For the past five months we have been hard at work organizing an international consultation of pastoral training ministries and agencies. The event drew 92 delegates representing 41 ministries/organization from 14 countries. For three days we focused intensely on the nature of the leadership crisis here in Africa. God really blessed our time together.

Out of this time flowed a better understanding of how to train the 80-90% of African pastors who have had no access to training. More importantly, strategic partnerships were formed between formal educational institutions and the various non-formal and informal educational efforts. Another outcome that we were praying also emerged: That a grassroots emergence of a TOPIC Southern Africa Task Force and/or Regional Office would be established to continue fostering concerted, co-active connection among pastoral training agencies.

What does all this mean? There is an African proverb that sums it up best..."If you want to fast; go alone. If you want to far; go together!" The TOPIC Coalition is taking pastoral leadership training to new levels of effectiveness. Thanks for all your prayers regarding this milestone event. We really believe this will impact the Church in Africa in a great way!

Thanks for all your prayers and support! Your partnership with us is very encouraging and directly affects the Church in!

Marty and Karen

June 2001