NETACT ANNUAL REPORT July 2019 Tabled at the …...1 NETACT ANNUAL REPORT July 2019 Tabled at the Annual General Meeting 1-5 July 2019, St Paul’s University (SPU), Limuru, Kenya

1

NETACT ANNUAL REPORT July 2019

Tabled at the Annual General Meeting

1-5 July 2019, St Paul’s University (SPU), Limuru, Kenya

VENUE: SHUTTLE AND DRIVING DIRECTIONS ......................................................... 3

1 CONSTITUTING THE MEETING; ARRANGEMENTS ............................................ 3

2 THE THREE MAIN REPORTS ..................................................................................... 5

2.1 Theology and Development report .......................................................................... 5

2.2 African Public Theology Project ............................................................................. 5

2.3 The NetACT Internet Portal (NIP) report ................................................................ 6

3 NETACT OFFICE REPORT .......................................................................................... 8

3.1 Financial Statements ................................................................................................ 8

3.2 Annual Membership fees ......................................................................................... 9

3.3 NetACT Office ........................................................................................................ 9

3.4 NetACT house ......................................................................................................... 9

3.5 Communication ..................................................................................................... 10

3.6 Lecturer Exchange ................................................................................................. 10

3.7 Scholarships; .......................................................................................................... 11

3.8 Publications ........................................................................................................... 11

3.9 Curriculum & ACTEA .......................................................................................... 11

4 REPORTS ON MEETINGS AND VISITS .............................................................. 12

5 VOTING, NEW MEMBERS AND EVALUATION ................................................... 12

6 ANNUAL MEETINGS ................................................................................................ 12

7 GENERAL .................................................................................................................... 12

7.1 Approval of 2019 Annual General Meeting minutes ............................................ 12

7.2 Other issues............................................................................................................ 12

7.3 Closing prayers ...................................................................................................... 12

ADDENDUM I 2019 Netact Financial Statements ............................................................ 13

ADDENDUM II: Report Dr Nico Mostert as Progam Coordinator .................................... 14

ADDENDUM III: NETACT Lecturer Exchange Programme reports ........................ 20

ADDENDUM IV Opening of the Andrew Murray Centre of Spirituality ......................... 22

ADDENDUM V: A happy reunion: sharing the about the 2001 NetACT meeting ............ 23

ADDENDUM VI: Visit to Dutch Reformed Church and University of Pretoria ................ 24

2

ADDENDUM VI: Report of a meeting between NetACT and Tearfund ........................... 25

ADDENDUM VII: Report on the Reformed Family Forum meeting ................................. 26

ADDENDUM VIII: Report Dr Agang’s Visit to Francophone Africa’s Institutions . 27

ADDENDUM IX: African Theology Consultation in Nairobi ............................................ 30

ADDENDUM X: Report of a visit to partners in the USA ................................................. 31

ADDENDUM XI: Progress report: rebuilding the theological seminary at Kinkuni. ......... 35

ADDENDUM XII: ABC founder, Dr Jack Chinchen passed away .................................... 36

Edited 15 June 2019

3

VENUE: SHUTTLE AND DRIVING DIRECTIONS

View the venue at:

https://www.google.com/search?q=St+Pauls+University+Limuru+map&rlz=1C1GCEU_enZ

A820ZA820&oq=St+Pauls+University+Limuru+map&aqs=chrome..69i57j0.13101j1j7&sou

rceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

A shuttle service from the airport to Limuru is organized by SPU’s for all of us coming and

leaving at the official dates (29 & 30 June and 6 July). The NetACT Office gave SPU the

arrival and departure dates of members and associate members.

Rev. Dr. Zablon Bundi Mutongu, Director SPILL & LDC/SPUEU

Tel. Office: +254 724 929307; Per. Cell: +254 720 847478

Elizabeth: +254 722 868749

Email: [email protected] ; copy: [email protected]

1 CONSTITUTING THE MEETING; ARRANGEMENTS

1. The NetACT chair, Dr Maggie Madimbo, leads the meeting.

2. The meeting will be conducted according to the constitution (paragraphs 4.2.1.2 and 3

apply, http://netact.christians.co.za/constitution/.).

3. The Minutes of the previous meeting. The Executive Council approved it. The

minutes are available online: http://netact.christians.co.za/minutes-annual-reports/.

4. The current NetACT Executive term of office began after July 2016 to July 2019

(three year term, Constitution 4.2.1.2, Minutes 2016 AGM 20.3). Dr Nathan Chiroma

was appointed interim vice chair in 2018. The 2019 AGM focusses on the workshop

on Religious Freedom, the Executive propose that we chose a new leadership team at

our next AGM.

5. The “NetACT Annual Report July 2019” contains the report for the period July

2018 to June 2019. The NetACT Office prepared the report with the cooperation of

the NetACT Executive Committee. The program (or agenda) will lead us in the

discussion of the report.

6. As a Christian organisation, we deem it very important to get to know one another and

the institutions we represent. Use meal times to mix. We always do devotion in small

groups by “Dwelling in the Word.”

7. Voting rights: All NetACT Board Members have voting rights – one vote per

member institution. Associate Members do not have voting rights, but are part of

board meetings and participate in discussions. New members have voting rights once

the Board accepted their membership applications.

8. New members. Welcome:

The new members are free to participate in all discussions, without voting rights. At

the end of the meeting, they can decide if they want to be members after which the

Board vote on their membership. New members do not pay membership fees at their

first meeting.

New members will be voted on here or at the regional meetings where they are

present. We are in the process of welcoming the following new members:

4

NetACT new membership applications (2019)

1. Apokalupsis Theological

College, Kafanchan, Nigeria

Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure; [email protected]

2. Baptist Theological Seminary,

Kaduna

Dr. Moses Audi. His contact email is [email protected]

3. Carlile College of Theology and

Business Studies, Nairobi, Kenya.

Dr Patience Wanzala, [email protected]

4. De l'Institut Biblique du Bénin

(IBB)

Bonaventure M. AKOWANOU, Administrateur de l'Institut

Biblique du Bénin (IBB). Conseil et Intervention en

Management des Ressources Humaines. E.mail:

[email protected]; bonaventureakowanou2018 Skype:

Bonaventure.akowanou. Tél: (00229) 21 32 55 94/ 95 96 63

44/ 97 40 40 98. Site web:

[email protected]

5. ECWA Theological Seminary,

Aba, Nigeria

Dr Godwin Etukumana, Provost, [email protected] and [email protected]

6. Kigali Anglican Theological

College, Rwanda

Dr Ndikumana [email protected] & Bishop Muvunyi

[email protected];

7. Life Theological Seminary, Aba,

Nigeria

Rev Dr. Joseph Isaac, Rector. [email protected].

8. Life Theological Seminary,

Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria

Dr Cletus Orgu, [email protected]

9. Nigerian Baptist Theological

Seminary

Edward Nnanna [email protected]

10. Nigerian Baptist Theological

Seminary, Ogbomosho

Librarian, Dr. Japheth Yaya [email protected]

11. Reformed Church University,

Zimbabwe

Mondli Sibanda

[email protected]

12. Université Shalom de Bunia; The

Democratic Republic of Congo.

Dr George Atido, Associate Professor of Missiology and World

Christianity; President USB: [email protected],

[email protected] Phone: +243 996 587 605

New Associate Members:

Oxford Centre for Religion in Public Life: Dr Chris Sugden,

[email protected], +44 7808297043, 21 High Street, Eynsham, Oxford,

OX294HE, United Kingdom. https://www.ocrpl.org/

Tearfund, UK Dr Sas Conradie, Tearfund Theology and Networking Manager (Africa);

Coordinator Global Generosity Network; United Kingdom. [email protected],

+44 7729404594, (http://www.tearfund.org/)

9. The NetACT Executive had three email meetings. The Office incorporated decisions

in the Annual Report.

5

2 THE THREE MAIN REPORTS

2.1 Theology and Development report

The Theology and Development Project has come to an end last year. As in the past we hope

to produce a textbook with the assistance of the EFSA Institute for Theological and

Interdisciplinary Research. The textbook will contain about 15 contributions from the three

NetACT conferences on the theme. The process is unfortunately taking more time than usual

due to the schedules of the editors. The editorial board consists of the NetACT ED as well as

four subject specialists from NetACT institutions, Doctors Zanblon Bundi (Kenia), Ephraim

Yoms (Nigeria) and Professors Nadine Bowers-du Toit, Naas Swart and Len Hansen from

South Africa. A number of contributions have been submitted and selected for publishing,

while some haven been requested by the editors in order to address specific topics that are

essential, but have not been covered during conferences. Topics include theoretical and

theological foundations of development, development models, urban vs rural development,

gender and development, NGO vs FBO community development, community development

and finances, community development and the youth, community development and care for

the earth, community development in contexts of violence, community development and

entrepreneurship/micro finance. As in the past the textbook will also contain discussion

questions for use in our member institutions as well as examples of community development

projects/case studies reflecting best practice in the field.

2.2 African Public Theology Project

The purpose of the APT project is a book that will introduce Public Theology to

theological schools, churches, NGOs, FBOs and all Christians who want to be the salt of the

earth and the light of the world.

At our 2018 meeting, we brainstormed the content and project and Dr Sunday Agang was

appointed main editor with Jurgens Hendriks and Dion Forster as his team supported by

Langham Publishers’ book editor Isobel Stevenson (who proved to be invaluable!). The book

have, at present, 28 chapters written by 27 African authors from our continent. At writing the

report, we have 20 written chapters at various stages of completion and we are waiting for the

remaining chapters to be ready soon.

The content of the book will be discussed at the four regional workshops that is taking place

this year in Lubango, Angola (25-28 June 2019); Limuru, Kenya (8-11 July); Lilongwe

Malawi (19-23 August) and Igbaja, Nigeria (24-27 September). We will discuss four topics at

these four-day workshops: APT, missional curriculum development, community development

and leadership (making use of the Tyndale House Foundation “African Christian Leadership”

research and book). Tearfund presents the community development part. The topics are

interrelated.

At each of these regional workshops (where the librarians of the region also meet to receive

training in the NIP) the regions will brainstorm ways of using the books but also to plan

conference on APT in each country in 2020 and 2021. We received a grant of US$50,000

from the Tyndale House Foundation in support of the regional workshops. We trust they will

continue to support the venture as it develops.

