Komen Foundation Grant working with breast cancer survivors, and also the National Institute of Health Grant, working on a diabetes prevention study focusing on minority populations in the Twin Cities area. Kristen enrolled with the United States Peace Corps in 2003, and was assigned to Guyana, where she served as a health volunteer and was involved in various aspects of the community, ranging from HIV/AIDS education and awareness, to sports teams, and primary education. In 2006, Kristen moved to Skeldon, Guyana in order to serve as the Director of the Lutheran Camp and Retreat Centre, as well as in various other capacities, such as providing leadership in After-School Reading Programs, HIV/AIDS support groups, community outreach, and various other opportunities.

Brian and Kristen were married on September 23, 2006 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca, Wisconsin. They enjoy reading, listening to music, playing guitar, outdoor adventures/hiking, camping, running, cycling, basketball, and various other sporting activities.