October 2009

Anathoth is the headquarters of Africa Upper Room Ministries. On five acres of land near Johannesburg, South Africa, it takes its name from the Jeremiah passage in which land at Anathoth is purchased as a sign of hope for the future. Anathoth is, for Upper Room Ministries, a sign of hope for the future of Africa. This newsletter from staff-person Roland Rink brings news from this important ministry.

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SPRING

Spring greetings to you once again from Anathoth. It's been a very busy time. Like the old pop song based on the passage from Ecclesiastes, "to every thing there is a season," we reflect life. We have much to celebrate and to be thankful for as well as being reminded in a powerful way via the passing on of our young protégé and advocate, Joseph MacKenzie on Saturday 26th September that we really do need to pay attention to each other in every moment of life. Opportunities and time pass us by, and we never can recover them. Tribute to and videos about Joseph MacKenzie.

Work Readiness Program at Anathoth

The computer training on Saturday mornings have begun. We are partners in this ministry with Come Back Mission. Young adults from nearby are encountering computers, sometimes for the first time, and are learning the skills they need to be able to look for and find a job. Watch an inspiring video about the program below. And see some photographs in the photo gallery.

The students arrive, bursting with the eager expectation and energy that seems to be the almost exclusive domain of young people. It's an early Spring Saturday morning. Anathoth, the home of Africa Upper Room Ministries, will at last achieve a long cherished goal. To provide meaningful computer literacy classes to disadvantaged young people of the community. Each of these young people has a story to tell. Many are recovering drug and alcohol addicts. Some are victims of domestic violence. One would expect a somber, morose group of young people. Instead, from their excited chatter, one is quickly convinced that they are glad to be here. This is an important part of their week. This new skill will make them more capable of securing a job and becoming a more effective member of their family and wider community.

We begin the class with the daily practice of reading scripture, praying, and thinking about the Upper Room meditation for that day. As the words are spoken and read, we become a joyful community. Yes, a community that shares the knowledge and pain of past mistakes and poor lifestyle choices, but one that has been given another opportunity by the trainers and members of the community. A young community that is pregnant with potential. We laugh a lot. "I am because we are."

If you felt led to contribute to this important program, we welcome your donation. Designate your gift to the "Africa Iniative." Click here to donate.

We go forward
Roland Rink