Our goal is to have the book ready at the July 2019 NetACT Annual General Meeting in

Addis Ababa held at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology. The book associates with

the Africa Union’s paper “Agenda 2063 – The Africa we want.” We would like to present our

book to the executive officers of the AU at their Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

6

Part 1 Introduction to Public Theology

1 The need for public theology

2 Characteristics of public theology

3 The Bible and public theology

4 The Trinity and public theology

5 Identity and public theology

6 Democracy, citizenship and civil society

Part 2 Doing Public Theology in Africa Today

7 Public theology and leadership

8 Public theology in a local community

9 Public theology and poverty

10 Public theology and education

11 Public theology and science

12 Public theology and health

13 Public theology and the environment

14 Public theology and work

15 Public theology and the economy

16 Public theology and the media

17 Public theology and the arts

18 Public theology and human rights

19 Public theology and gender issues

20 Public theology and intergenerational issues

21 Public theology and interreligious dialogue

22 Public theology and migration

23 Public Theology, refugees and stateless people

24 Public theology and the state.

25 Public theology and state power:

26 Public theology and land issues

Part 3 Public Theology and the Church

27 Where does the church fit in?

28 Towards the Africa God wants

2.3 The NetACT Internet Portal (NIP) report

NetACT Internet Portal (NIP) Report

Infrastructure

The NetACT Internet Portal is now up and running(https://www.netact.org.za). Physically, the various elements which make up the portal have been built as a series of virtual servers. These are hosted on a single physical server which is shared with Hugenote College, and located in a server farm in Wellington, South Africa.

7

The elements are as follows:

Authentication of Users

A dedicated server is now running, with a database of users. It currently contains c. 150 test accounts. Each year, partners will be asked to send the NIP Program Co-ordinator a list of new students to be added to the database. Authenticated users will gain access to the password-protected areas of the portal (i.e. licensed resources, and the online learning environment.)

Portal for theological resources

The portal is built and online (https://libportal.netact.org.za). Current work includes adding resources to it, and building a taxonomy or thesaurus of search terms which will make the resources easily findable by the students

Portal for learning & teaching resources

This portal is also built (https://landtportal.netact.org.za). It also requires addition of resources.

Online Communication tool which will also act as a helpdesk

The communication tool is up and running. It allows for online meetings using any combination of text-based chat, audio conversation, and video meetings. It also allows participants to share documents and computer screens. It is also fully operational on smartphones.

NetACT email facilities for partners without institutional email

This is ongoing – the mail server exists, however it is not connected to the user database

Online courses (e.g. information literacy) on a server running Moodle

The training environment has been built (https://learn.netact.org.za), and is available for anyone wishing to build courses on it. Currently, the NIP Program Co-ordinator is using it to supply training to the partners.

Digital Repository on a server running D-Space

We now have two digital repositories. A formal repository using D-Space (http://repository.netact.org.za) is in place for those partners who are able to meet the standards of digitisation and meta-data required by the D-Space community. For those who choose not to meet those standards, an informal repository has been created (http://bit.ly/2Xigsha). This is essentially an online storage space where partners can upload theses and dissertations.

Online workspace with home drives and access to software

The workspace exists, and is linked to the user database. However there is not yet an efficient method of allowing multiple users to connect at once. Also, it is currently only a safe space to store files. Once it is running properly, it will also allow users to use LibreOffice, free word-processing, presentation, database and spreadsheet software.

Library Catalogue server where partners can host their library catalogues

The library management software is installed on the server. The only problem which remains is ensuring that partners who use it are able to brand their own catalogues with their own logo.

Resources

We are forming good working relationships with a number of other organisations working in the field, some of whom have agreed to provide resources, or to allow us to use the work they have done in identifying resources.

Core Library: this is currently on hold. as well as issues with partners supplying the required information, it is also very difficult to develop a workable solution to the costing challenges involved.

8

Training

An initial training event was held in Pretoria in March, where the senior librarians who took part in the planning event in Kenya in 2017 were exposed to the Portal. Between June and September 2019, four regional workshops will be held, to give librarians from as many of the partners as possible training. As mentioned above, the online learning environment is being used in this training, and the librarians will be able to use it to pass the training on to their institutions.

Librarians learning to use the video chat tool.

3 NETACT OFFICE REPORT

3.1 Financial Statements

Stellenbosch University (SU) is responsible for NetACT’s financial administration. NetACT

receives audited financial statements annually. It has to follow the strict regulations of US’s

accounting system. This service and the NetACT office are offered to NetACT free of charge.

The NetACT EC appointed Dr Kobus Odendaal (DRC Western and Southern Cape Synod

Commission for Witness) as the Donor Representative on the EC. It implies that he is a

voting Board Member (Constitution 4.2.1.1 B iii). His reperesentative, rev. Jan Grobbelaar, is

available to answer questions in this regard. See Addendum I

Proposal: The NetACT Board discuss and approve the 2018 Financial Statements.

9

Information: The NetACT Office report with gratitude

that the present AGM is fully funded by the Barnabas Fund. This is a huge and unique

contribution focusing on an issue that is a major concern for most of our members;

That the NetACT Internet Portal (NIP) received a grant of $34605 from an

anonymous donor that is willing to fund the project as it develops;

That Tyndale House Foundation funded the African Public Theology project with

$50,000 and Sabbaticals and Writer Retreats at Andrew Murray Centre for Spirituality

with $16.000.

NetACT has several associate members, individuals, congregations that gives

regularly to the different departments of our work.

3.2 Annual Membership fees

See 2017 minutes for information on the membership fee system. All members received

invoices for their 2019 fees.

The NetACT office (Rev Grobbelaar) will receive outstanding 2019 membership fees at the

AGM (because of difficulties in transferring money to the office in SA). The Office has to

report on the state of membership fee payments to the Board at the meeting.

Membership terminates if membership fees is not paid for two years. Membership fees are

used mainly to fund the monthly server and internet expenses of the NIP. Members not

paying will therefore be disconnected from the NIP.

3.3 NetACT Office

One of NetACT’s goals is to maintain functional central office.

NetACT now has three offices: Stellenbosch University gave us an office and allow us to slot

in their central administrative system. Thus our email / internet and finances is part of their

system.

Dr Nico Mostert was supposed to move to Stellenbosch to take over from Dr Hendriks but

this move was simply too expensive and NetACT could not afford it. NetACT then

negotiated with the Free State University and a similar deal to the one with Stellenbosch

University was made (fully described in Addendum II). NetACT’s third office and third

coordinator is Mr Fraser Jackson who works in Wellington within the administrative

structures of the Huguenot College. These arrangements are mutually beneficial to the host

institutions and to NetACT. As program coordinators we communicate whenever we need on

skype of the NIP communication channel.

In 2020 Dr Mostert will take over leadership in running NetACT with Dr Hendriks assisting

from the Stellenbosch office and taking responsibility for projects like Weidenhof House, the

Kinkuni project, involvement with the African Public Theology project and whatever the

Executive decides.

3.4 NetACT house

Another of NetACT’s goals is to offer affordable and welcoming living environment for

lecturers who are receiving advanced training. Stellenbosch achieved this in 2012 where a

renovated house renovated house in Weidenhof Street 14 offer accommodation to 24 people.

For information on the house visit http://netact.christians.co.za/accommodation/ and or see

the video about the house at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqYQ__yads8&feature=youtu.be.

10

Finding accommodation for post-graduate students at NetACT’s anchor institutions remains a

goal worth pursuing.

3.5 Communication

NetACT furthermore strives toward developing and maintaining effective communication,

internet facilities, consultation and networking among all member institutions.

The NetACT Website is regularly updated and is really something to be proud of. Look at

http://netact.christians.co.za/ A big “thank you” for the Dutch Reformed Church family in

the Western Cape for this – in particular Dr Odendaal’s wife, Mariëtte, who does the work!

Our news portal is an important communication tool. Please visit

http://netact.christians.co.za/news/. We report whatever happens in and around the office. We

would like to receive campus news from our institutions. EC members should set an

example. Send institutional news accompanied by a photograph if possible!

The NetACT Internet Portal (NIP) falls under communication but is discussed under projects.

3.6 Lecturer Exchange

Since its establishment, NetACT has organized and promoted lecturer exchanges between

institutions to provide expertise in certain academic fields where it is lacking. This also

serves to create space and time for lecturers to further their own studies and research.

The NetACT office regularly negotiates exchanges. Towards this goal it will assist where

possible in paying travel expenses. The 2016 Board meeting accepted the following four

regulations to guide Lecturer Exchanges (Minutes 4.10):

“In terms of the lecturer exchange agreement the parties agree that:

1. The hosting institution must provide a course description, timetable and class list

accompanied by a clear outline of what is expected from the visiting lecturer.

2. Before the commencement of the visit, the visiting lecturer must give the host

institution an outline of his/her program. Students at the host institution must also

receive this outline beforehand. The outline must include a timetable (class dates and

periods), prescribed material, assignments and the assessment procedure.

3. An objective evaluation of the program should take place at the end of the course.

4. This evaluation should be shared with the students, host institution and visiting

lecturer. The results of the evaluation must be forwarded to the NetACT office if

NetACT had any role in the networking and funding of the lecturer exchange.”

The NetACT office will assisted institutions or persons in need of lecturer exchange or

candidates to act as external examiners. NetACT Associate Member, Vryheid (Klipkerk)

DRC, helps paying travel expenses to cover lecturer exchange. Resonate Global Mission

joined the DRC congregation in supporting lecturer exchange. The Stellenbosch Office has a

list of names and well qualified people (CVs available) that is available to help where staff

has to go on sabbatical or where there are shortages. We think our new Associate Member,

the OCRPL, will also be able to assist in this development. We can discuss this at our

meeting.

See Addendum III for two lector exchange reports.

PROPOSAL: NetACT should consider developing lecturer exchange between members

as a focussed ministry. Getting people from the different countries and schools to teach

somewhere else will develop a web of relationships between us. We should discuss this

and consider appointing a program coordinator lecturer exchange. We believe that our

11

church based Associated Members should play a vital role in supporting the web-

development financially and with well qualified ministers or staff that can be part of the

program. Consider a page on our website of people available for Lecturer exchange.

