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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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Amahoro: An Emerging Conversation in Africa (Nontando Hadebe)

Conversations can offer creative spaces for questions to be asked and the exchange or exploration of ideas. Conversations can also be fearful spaces where the flow of life, ideas, and questions is hampered. I want to share an example of each of these conversations: one open and creative and the other fearful and restricted.

A conference was held in Magalisburg, South Africa, from June 8-12, under the auspices of the “Amahoro movement.” Amahoro means ‘peace’ or ‘shalom.’ The mission of Amahoro is to provide space for conversations among emerging Christian leaders within and outside the African continent in a context of friendship and a common vision for transformation.

Amahoro does this through gatherings in different parts of Africa that explore new frameworks and ideas of what it means to be church in a continent beset with numerous challenges. These gatherings aim to build networks and provide forums for exchanging experiences of innovative projects that are transforming lives, as well as exploring new theological paradigms that can inform and direct these projects.

The theme of this gathering was “Reformation,” a search for new ways of practicing the Christian faith that respond to concrete realities of the poor and oppressed. Participants came from Africa, Europe, Canada, Australia, and the U.S. My attendance and that of four Zimbabweans was made possible by the generosity of two Sojourners readers, Matt and Joy Kauffman.

This was a conversation of life that was not afraid to face difficult questions such as xenophobia in South Africa and North-South relationships of power and dependence. The program was designed to allow for conversations, networking, and dialogue. Each participant brought a symbol of peace from their culture, and on the last evening there was an exchange of symbols.

The Zimbabwean delegation represented the diversity of ministries going on: children’s work and outreach; healing, peace and conflict resolutions; HIV/AIDS in communities; and youth ministry. It was a sacred moment where we encountered each other and God as we sought to be ‘church’ in each of our different contexts.

The other conversation is in Zimbabwean society. Although there is promise of change, the atmosphere of fear is still there. But, the conversation of hope seems to cross these barriers and help to connect people. It is our prayer that with each passing day, fear and the conditions that create fear will recede. Your prayers as always are appreciated. May we all be initiators of life-giving conversations!

Nontando Hadebe, a former Sojourners intern, is originally from Zimbabwe and is now pursuing graduate studies in theology in South Africa.

Posted by ELCA - MUD at 9:53 AM
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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.