3.7 Scholarships;

The sourcing and provision of scholarships to advance the theological training of our

institutions’ lecturers and promising pastors of the churches they serve have always been

important to NetACT. With regard to this, the following:

Consult the 2018 Annual Report on this matter. A number of institutions supporting NetACT

with scholarships are mentioned in the report. This is an ongoing pursuit and the Stellenbosch

and Bloemfontein offices have this as a fixed item on their agendas.

3.8 Publications

NetACT has as one of its primary goals the publication of quality theological textbooks

relevant to the African context.

Publications

The 2017 NetACT Annual Report listed NetACT publications. They can be downloaded, free

of charge, from the NetACT website. The 2017 report also mentioned partner institutions that

support our work.

In 2018-2019 our relationship with Langham publications took a step forward! Langham

makes it possible for NetACT schools to receive books worth £130 per year. NetACT

institutions can order, at special subsidized prices, from Langham. Postage is free. If you

have any enquiries about being on their donor and email lists, please contact the NetACT

Office that will help with connecting you to Langham. Langham is a crucial partner in our

Public Theology project and provided our project leader, Dr Sunday Agang, with a writer’s

scholarship. Mrs Isobel Stevenson from Langham assist the African Public Theology team in

writing the book. The name of the book is, at present, “African Public Theology.”

3.9 Curriculum & ACTEA

NetACT set as goal the upgrading of curriculum standards at member institutions.

The 2008 HIV Curriculum Development Workshops were our first step in actively helping

NetACT institutions on the road towards accreditation of their programmes and

qualifications.

ADDENDUM VI: Report of a meeting between NetACT and Tearfund at Wortelgat,

Stanford, SA, 24 December 2018 dealing with Curriculum Development research and

workshops.

The NetACT Office is in negotiation with Tearfund (Dr Sas Conradie) to have regional

workshops in our continent that deals with, amongst others, curriculum development. We

combine the four NIP librarian training workshops with workshops on curriculum

development, Public Theology, Community Development and Integral Missional leadership.

ACTEA

ACTEA (Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa) has been a key partner

of NetACT. Acquiring ACTEA accreditation was one of the goals we set for all out

institutions. NetACT supported institutions in different ways in obtaining ACTEA

accreditation. Rev Dr Emmanuel Chemengich, previous ACTEA ED, is now a full-time

Anglican Bishop. We will meet, at this meeting, with his successor, Dr David Tarus

12

([email protected]). The EC asked dr Japhet Ndhlovu to chair an evening discussion and

planning meeting with ACTEA (Tuesday evening 2 July 19:00).

4 REPORTS ON MEETINGS AND VISITS

Visitors to the Netact Office: We receive many local and international visitors at the NetACT

office over the past year. The following addenda tell the stories of NetACT activities.

5 VOTING, NEW MEMBERS AND EVALUATION

Vote on the applications of new members, and associate members.

Deal with the possible termination of members that failed to attend meetings &

Membership fees as prescribed by the NetACT constitution.

Evaluate the meeting.

6 ANNUAL MEETINGS

Previous venues 2000 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.

2001 Lusaka, Zambia

2002 Lilongwe, Malawi

2003 Stellenbosch, SA

2004 Zomba, Malawi

2005 Hefsiba, Mozambique

2006 Windhoek, Namibia

2007 Lusaka, Zambia

2009 Stellenbosch (150th anniversary)

2011 Lilongwe, Malawi

2012 Brackenhurst, Kenya.

2013 DCMA, Worcester, SA,

2015 Johannesburg, SA

2016 St Paul’s University (SPU), Kenya

2017 Scott Christian University, Machakos, Kenya.

2018 Huguenot College, Wellington, SA

2019 SPU – Religious Freedom special meeting

2020 Ethiopia at Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia?

2021 Regional Meetings?

7 GENERAL

7.1 Approval of 2019 Annual General Meeting minutes

As with previous meetings, the NetACT EC requests the Board to grant it the authority to

approve the minutes of the AGM within a month after the meeting.. Members will receive the

approved minutes.

7.2 Other issues

7.3 Closing prayers

13

ADDENDUM I 2019 Netact Financial Statements

Income and Expenditure

NetACT Cost Centres & Funds available on 31 December 2018

NetACT Administration: 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 For the period ending: 31 December 2018 31 December 2017

TOTAL INCOME R 195 510,93 R 161 900,09

DONATIONS: DRC AND OTHERS

ADMINISTRATION FEE FROM OTHER NETACT ACCOUNTS INTEREST

& FOREIGN EXCHANGE PROFIT

MEMBERSHIP FEES RECEIVED

R 37 280,00

R 60 059,00

R 11 104,11

R 87 067,82

R 46 417,00

R 79 281,79

R 19 538,14

R 16 663,16

TOTAL EXPENDITURE R 191 842,18 R 193 011,12

BANK COSTS & FOREIGN EXCHANGE LOSS COPY

AND PRINTING, CONSUMABLE MATERIALS

ENTERTAINMENT & REFRESHMENTS

FOREIGN TRAVEL & SUBSISTENCE

LEVY TO UNIVERSITY ON INCOME GENERATED

POSTAGE, COURIER & SERVICES

TELEPHONE

INTERNET NETWORK EMAIL LEVY

SALARIES: DIRECTOR AND STUDENTS & CONSULTATION

STATIONERY

R 186,11

R 65,00

R 2 337,50

R 41 311,14

R 6 482,44

R 631,66

R 6 731,32

R 4 688,20

R 124 845,38

R 4 563,43

R 926,58

R 434,00

R 2 407,00

R 35 240,50

R 3 612,10

R 693,55

R 18 064,24

R 2 581,89

R 123 274,94

R 5 776,32

SURPLUS / (-SHORTFALL) FOR PERIOD R 3 668,75 -R 31 111,03

Plus: ACCUM. FUNDS 01/01/2017

Min: Balance sheet item: Vat control account

R 157 009,49

R 0,00

R 188 120,52

R 0,00

ACCUM. FUNDS AVAILABLE ON 31/12/2018 R 160 678,24 R 157 009,49

31 December 2018 31 December 2017

NETACT ADMINISTRATION

R160 678,24

R 157 009,49

NETACT SABBATICALS EN WRITING RETREATS R12 170,53 -R 885,21

NETACT KINKUNI PROJECT R149 306,66 R 722 623,05

NETACT LECTURERS R22 175,38 R 35 072,18

NETACT ANNUAL MEETINGS R170 025,74 R 400 045,95

NETACT SCHOLARSHIPS R8 932,24 R 16 999,68

NETACT PUBLICATIONS R17 226,99 R 11 678,66

NETACT CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT R87,79 R 82,14

14

ADDENDUM II: Report Dr Nico Mostert as Progam Coordinator

A Progress report: Position of Project coordinator for NetACT: 2017-2018 summary

At our 2017 AGM the following decision was taken regarding the position:

Decision: The NetACT Board thanks the Office for the work done in this regard. It

accepts the reasoning for the process followed, namely that due to Prof Hendriks’

health and the urgency of the matter an alternative process had to be followed in order

to present a suitable candidate for the position to potential donors before approval

could be sought from the Board at the AGM. As a consequence the Board

retrospectively approves the candidature of Rev. Mostert. However, this remains an

ad hoc and highly extraordinary procedure and NetACT remains committed to

following a more detailed and consultative process including all NetACT members

with regard to all future appointments. The Office is required to a) draw up a detailed

job description for the new post b) ensure that the position is a contract position for 5

years c) ensure that a process of performance review is in place before the position is

filled. All of these matters need to be approved by the NetACT Executive who has

been granted completion authority with regard to this appointment.

Following our meeting in Machakos in 2017 the task was set to compile a job description and

to raise funds for the fulltime position of project coordinator for NetACT. The two tasks were

seen as to be executed simultaneously as the funding would enable the job description to be

finalised and approved making funding the key piece of the puzzle. As the year progressed

and numerous efforts (contacting donors such as the WCRC etc) failed, it became clear that a

different approach are needed as time as running out and our impression is that donors finds it

difficult to fund positions when they prefer to fund projects. At the moment the income

generated from projects are not enough to sustain a fulltime project coordinator.

The problems encountered with a fulltime position were:

Funding from donors

Cost of living in Stellenbosch pushes the cost to company factor of a salary up

Relocating Nico to Stellenbosch would be very expensive and without donor funding

noy possible for NetACT

This necessitated a different approach which was then proposed to the EC. The EC in March

2018 decided to follow a different route with the appointment which was as follows:

The Office wants to suggest that we follow the following route in appointing Rev

Nico Mostert.

First of all some background: We could not find a way of raising a salary and the

finances to get the family to Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch is a very expensive place and

NetACT may never be in a position to pay a “cost to company” salary. We, therefore,

have to improvise.

The Office propose (Jurgens discussed this proposal with Nico who is willing to

investigate it with us): (a) Nico focus on completing his PhD at Free State University

(which should be done by July 2018). (b) The EC, through the NetACT Office,

approach Free State University to open a NetACT office in the same way as the office

at SU (that Hansen, Hendriks, Weidenhof House and Jackson use) and Rev Mostert

starts working from that office in the same way as the Hendriks is working from the

SU office. (c) We follow the route that Fraser Jackson followed: He gets his “salary”

through volunteers who support his mission. Huguenot gives him housing and an

office. He helps them on a partial basis with their IT and library and NetACT pays

Huguenot R24,000 per year. In Nico’s case he suggests that his congregation will be

15

willing to consider keeping him as minister and “NetACT missionary.” Thus he gets

his basic salary from the congregation can continue to serve there and at the Faculty

of Theology (where it may be possible to earn something since he is already teaching

in a part-time capacity). To this NetACT gradually adds an “honorarium” as it is at

present doing with Prof Hendriks.

Prof Hendriks continue for the time being serving in the SU office and “disciple”

Nico into the NetACT work and world.

The “NetACT Office” then consist of Dr Hansen as ED, Jackson as NIP ED, and two

program coordinators, Hendriks & Mostert. We do not see communication as a problem

because of phones, email & Skype. We allow the arrangement to develop as the Lord leads us

along the way and keep the EC and Board informed.

2. June 2018

Upon this decision it was decided that Jurgens and Nico would meet in Bloemfontein with

the University of the Free State, one of our anchor institutions and a NetACT member, and

try to negotiate with them the possibility of providing a parallel office for the PC in

Bloemfontein. As most of the work is done via internet, the physical place where the PC

resides is currently not that important which opens up new possibilities for the NetACT

office.

On 6th June Jurgens met with Prof Fanie Snyman, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at Free

State University. (See the report and following correspondence from Jurgens on that meeting)

3. Planning and proposals

The urgency of implementing the 2017 decisions remains even though there is little to no

funding available for implementation. This requires a re-thinking and re-designing and new

decisions regarding the handover strategy, location and nature of the office, structure of the

NetACT office personnel and roles and responsibilities. In view of this, it is proposed that the

AGM approves the proposal:

3.1 Time line for hand over from Jurgens to Nico

Dates 2018 2019 2020

Tasks Jurgens:

Continue with current

responsibilities and duties

Nico:

Will on an ad-hoc basis,

and work permitting, start

attending to certain duties

as agreed between Nico,

Jurgens and the ED

Jurgens:

Handing over of the

office

Initiate meeting with

4 SA faculties to

discuss admission

requirements for

foreign students via

SAQA

Jurgens + Nico:

Roadshows for

training of librarians,

community

development and

leadership

development with

TEARFUND,

Jurgens:

Remains available

for consultation

Kikuni

infrastructure

development

project

Nico:

All

responsibilities for

Office, Admin and

projects

16

curriculum

development training

Liaising with donors

and associate

members

Nico:

AGM duties

Membership fees

NIP training

Money

funded from the

NetACT office

fund

R10000 be paid monthly

to Jurgens

Jan-Jun

Jurgens R10000 pm

Nico R5000pm

Jul-Dec

Jurgens R5000pm

Nico R10000pm

Nico R15000pm

3.2 Liaison with associate members and donors

Jurgens will gradually introduce Nico to the associate members of whom some are also

donors of NetACT. Priority will be given to: Langham Publishers, Tyndale, Cornerstone

Trust, TEARFUND and Stellenbosch University.

3.3 Proposed NetACT structure

Regarding structure and positions as stipulated within the constitution, the following needs to

be clarified and amendments be made to constitution:

17

a) Currently the only fulltime position within NetACT is that of the ED. This position is

currently filled as a part-time position, non-funded by NetACT and appointed by the

Executive (see 4.2.3). This position has the options of being fulltime or part-time. An

amendment would have to be made to allow for the additional fulltime or part-time positions

of Project Coordinator’s (PC) under a revised structure.

b) According to the constitution, the office needs to be hosted by the institution whom the ED

is affiliated to, and that institution is responsible for the infrastructure of the office (see 4.3)

Attention should be given to this section in the constitution as the office is becoming

independent from the physical location of the ED and the proposed PC for Admin and

projects takes responsibility for the office.

c) Some of the functions ascribed to the ED will be delegated to the PC’s hence this would

entail an alteration of the task’s and responsibilities of ED in view of the task’s and

responsibilities given to the PC’s.

d) The appointment of a PC for admin and projects were done at the 2017 AGM. This

position would need to be incorporated into the constitution.

e) The NIP project is becoming pivotal to the work of NetACT and is also extremely

technical in nature. This requires that a PC be appointed with the sole responsibility of

developing, implementing and sustaining the portal. Training of member institutions

librarians will also be part of this responsibilities. This will be a partially funded fulltime

position within NetACT. This position would need to be incorporated into the constitution.

f) If it is foreseen that various projects will have project managers, these will be part-time

non-funded by NetACT positions for the duration of the project and will cease to exist upon

completion of the project.

g) Agreements with host institutions (Hugenote Collage, Stellenbosch University and Free

State University) needs to put on place for hosting the NetACT offices.

h) Article 4.3 needs to make provision for a policy on the hosting and the operational

requirements for the NetACT offices.

3.4 Decisions that guide the strategy

1. Approval of the hand over time lime which include the financial arrangements

2. Approval of the second PC for the NIP

3. Approval of the relevant amendments to the constitution

4. Approval of the office policy document

B MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN FREE STATE

UNIVERSITY (FACULTY OF THEOLOGY) BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA

AND NETWORK FOR AFRICAN CONGREGATIONAL THEOLOGY (NETACT)

To continue to promote understanding and goodwill, to strengthen existing relations and

recognition of the benefits to be gained through cooperative research and exposure to African

institutions of Theological education , Free State University (Faculty of Theology) and the

Network for African Congregational Theology (NETACT) (hereafter, “the parties”)

represented by the acting Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Free State University, Prof R

Venter and by Prof L Hansen the Executive Director of NETACT, hereby enter into the

following agreement:

Article 1: Background and objectives

18

The parties will strive to deepen the existing relations in the sphere of scholarly focused

cooperation and to develop new relation on the principle of mutual benefit and full

reciprocity.

Article 2: Extent of cooperation

Cooperation for 2019 will include:

2.1 The Faculty will agree to allow the following:

2.1.1. NETACT may occupy the office of Shepherd at the Faculty.

2.1.2 Shepherd takes responsibility for the R 5 000-00 monthly contribution towards NETACT

2.1.3 Shepherd takes responsibility to appoint the designated person as a coordinator of one of

its programs to enable the person to have access to all relevant support within the UFS.

2.2. NETACT will agree to provide the following.

2.2.1 Provide a designated duly academically qualified person for the NETACT office

2.2.2 The designated person will be assisting Shepherd at one of its Shepherd’s Schools.

2.2.3 NETACT will continuously notify the Faculty of Theology of any research opportunities,

seminars, conferences, scholarships, colloquia or other research events hosted at or by, the

participation of which may be of interest to scholars of the other Party.

2.3 The parties will, when possible, initiate joint research projects and/or jointly organize and

host conferences, workshops or colloquia at Free State University on themes of mutual

scholarly interest and benefit. The details pertaining to such cooperation will be mutually

agreed upon by the parties and will be formalized in writing prior to the commencement of

the cooperative activities.

Article 3: Implementation

The NETACT office will make a staff member available as soon as the MoU is signed by

both Parties.

Article 4: Duration and termination of this Memorandum of Understanding

This MoU will become effective on the date it is signed by the abovementioned

representatives of the parties and will be valid for an initial period of 12 moths unless

terminated, revoked or modified by mutual written agreement between the parties. It may be

renewed or extended by mutual consent.

Any changes to this MoU shall be subject to written consent of both parties.

Either party may terminate this MoU at any time, provided that the terminating party gives

written notice of its intention at least six months prior to termination.

Nothing in this MoU shall be construed as being legally binding.

Signatures

Prof. Rian Venter Prof. Len Hansen

Dean: Faculty of Theology Executive Director: NETACT

Date: Nov 2018

19

The Faculty of Theology and Religion will gladly welcome a staff member of NETACT to

form part of the diverse culture of training and services rendered by the Faculty. It is at this

stage however not possible to appoint someone as a staff member of the Faculty of Theology

and Religion.

The Faculty nevertheless has the following recommendation for 2019:

1. NETACT may occupy the office of Shepherd at The Faculty.

2. Shepherd takes responsibility for the R 5 000-00 monthly contribution towards NETACT.

3. Shepherd takes responsibility to appoint the designated person as a coordinator of one of its

programs to enable the person to have access to all relevant support within the UFS.

4. In return the designated person will be assisting Shepherd at one of its Shepherd’s Schools.

5. It will not be possible to give administration support and NETACT indicated that they would

take responsibility for this.

During September of 2019 the above will be evaluated to decide on a longer-term agreement

and the road ahead.

C Report: Update on the establishing of the UFS office February 2019

After the approval of the AGM for the establishment of the office at the University of the

Freestate Faculty of Theology (UFS), the process was marked with various meetings and

negotiations with the UFS. We can report on the following progress:

1. A formal agreement was reach between NetACT and UFS whereby an office, internet

access and a renumeration of R5000pm will be made available to NetACT via Shepherd (the

institute for short learning programmes of the Faculty). The UFS cannot render any

secretarial assistance to the office. The is arrangement will be formalised in September 2019.

2. Rev Mostert will, in return, render support to the short learning programmes on the Qwa-

Qwa campus.

3. A formal meeting took place on the 23rd of January 2019 between Prof Rantoa Letšosa

(Incoming Dean), Prof Rian Venter, Prof Kobus Schoeman (Practical Theology and NetACT

Central cluster chairman), Dr Gerhard Botha (Shepherd) and Rev Nico Mostert (NetACT

Program Coordinator and UFS NetACT office person). The work of NetACT were

introduced to the new Dean and he was updated on the establishment of the UFS NetACT

office and the role of Rev Mostert. Rev Mostert also invited him to attend the 2019 AGM in

Kenia upon which he accepted, and we are looking to introduce him to the wider network.

4. NetACT were asked to advise the faculty on the building of international relations within

Africa and we contributed by proposing that the UFS utilize NetACT and the NetACT

network to establish such relations. Our proposals will be presented at the faculties strategic

planning session in February.

Nico Mostert

Program Coordinator

University of the Freestate February 2019.

20

ADDENDUM III: NETACT Lecturer Exchange Programme reports

Lectured at: Justo Mwale University, Lusaka, Zambia 22 October - 9 November 2018

Lecturer: Karen Krige (M Th) [email protected] (She is from Stellenbosch –HJH)

Name of course: Worship 2 Term 4/2018

Department: Diaconology, Academic programme: B. Th 1-2-3

Number of class hours: 12 periods per week;

Number of students: 40

I was fetched from the airport and warmly welcomed by the students and lecturers. The home

I stayed in was spacious and comfortable, and the staff kindly supplied me with some food

and water. I was invited to eat with the Christian Ministry students next door at the Booth

Centre. The food was traditional African food which I enjoyed for a week and then I began

buying my own supplies at Shoprite up the road. Eating with the Christian Ministry students

was a wonderful way to connect with them and to listen to their stories. I learnt the value of

being in liminal space for intimate human connection.

The B.Th. students I taught were co-operative and willing to learn. Sometimes I found them a

bit disrespectful towards each other when they shared their opinions. But they were respectful

towards me.

I invited each of the students to meet with me individually; I wanted to hear their stories and

particularly learn what had shaped/was shaping them spiritually. I am very interested in what

Africa has to offer the Church in terms of spiritual formation, as well as perhaps what is

needed at the Theological Universities and in the Church in Africa. I am exploring the

possibility of doing PhD studies in that area. Meeting with the students was also a wonderful

opportunity to get to know them personally and to understand more about life in Africa. The

students seemed to appreciate very much my taking a personal interest in them.

Teaching on worship and spiritual formation was very interesting. I enjoyed combining the

two - exploring how worship shapes Christians spiritually in community. From the feedback I

received from the students, they enjoyed the classes and found them stimulating and

inspiring.

The module coming at the end of the term and the year was a challenge. The students were

tired, planning end of year functions and were preparing for the exams. So, having to do

assignments was difficult for them. But they did well.

Of course, it would be ideal to spend a longer time with the students on the module, as well

as to take them through a proper programme of spiritual formation. It seems to me that it is

much needed for the students to receive intentional spiritual formation in discipleship to Jesus

as they prepare for ministry.

Thank you for the opportunity to go on the lecture exchange programme! It was transforming

for me as I learnt from them about, amongst other things, community, humility, hospitality,

and trust.

Report by Karen Krige of exchange with Nile Theological College (NTC), Juba, South

Sudan, 27 A pril - 10 May 2019

21

Bob Rice, an American Presbyterian Church missionary teaching part-time at NTC, requested

for someone to come and teach on the lecturer exchange programme. Jurgens asked me and I

offered to go and teach in Practical Theology, specifically on Spiritual Formation.

There was time when I wondered if it was the right thing to do because of the security

situation in South Sudan. It is rated the number one “fragile” state. The country has been at

civil war for three years with 400,000 people having died. A peace agreement was signed in

September 2018, but things are politically unstable and there is the possibility that ethnic

violence could break out at any time. But, having prayed, I felt that it was right for me to go.

Because NTC is a poor College and does not have housing, Stellenbosch Gemeente, my

home congregation, collected funds for my accommodation and food. I was booked to stay at

ECS Guest House, but it soon became clear that it was not at all suitable. So I moved to the

Mission Aviation Fellowship compound which was safe, comfortable and had security

systems in place. Initially I was also expected to walk and catch the rickshaw, which I did not

think was a good idea. So I asked Rev. Santino if the College driver could fetch me for class

and take me back, which he kindly agreed I could do.

The students have suffered immeasurably. They are virtually all displaced with some living in

UN refugee camps. Their poverty is dire. They seem tired and hopeless, and many of them

are sick. There are about 60 - 70 students at NTC.

I had twelve teaching hours altogether. In class my aim was that the students would not only

receive knowledge on Spiritual Formation, but that they would encounter Christ and

experience hope. I also offered to give spiritual direction to the students. I said they could

come in groups or for one on one. Most of them came for individual time. There I listened to

their stories. I soon adapted the Western model of spiritual direction to their context and not

only listened to their stories but spent time with them in prayer, strengthening and

encouraging them. I also preached at the chapel service. My great reward was to see the

students’ being touched by Jesus and finding hope. The women were particularly inspired by

having a woman preach and teach and minister to them.

It was a joy to spend time with the staff at NTC. Rev. Santino, the Principal, is a kind man

who seems to run the College well. Obviously the needs are great. At this point the students

are having to pay for the photocopying of their class notes. For many of them that is hardly

possible. There is no wifi at the College and most of the students do not have money for data,

if they even have a cell phone.

Having spoken to Jurgens, it would be wonderful if there could be a way of providing wifi

and a few computers/laptops for the College so that the students could have access to the

Netact internet portal.

It has been a transforming experience for me to go to South Sudan and I’m grateful for the

opportunity given to me. Thank you!

22

ADDENDUM IV Opening of the Andrew Murray Centre of Spirituality

The opening of the Andrew Murray Centre of Spirituality in Wellington, South Africa. Feb

2019 was a dream come true.

NetACT has been invited and welcomed at the opening ceremony of the Andrew Murray

Centre of Spirituality in Wellington, South Africa. Several NetACT members from SA,

Nigeria, Malawi and Zimbabwe took part in the two-day opening conference (25-26 February

2019) with the theme “Rooted in Christ: Stay in me like I in you.”..

The project, launched in May 2017, has the vision of developing and promoting a missional

spirituality that builds on Andrew Murray’s life and work from the Reformed identity of the

Dutch Reformed Church, but also in the broader reformed tradition and theology. NetACT

was invited to use the facilities for sabbaticals or writers retreats. The centre has 33 rooms

and everything that is needed for spiritual retreats, sabbaticals and writing assignments of

groups that need a place with a strong spiritual impact where they can work and engage.

Prof Elna Mouton, a NetACT Board Member for many years, accepted the role of spiritual

advisor and chapel liturgist at the Andrew Murray Centre for Spirituality. She admits that one

reason why she accepted the call was because the AMCS was from the very beginning

designed to be open to all NetACT members who need a place to stay and work. Prof Mouton

played a key role in some of the books that NetACT published on gender

(http://netact.christians.co.za/books-articles/ ). Do yourself a favour and visit the Andrew

Murray Centre for Spirituality website: www.andrewmurraysentrum.co.za

Photo: Drr Christopher Munikwa, Jurgens Hendriks & Chatha Msangaambe at the opening

conference dinner.

Martin Pauw, Chatha Msangaambe, Christopher Munikwa, Kobus Odendaal & Jurgens

Hendriks lead a panel presentation on Andrew Murray’s legacy impacted NetACT, Title: A

harvest exceeding their wildest dreams. Mark 4:8.

23

ADDENDUM V: A happy reunion: sharing the about the 2001 NetACT meeting

Drr Hendriks, Ndhlovu and Mostert

Three program coordinators: Jurgens Hendriks from the NetACT Office in Stellenbosch,

Japhet Ndhlovu from the United Church in Canada (UCC) and Nico Mostert from the

NetACT Office in Bloemfontein met in March 2019 in Stellenbosch.

Let’s first introduce Japhet Ndhlovu. Born and educated in Zambia, he served as General

Secretary for the Council of Churches in Zambia, Executive staff at the All Africa

Conference of Churches, National Moderator of the Reformed Church in Zambia among

other senior managerial positions. Japhet holds a PhD from Stellenbosch University and two

Masters degrees obtained in Ireland and South Africa. Then, in 2013 he moved to Canada and

served as an Ordained Minister in the Epworth Pastoral Charge in Newfoundland before

being called to the head office of the UCC. At present he is serving as a Program Coordinator

for global partnerships in the UCC Church and Mission Unit responsible for the Philippines,

India, Angola, Zimbabwe and Zambia – Southern Africa.

NetACT was officially founded in Lusaka, Zambia, April 2001. Nico Mostert was a pastor in

a Reformed congregation in Lusaka at that time. He officially attended the historic meeting

when NetACT was founded. Japhet was co-pastoring the Reformed Congregation with Nico,

while, at the same time playing a key role in the leadership of the Reformed Church of

Zambia. In a prophetic way, he led the fight against HIV/AIDS in Zambia and wider. He,

amongst others, motivated NetACT to address the pandemic – which led to NetACT

introducing HIV/AIDS programs in all their seminaries as well as training lecturers to present

these courses.

Jurgens Hendriks was the Executive Director of NetACT in those years. The NetACT based

friendship and shared goals led to Japhet doing his PhD on COMBATING HIV: A

MINISTERIAL STRATEGY FOR ZAMBIAN CHURCHES with Jurgens as promoter. The

degree was awarded in March 2008. The concept “circles of hope” was a key strategy that

Japhet successfully developed in the Reformed Church in Zambia’s fight against the pandemic.

The three met when Japhet visited SA in March 2019. They had many stories to share! We

hope the cooperation between the UCC and NetACT is going to develop an exciting new

chapter in everyone’s life!

24

ADDENDUM VI: Visit to Dutch Reformed Church and University of Pretoria

Jurgens and Nico were invited to attend the DRC General Synod Moderamen meeting on the

6 of March in Kempton Park, South Africa. At this meeting NetACT was given a slot to

report on the work we are doing and our relationships with theological institutions in Africa.

The meeting was briefed on the progress of the NIP, the scheduled training sessions across

the continent and the planned AGM in Kenya in July. During the meeting Jurgens was

thanked by the church for his long serving commitment to the DRC and the church in Africa.

NetACT was also thanked for their contribution towards theological education in Africa and

the meeting assured NetACT of their support and prayers.

On the 7th of March Jurgens and Nico met with the following people at the University of

Pretoria:

1 Hannes van der Walt of the ACRP (Association of Christian Religious

Practitioners). We reported on the NIP progress and various other projects of NetACT. He

gave an update on the progress of establishing the ARCP as an accreditation body and a

professional umbrella body for religious practitioners that includes Christian councillors and

pastors. Areas of cooperation with ACRP are the following:

Hosting of the service providers in short learning programs on the NIP at a

reduced cost. There seems to be a need for more affordable hosting of learning

material on e-platforms.

Hannes will attend a session of the NIP training in PTA to see how the NIP

work.

There is need to call for a FUTE meeting with the Deans of the 4 Faculties of

Theology within South Africa and to include ACRP in that discussion.

There is need to arrange a meeting with the new ACTEA director while we are

meeting in Kenia in July.

2 Christine Nel and the Faculty Library Manager, Anna Siwela. We finalised the

logistical arrangements surrounding the training of the librarians form 26-29 March at UP.

UP will bill NetACT for all the meals and transport.

3 The deputy Dean Prof Dirk Human Prof Nelis Niemandt and Dr Zoro Dube (NetACT representive). The following were discussed:

The digitization of the institutional repositories of Kenyan and Nigerian

institutions. It was recommended that we have a further discussion with the

Director of the library to involve them on the project. A followed-up

discussion will take place at the March training.

Support for the NIP training. UP is happy to assist where possible logistically.

The purpose and cooperation regarding the Andrew Murray Centre

The importance of lecturer exchange

Prof Dirk and Zoro will update the Dean

Nico Mostert

DRC Hugenoot, March 2019

25

ADDENDUM VI: Report of a meeting between NetACT and Tearfund

Report of a meeting between NetACT and Tearfund at Wortelgat, Stanford, SA, 24

December 2018 Present: Jurgens Hendriks & Sas Conradie.

Goal of meeting: to report on developments in our organizations and to synchronize cooperation in

2019.

NetACT Internet Portal: Tearfund mention the Africa Pastors Fellowship. Fraser Jackson should

contact Dave Stetman. They developed a tablet plus an app called eVITABU on which one

can easily download data like books, journals etc that can help pastors. Tf says that Fraser

Jackson has been in contact with them. The goal of the NIP and eVitabu is the same and thus

future cooperation should be on both agendas.

African Public Theology: JH shared about the THF funding application. Tf (Sas) would like to

cooperate in this venture especially the 2019 Regional Workshops. The four four-day

workshops were discussed and Tf would like to take the lead in presenting the Church and

Community Development one at the regional meetings.

Tf policy issues: Tf usually supports one church and one theological school in a country and

work with specific projects that can be evaluated after completion. Their work tend to

concentrate on the practical side and not so much on the theological theory. Sas tries to

convince them of the importance of theological theory, of Integral Mission principles and the

role that Christian identity and discipleship plays in the longevity of projects and the deep

transformation processes that is needed to change

Decisions / Follow-up:

1. JH will send SAS the THF funding proposal re APT as well as the letter to all our

members about the dates of the 2019 meetings.

2. Nico Mostert to get Tf material on short courses and share it with Shepard – invite

cooperation (JH received some examples from Sas. Nico will visit Stellenbosch early

2019). Their short course brochures are excellent material for certificate type courses.

3. Sas will try to get Tf to cooperate at the regional meetings where Tf will take

responsibility for the one-day “church and community mobilization workshop.”

4. Funding: Sas will most probably get about £3000 per workshop that will fund travel,

board and lodging of their presenters and attenders.

5. Sas hope to get another £20,000 for our curriculum development endeavour where we

want to get all parties that share this goal, to a meeting and towards cooperation (like

the Anglican Church in Kenya & the Great Lake countries, the DRC and people like

John Jusu).

6. Sas advises that we invite Antionne Ratuyisire to our AGM. He did a remarkable D

Min at Fuller on Curriculum Development (JH have an electronic copy of his

dissertation).

7. Tearfund has a working relationship with CITAF (The ACTEA parallel in French

speaking countries. There is difficulty in the cooperation between CITAF and

ACTEA because of higher standards in ACTEA). Tearfund helped CITAF to develop

an Interim Mission curriculum.

26

ADDENDUM VII: Report on the Reformed Family Forum meeting

Report on the Reformed Family Forum (RFF) meeting, Johannesburg on 2-5 August 2018 The RFF consist of the family of Reformed Churches in Southern, Central and East Africa that

originated mostly from the work of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC). Currently the RFF consist of

15 members that include the Portuguese countries of Mozambique and Angola. All the member

churches are also NetACT members via their Theological institutions hence a close relationship

between NetACT and the RFF. This year the annual meeting were held in Johannesburg and as NetACT

is a member of the forum, we were represented at the meeting by Rev Nico Mostert.

From the report back of the member churches, the following trends within Africa were observed:

- Stories about the miracles of God (recovering after times of war, stories about reconciliation,

the role of elders, perseverance, God’s grace, etc.)

- Political influence on churches (war, land and property issues, elections, economy, interference

by government, political leadership issues (dictators), etc.) – what role should the church play

in terms of its public witness?

- Challenges of theological training – proper training of ministers

- Financial matters/ financial stability (cannot afford ministers, sustain buildings, synod

structures and programs, members are poor.)

- Ecological issues – resources are being depleted

- Importance of ecumenical ties

- A reformed response to neo-Pentecostal growth (prosperity faith) – see also dual membership

- Involvement in communities (schools, hospitals, etc.)

- Issues around ministers (young ministers, sustainability, tent making, power, pension schemes,

retirement, etc.

- In-looking (maintenance) in ministry

- Importance of our histories (our stories form part of who we are)

- How to deal with the thing called “Dutch” – contextualising the church versus its tradition

- Importance of ecological issues (climate change, deforestation, lack of water, population

growth, etc.)

- How to reach out to the youth

- Theological and Doctrinal issues: what is a congregation? missional diaconate? Public

theology? Prophetic witness?

- Gender issues /domestic violence

- Language and cultural issues

- Rapid Urbanisation

- Infighting, power struggles, role of church leaders and ministers – leadership issues

A report was given to the RFF on the work of NetACT and the current status of the respective

projects. (See attached Powerpoint) A Q and A session followed from which the following transpired:

- The need for further theological education programs from the RFF is expressed

- Communication from NetACT directly to the member churches directly via the General

Secretaries as not all members have Theological institutions that convey the work of NetACT.

- Appreciation for what NetACT is doing is conveyed and a prayer was given for the work of

NetACT.

Nico Mostert – Project Manager Office, Oct 2018.

27

ADDENDUM VIII: Report Dr Agang’s Visit to Francophone Africa’s Institutions

Introduction

At the NetACT Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Wellington, South Africa, July 2018, it

was agreed that NetACT should consider visiting and inviting the Francophone institutions,

particularly in West Africa, to join NetACT. Thus, when it was learned that three institutions

usually organize a colloquium in Abidjan and that the next one was going to be on 16-18

May 2019, NetACT decided to take advantage of that opportunity to visit; and given the

proximity of Abidjan to Nigeria, Dr Sunday Bobai Agang was approached by NetACT

EXCO to represent it at the 2019 Joint International Interdisciplinary Colloquium. His tasks

were twofold: (1) Visit and listen and when given a chance to talk about what NetACT is all

about; (2) Specifically share with them NetACT projects—Theology and Community

Development, the African Public Theology, African Christian Leadership (CLA) and invite

them to join NetACT, attend the AGM on 1-5 July, and the Regional Workshop on 23-26

September, 2019 in Igbaja, Kwara, Nigeria.

Trip to Abidjan

The trip to Abidjan was very eventful! I left my home town, Takau Sabon Gari I, Kafanchan,

Kaduna, Nigeria on 8 May 2019 for Abuja. I spent the night in Abuja so that I would be able

to catch my 10:00 AM flight to Lome, Togo and then to Abidjan on 9 May 2019.

On 9 May 2019, we left Abuja for Lome at exactly 10:00 AM and we arrived Lome at 11:05

AM. I had a layover of 2 hrs at the airport. Thereafter, we departed Lome for Abidjan at 1:30

PM. We arrived at Felix Houphouet Biogeny Airport, Abidjan at 3:00 pm, only for me to

discovered that my luggage did not arrive with me. So, before I could finish sorting things out

at the luggage office it was 6:00 pm. I could not call anybody. I had to beg a security man at

the airport who call UACA and a driver was sent to pick me up. Before we got to the school

campus it was already 8:00 PM. I was very hungry, having lived only on snacks provided on

the aeroplane throughout that day. So, I had to use the little money I had with me to buy a

pair of cloth to wear before my luggage arrives. I had to also buy food, water and fruits

because I was the first person who arrived that day. As such there was no arrangement for

food for me.

To the praise of God’s glory, my luggage arrived the next day at 7:00 pm. I was very pleased

and grateful to God when the UACA’s driver brought my luggage to me with the content

inside intact.

Arrival and Visit to Yamoussoukro

The librarians from the three joint schools (Doyens) arrived on 11 May 2019.

On that same day, the following people from the United States also arrived—Mrs. Mary

Kleine Yehling, Mrs Laura Livingstone, Mrs Lynn Slider, Mr Sandy Graver as well as Mr

Thomas Fraser Jackson from South Africa.

To my pleasant surprise I discovered that I had met Mary Kleine and even had dinner at her

house in 2011. That was when I participated in the first Langham Post-Doc Seminar and

Training workshop programme at Wheaton College.

On May 12, 2019, we were scheduled to visit the political capital of Cote d’Ivoire,

Yamoussoukro and we did. It took us about three hours by road. While in Yamoussoukro,

one of the significant places we visited was the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, built by the

28

first president of Cote d’Ivoire, Felix Houphouet-Boigny and commissioned by Pope John

Paul II. It is a magnificent building that one would have thought does not exist in Africa.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (French: Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix) is a Catholic

minor basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, the administrative capital of

Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). The basilica was constructed between 1985 and 1989. Guinness

World Records lists it as the largest "church" in the world, having surpassed the previous

record holder, St. Peter's Basilica, upon completion. It has an area of 30,000 square metres

(322,917 sq ft) and is 158 m (518 ft) high. It can accommodate 18,000 worshippers.

For me, that sophisticated and beautiful edifice in our continent is an indictment to African

leaders who often give excuses instead of using the resources at their disposal to bring

positive development and transformation. Some of them prefer to steal the money and instead

invest it in already developed countries. In spite of what other people may think about what

President Felix Houphouet-Boigny did in a country of abject poverty, I see hope in Africa.

Great things can possibly be done in Africa if our leaders have the political will!

While in Abidjan, I participated in two very important annual conferences—Librarians

conference and the Joint International and Interdisciplinary Colloquium, 13-15 May and 15-

18 May 2019 respectively.

I. The Joint Librarian Conference

Since 2015, librarians from three schools—FATEAC, UACA and FATES—have been

meeting, under the supervision of Mr Sandy Graver and Mary Kleine Yehling, both from

Tyndale House Foundation (THF). So, while in Abidjan the first meeting I attended was the

librarian conference, which started on 13-15 May 2019. I fully participated in the meetings

and deliberations, in which they librarians were focusing on ways of improving, enhancing

and strengthening their libraries. It was during this conference that on 14 May 2019 Thomas

Fraser Jackson was given a chance to present a detailed report on the NetACT Internet Portal.

His presentation was very stimulating. The participants, including some of the Doyens

leaders who were present, could not help but enthusiastically ask several questions regarding

how their schools could benefit from the internet portal. Mr Fraser intelligently responded to

their questions. He used the opportunity to invite them to attend the regional workshop in

Nigeria, slated for 23-26 September 2019.

Each day of the conference began with a 30 minutes praise and worship time and a short

exhortation. On Wednesday, 15 May 2019, NetACT was asked to lead. So, I led the devotion.

After my exhortation, the librarians continue to discuss and correct the library manual that

they have been working on for the past four years.

After launch, the three leaders of the joint schools known as “Doyens” had a joint meeting

with the librarians. During their time with us, Mary Kleine Yehling shared about the African

Christian Leaders (ACL).

I was also asked to talk about NetACT and the African Public Theology project. I shared with

the librarians and the leaders of Doyens what NetACT is about all, the different projects

NetACT has embarked upon, and then invited them to consider joining NetACT as members

so that they can access the many benefits members of NetACT are enjoying. I also announced

to them the two upcoming important meetings that they could attend: AGM in Kenya 1-5

July 2019 and Regional Workshop in Igbaja, 23-26 September 2019.

II. The Joint International Interdisciplinary Colloquium, 15-18 May 2019

29

The second annual conference I attended was the 2019 Joint International and Inter-discipline

Colloquium. This year’s Theme was: "Radicalism and Inter-religious and Intercultural

Dialogue: A Quest for a Lasting Peace for Humanity.” The conference brought together

participants from Morocco, Cameroon, Chad, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Benin,

Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, and so on. It was attended by ‘Who is Who’ in Francophone Africa.

They had 18 communications (paper presenters). The programmed was very tight. However,

on 17 May 2019, I was given 5 minutes to briefly share with the colloquium’s participants

what NetACT is all about. God helped me to use the time to highlight NetACT’s purpose,

vision, mission, projects, and resources. I particularly, shared with them the African Public

Theology textbook, seeking to theologically address the African Union Agenda 2063: The

Africa We Want.

After my short presentation, I invited the several participating institutions and organisations

to consider joining NetACT, the AGM in Kenya in July and the Regional Workshop in

Igbaja, Nigeria in September 2019. I referred them to the NetACT’s website for further

information on how to join.

To the praise of God’s glory, my short presentation was very inspiring and stimulating. It was

well received. That was clearly evident by the fact that after my presentation several people

came to see me for further information on NetACT, in spite of the fact that I had referred

them to the website. Some of them were particularly interested in knowing more about the

African Public Theology and how they might be contributors. For example, the President of

Shalom University, Bunia, Prof. George Atido asked whether he could write on African

Public Theology and African Religions. If he does, we could possibly put it side by side with

the chapter on inter-religious dialogue. Given that he is the Director of the Doyens group, I

specifically invited him along with other inquirers to join NetACT, to attend the AGM on 1-5

July 2019 in Kenya, and/or to attend the regional workshop in Igbaja, Kwara State, Nigeria

on 23-26 September 2019.

I am pleased to inform NetACT that in its several-point resolution, on the last day of the

colloquium, the Scientific Committee (Communique Committee) included the appeal and

invitation I made to all Francophones institutions across Africa to join NetACT.

Conclusion

Let me take the liberty to thank you much sincerely for counting me worthy to represent

NetACT at the Francophone librarian conference and colloquium. I must say that I was very

excited to see the level of robust theological reflection that the Francophones are engaging. I

learned a lot!

Once again, thanks for the privilege. Please let the NetACT Executive know that I am very

grateful.

Sunday Bobai Agang, May 2019

30

ADDENDUM IX: African Theology Consultation in Nairobi

This report illustrates the way that NetACT is getting more involved in international

theological projects.

African Theology Consultation in Nairobi, 7-10 Februarie 2019

PRESENT AT THE CONSULTATION: Prof. Benno van den Toren, Professor of

Intercultural Theology at the PThU in Groningen, the Netherlands; Project Leader and Editor

in Chief; Prof. Issiaka Coulibaly, President of FATEAC and Professor of Theology in

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Francophone West Africa Regional Editor; Rev Sam Bussey,

Doctoral Student in Intercultural Theology at the PThU in Groningen, the Netherlands &

Manager of the project; Dr. William Mbuluku, Lecturer in New Testament and Librarian at

FATEB in Yaoundé, Cameroon; Francophone Editor; Prof. Diane Stinton, Dean of Students

and Associate Professor of Missions Studies and World Christianity at Regent College, in

Vancouver, Canada; International Editor of the project; Prof. Liz Mburu, Langham Literature

Regional Coordinator for Africa; Adjunct Associate Professor of New Testament and Greek

at International Leadership University & East Africa Regional Editor;Prof Jurgens Hendriks,

Professor of Practical Theology and Missiology (Emeritus), Faculty of Theology,

Stellenbosch University, South Africa; NetACT Programme Coordinator & Southern African

Regional Editor; Prof. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, President of Trinity Theological Seminary

and Baeta-Grau Professor of African Christianity and Pentecostal Theology in Legon, Accra,

Ghana; Anglophone West Africa Regional Editor; Dr. Bosco Bangura; Postdoctoral Fellow in

African Pentecostalism at NWU, Potchefstroom, South Africa (now based at ETF in Leuven,

Belgium), Anglophone Editor.

The Protestant Theological University in the Netherlands took the initiative to organize a

consultation with representatives from Anglophone and Francophone Africa in Nairobi,

Kenya. Prof Hendriks represented NetACT and is a member of the overall project that will be

called Global Christianity Project. The Tempelton Foundation in the USA funds the project.

Today Christianity is a global and multicultural reality, but the different theological voices of

the global church are not easily accessible, both in the North Atlantic world and in other

regions. To help meet this need and encourage intercultural conversation, the Global

Christianity Project envisions the creation of a website on global Christian theology. Around

this website, we will develop a support group of faculty, researchers, librarians and students

with a shared interest in the development of this research tool and online resources in the

field of global theology. The first stage of the project is called the “African Theology

Website.” As a first step towards our vision, the consultation want to create a website and

support group that focuses on African Christian theology in English and French-speaking

Sub-Saharan Africa.

NetACT’s Internet Portal (NIP) project will cooperate with the envisaged website. Fruitful

planning of cooperation between all involved took place at the meeting in Kenya.

31

ADDENDUM X: Report of a visit to partners in the USA

1 Purpose of the USA visit

The purpose of the visit was to meet with partner institutions / associates of NetACT.

NetACT has established relationships with most of the institutions and people that we visited.

Drr Amon Kasambala, Devison Banda and Uma Onwunta were on similar previous visits

with the then NetACT ED. The 2018 group was: Prof Len Hansen, Executive Director of

NetACT, Rev Nico Mostert, NetACT Program Coordinator, Jurgens & Helen Hendriks. Len

and Nico will be taking over my responsibilities (after the NetACT visits Helen and I visited

our daughter who is on a sabbatical in Princeton). NetACT paid for the two first mentioned

group members, I paid my and Helen’s expenses).

2 Grand Rapids (Michigan State, MI) visits: 8-10 Nov

Dr Gary Bekker who served in different capacities in the Christian Reformed Church and a

dear friend since 2001, very ably coordinated all our visits, accommodation and transport in

GRR – an invaluable service.

2.1 Cornerstone Trust: we met with Jason Ferenczi, Tim Peterson and Margareth

McKenzie (previously from Kenya & the RCEA). We discussed the NetACT Internet

Portal as well as detail about our next funding proposal to CT. Frazer Jackson joined

the discussion on Skype. A delightful lunch concluded a very productive meeting. We

need to invite CT people to our July 2019 AGM meeting in Nairobi and the NIP

training the following week (1-12 July 2019 at St Paul’s University).

2.2 Christian Reformed Church: We met with Dr. Zachary King, Director of Resonate

Global Mission in the CRCNA building as well as with the Executive Director of the

CRCNA, Dr. Steven Timmermans. At a later stage we met with Albert and Carolyn

Strydhorst (Timothy Leadership Training Program Manager. Look at:

http://www.neerlandiacrc.org/missionaries.cfm). The CRC / Resonate ministries

supported every single AGM held by NetACT! We had evening meals with the Bekker

and Timmerman families where a host of friends from Calvin College and Nagel

Institute joined. We really felt welcome and blessed and part of a wonderful family.

The basic themes in the discussions were exchanging information and discussing

cooperation.

2.3 Calvin Theological Seminary President Jul Medenblik and nine staff members met us

at a restaurant where we had lunch and a delightful discussion on many issues.

Spontaneous questions and answers across the table marked the fruitful discussion. A

tour of the Seminary’s buildings followed after which we met with Dr Joel Carpenter of

the Nagel Institute. We asked him to advise us on the Andrew Murray Centre for

Spirituality in Wellington SA (Huguenot College being a member of NetACT). At

previous AGMs a request was put to the EC to try and get more venues in Africa where

members can go for sabbaticals, writer retreats and research. Also requested was

funding for such meetings. Nagel has a ministry in Grand Rapids that they call “The

Prophet’s Chamber.” It serves this purpose. He shared information and possible

funding resources encouraging us to go ahead with this crucial ministry in Africa.

2.4 Theological Book Network. We met with Chief Operating Officer Justin Holford and

Chief Executive Officer Jeff Clark who gave us a tour of their facility – a huge

storehouse full of books (bigger than a soccer field). We take it that the ministry of

TBN is known to the Exec … if not, just Google it. In one of the most valuable two

hour discussions of our visit in the USA we discussed the NIP (and missed Fraser

Jackson and the librarians deeply). We agreed to have a Skype meeting in the first week

of December 2018 with Fraser and librarians taking part. Their input in developing the

32

NIP and lots of practical stuff were simply invaluable. They will cooperate with us in

all ways possible.

3 Holland MI 10-12 November 2018.

Albert Strydhorst took us to Holland. NetACT Board Member for SPU, Kenya, Rowland van

Es (and his wife Jane) took care of us in Holland, providing housing and making our

appointments with Western Theological Seminary.

3.1 Western Theological Seminary. Jurgens spent a sabbatical at WTS in 1999 and has a

longstanding personal relationship with missiologist Prof George Hunsberger (David

Bosch and Lesslie Newbigin scholar), now retired (we had a wonderful dinner with him

and his wife). NetACT is well known at WTS, one of the prominent seminaries of the

Reformed Church in America. We went to church at “Third Reformed Church” and

spent Monday morning meeting with staff at WTS, amongst others Dr. Ben Conner

(practical theology) and Academic Dean Alvin Padilla. We attended Chapel service, led

by students, and explored WTS’ Library and facilities. Some interesting info:

They have a graduate Certificate in Disability and Ministry that can be taken online or

in residence. All courses are transferable to a Master of Arts or a Master of Divinity

degree.

They offer a Master of Arts program in Christian leadership that can be followed on

campus, online or in a blended way.

They offer a ThM program for people from developing countries that is financially 80-

100% covered by a scholarship.

One can specialise in church planting & multiplication … in online distance learning

programs.

We were impressed by the way in which their programs were “head and heart” based. WTS is

a good example of a seminary where constant curriculum development is taking place.

Impressive. The office has brochures and info on what they offer. Ask!

3.2 Visit to Ron Hartgerink and his family

From point 6 in the 2018 NetACT AGM minutes:

Dr Ron Hartgerink, one of the founding members of NetACT whose family trust supported

the network financially for the first six years of its existence, has Alzheimer’s disease and

now needs daily care. We ask for everybody’s prayers in support of Ron, his wife Barbara

and the family. His son Kevin now stays with them and helps Barbara to meet his needs.

The NetACT Office keeps in touch with the family.

Decision: The meeting accepts the suggestion from the floor that the Programme

Coordinator visits the Hartgerink family during his visit to the USA in November in order

to express NetACT’s best wishes to the Ron and his family and to assure them that they are

in our prayers during these trying times.

We spent the most of Sunday, after the church service, with the family in South Haven

(where they stay). Ron remembers NetACT! He recognized photos. We shared NetACT

stories with his wife, sister and son. It was a rich and heart-warming afternoon greatly

appreciated by the Hartgerink family and all of us. Ron’s son, Kevin, took care of our

transport to Chicago.

33

4 Chicago: 13-15 November

4.1 Tyndale House Foundation: CEO Mary Kleine Yehling and staff met us at their

Head Office in Wheaton. Jeremy Taylor, board chairperson, took part in some of the

discussions. The agenda covered the following:

1 We reported about the developments in Angola regarding the Kinkuni skill-

training seminary.

2 The African Christian Leadership project topped the THF discussion list. The

book, website and NetACT helping with follow-up work at our regional

workshops were the topics. A filmed Interview took place where the three of us

shared about the ALS, NetACT and leadership development. We also volunteered

to help with getting help in doing Portuguese translations for the website.

3 NetACT Internet Portal report on the progress thus far and the next step to train

librarians and staff on how to use the NIP. We explained the planned regional

meetings of 2019. The regional NIP training session in Angola (24-28 June at

ISTEL, Lubango) was discussed in more detail because we can use that occasion

to give detailed feedback and training to the Angolans that helped with the ALS

project. Parallel to the NIP training we want to have a four day training workshop

that will deal with a number of urgent topics: African Public Theology,

Community development, curriculum development and the ALS research and how

to make use of the website.

4 We discussed collaboration between NetACT and the French speaking countries

and seminaries. Three important French seminaries are meeting May 18, 2019 in

Ghana. We suggested that Frazer Jackson and Sunday Agang represent NetACT at

that meeting. Library cooperation and Public Theology are high on the French

agenda. We planned a follow-up skype meeting with THF, Sandy Ayer, and

Frazer in the first week of December 2018.

5 We discussed the NetACT African Public Theology project and THF funding it.

6 We also discussed sabbatical, writer and research scholarships for the Andrew

Murray Centre of Spirituality.

4.2 Media Associates International. CEO, John Maust and Ramon Rocha. THF

introduced us to MAI. This organization specializes in training local people to write and

address contextual issues as well as all aspect of publishing and editing. They conduct

training conferences and retreats all over the world. A workshop focusing on Africa is

planned for March 2019 in Ghana. Len Hansen wants to attend this workshop. NetACT is

now on their mailing list. We will communicate important events to our members.

https://littworld.org/

4.3 Oasis Publishers (of the African Study Bible), CEO Matthew Elliott. The NetACT

Office helped Oasis in getting African writers / contributors for the ASB project.

http://oasisint.net/africa-study-bible/

Our discussion dealt with the following issues:

1. NetACT can help to promote the usage of the African Study Bible at training

events and seminars across Africa. Oasis will provide the ASB at subsidized prices.

They developed outstanding training material (We received it … it is really good!

ASK!).

34

2. Oasis would like to do book projects with NetACT / the cluster universities. One

possibility that the NetACT Office suggested was on Youth Ministry.

3. Oasis would like to investigate translating the ASB in Portuguese. We promised to

get in touch with North West University in this regard.

4. We discussed the important role of women and the Women’s Guild in Africa.

Matthew sent us a Bible Study on James based on the ASB. We promised to share /

promote this recourse as widely as possible among our members. It is outstanding

material … all aspects of the program or course is available!

We stayed in the lovely home of Ed and Virginia Elliott that took care of all our needs and

delivered us early Nov 15 to the airport.

Concluding remarks:

We could hardly believe it, but every visit exceeded our expectations. NetACT have very

good associate members and friends.

Early snowstorms took everybody by surprise. It was cold and we has some tense moments

when all the New York flights were cancelled on the 15th.

People have faith in our network.

The three of us enjoyed working together, we feel like a good team even though Jurgens will

become less involved.

We are thankful for the doors God opened and is opening. It was a privilege to represent the

network.

Jurgens, Len & Nico

35

ADDENDUM XI: Progress report: rebuilding the theological seminary at Kinkuni.

Progress report: rebuilding the theological seminary of the Igreja Evangélica

Reformada de Angola (IERA) church at Kinkuni in the Uige province. NetACT member IERA (Reformed Church in Angola) asked NetACT (and Stellenbosch University)

to help them with this project of rebuilding their seminary at Kinkuni that was twice destroyed during

a 40 year period of war. We got seriously involved in 2014 when we got funding from Tyndale House

Foundation, from individuals and congregations.

Our first challenge is to get water to the village and seminary. One cannot start a building process

without enough water on terrain.

In 2016, after several negotiations, we realized local contractors proved unreliable. The second reality

was that we do not have the finances to do the required work uninterrupted. We improvised by

dividing the leadership of the project between the IERA leadership, local church leaders and the

volunteer professional team from NetACT1. We are going to build the seminary "step by step," in

modules, as money becomes available. Thus, the logistics of the project is now modular and the

buying of material and the building itself will be done in a modular way. One of the advantages of this

approach is that one can be inactive in the rainy season (from October to May - Kinkuni is in the

tropics). Also: one can build when money is available. The builders are local people who have some

expertise but will receive training from the professional team.

In 2017, the IERA church and the country had elections and new leadership were chosen. The

Kinkuni project simply had to wait for months on end.

Then, in 2018: good news! Look at the attached 3 page photo sheet: The pumps and pipes, solar

panels and electrical stuff, tanks … a whole 12 meter container left Namibia on the 26th of June 2018

and then got stuck on the border. The immigration people wanted bribes. We refused. The 12 meter

container with $40,000 worth of material was stuck on the border till 24 December 20181!!! At that

stage a strong IERA leader, Paulo Teca-Teca came from Luanda and at the end got the immigration to

let the vehicle into Angola. He travelled with them all the way to Kinkuni where the container was

received by the Kinkuni-IERA people just before the end of the year 2018!!

We planned to go to Kinkuni with a team of Namibian and South African professional people, doing

both plumbing and electrical installations. We planned to do this in June 2018 … and could not get

the immigration / border problem solved. We tried again in Sept 2018 … but had to postpone because

of the problem at the border with immigration who wanted to be bribed.

As soon as the 2019 rainy season is over, May or June 2019, the IERA church people will start with

digging trenches etc. Early in September, I and South African volunteers will join the Namibians &

complete the first phase of the work …. We hope and pray that this will happen!!!

The 2018 situation in Angola was difficult because of the new government finding its feet and the

lack of foreign currency in the country. People like Campos Afonso had to go to their farmland to do

farming and sell their produce to earn a living.

We are meeting with four IERA members in Lubango 24-28 June 2019 and Campos will also attend

the NetACT Annual General Meeting in Nairobi 1-5 July 2019.

We ask your prayers to guide this project!

Blessings

Jurgens Hendriks

1 NetACT is a network of seminaries in Africa that has its origin in the Reformed seminaries working together.

See their website: http://netact.christians.co.za/

36

ADDENDUM XII: ABC founder, Dr Jack Chinchen passed away

Rev. Dr. John (Jack) William Chinchen 1924-2019, Founder of African Bible Colleges passed

away. NetACT condolences to the family.

Rev. Dr. John (Jack) William Chinchen, Founder of African Bible Colleges, went to be with our

Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 26, at 6:40 pm at the age of 94. Dr. Chinchen died in

Africa, where he served Christ for nearly 50 years as a pioneer missionary and one of the

continent’s great trailblazers of Christian higher eduction.

Dr. Chinchen is survived by his wife, Nell Barksdale Robertson Chinchen of Jackson, Mississippi,

who co-founded Christian colleges and universities with Jack in Liberia (1976), Malawi (1989)

and Uganda (2005) - and their seven children - Bill, Vann, Del, Lisa, Paul, Palmer and Marion

Sue. Jack has 39 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren - along with, as Christ promised in

Mark 10, tens of thousands of children who came to know and love God as a result of his 50 years

of service in Africa from 1970-2019.

In 1969 a Liberia evangelist, Augustus B. Marwieh, invited Jack and Nell to come to Liberia to

train village pastors. in January, 1970, Jack and Nell, along with four of their seven children

moved to ENI Mission in the jungles of Sinoe County, Liberia. The Chinchen’s first home in

Africa was constructed from bamboo mats and on stilts. During Jacks’s seven years at the mission

he built fourteen buildings and cut a six mile road through the bush. Jack also initiated one of the

first short-term mission trip programs, which he named “Vacangelize” (vacation and

evangelization). During their time at ENI Mission the Chinchens lost two homes to fires, loosing

practically everything they owned.

While under an Indian Almond tree on the Atlantic in Baffu Bay, Liberia, where he had

established the Vacangelize program God gave Jack a vision for Christian colleges in

Africa. Jack’s goal was to provide in Africa the same caliber of higher Christian education that

was traditionally only available abroad. The Chinchen’s modeled the colleges after Moody and

Columbia Bible College, with the goal of making the education relevant to the African context

while keeping God’s word at the center of all instruction and activities of the institution.

In 1978, with the motto, “Faith in Action - God in Motion”, the first African Bible College was

opened in Yekepa, Liberia. It would be the country’s first 4-year Christian university.

Ten years later the Chinchens established a second African Bible College campus in Malawi,

where is was again the first 4-year Christian college in the country. Today the Malawi campus

encompass a number of important support ministries including the ABC Christian Academy, the

ABC Mission Hospital, Radio ABC and ABC-TV.

Jack and Nell established a third African Bible College campus in Kampala, Uganda in 2005—

today known as African Bible University.

Dr. Chinchen was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (LL.D) from Biola University in 1992 for his

pioneering work in Christian higher education in Africa.

Isaiah 18 gave Jack the firm belief that Africa had a great destiny. He looked forward to the

Lord’s coming again and believed Africa would be God’s final stronghold for Christ upon His

returns.

NetACT’s condolences to ABC Lilongwe and the Chinchen family. Your father was a gift

of God to all of us.