Prepared for presentation to MANI 2011 Africa Consultation : the Blessings, the Challenges and the...
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Prepared for presentation to MANI 2011Africa Consultation : the Blessings, the
Challenges and the Opportunities!on
Children and Youth (The 4 – 14 Window):
The Least Reached People Group in Africa
Abuja, September 5 to 9 2011
Million Terefe Gobena, CDTRC, Ethiopia Delegate
Our Africa!Our Africa!The cradle of
human lifeThe home of
shining waterfalls , beautiful flamingos, the best and all of nature!
Our Africa!Our Africa!Whose womb is
filled with precious stones like diamonds, gold and silver,
Great minerals like platinum, copper and iron ore
Rich oil reserves
Great peopleGreat peopleEstimated at 967 million people
400 million (42 percent) under the age of 15
Projected to reach 1.9 billion by 2050 and to account for 21 percent of world population
And yet---And yet---It is a continent:
◦ Where poverty, in many cases abject poverty, reigns
◦Where the forces of diseases rampage it unabated
◦Ignorance and illiteracy are in abundance
◦More over, women and children are the most abused .
Our greatest challengeOur greatest challenge
Our greatest challenge remains, how to transform those rich natural and human resources for the benefit of the people of Africa.
The need to focus on The 4 The need to focus on The 4 – 14 Window– 14 Window
Children are malleable- The bible and human knowledge agree fully on this
Statistics show 4/14 Window are most numerous
Longevity- Live longer and therefore impact longer
Agents of transformation- children have been and can be agents of transformation
The human view children The human view children and youthand youth“There is still the youngest, but
he is tending the sheep” (Jesse about David1 sam.16:11)“
Thus, there is no greatest mistake than seeing only a child in a child
God’s perception of God’s perception of childrenchildrenChildren deserve the time and
attention of the Most High (Mark 10:14)
They deserve the central place (Mt. 18:2)
God hears the cry of children (Gen. 21:17)
Used as model for greatness (Mt.18)
Models for how to enter the Kingdom of God
God’s perception cont’dGod’s perception cont’dAre useful instruments:
Their services are accepted
◦Samuel served God as a child (1Sam. 3:1)
◦ Out of the mouths of babes you shall raise praises Ps. 8:2
God’s perception cont’dGod’s perception cont’d
Children are God’s language of love to the world. Pure love which is extended to others without expecting a return of one form or another is mainly found in the realm of God. Children can be said to be the only ones who “humanize” such love.
Part four:Part four:Need for Children's MinistryNeed for Children's MinistryEthiopian Church Leaders Ethiopian Church Leaders resolveresolve
Things have to change in Ethiopia
The church is uniquely positioned to make a significant contribution
The church has to play a more Proactive role on its own and in partnership with others
Ethiopian Church Leaders Ethiopian Church Leaders cont’dcont’dThus called for the establishment of a
body to spearhead the efforts of the transformation.
The Local Church and Children as
vital instruments for transformation
The Child Development Training and Research Center (CDTRC) Officially launched July 2007
VisionVision
Vision, Mission of the CDTRC
The vision of the CDTRC is to see a new generation of Ethiopians that are disciples of Christ, lead exemplary lives and become sources of transformation of Ethiopia and beyond
Threats to Ethiopia’s Future Threats to Ethiopia’s Future
Identified major challenges facing the Ethiopian society are:
Environmental degradation
Ethnic conflict/tribalism
Low level of democratic culture
Poverty
Threats cont’dThreats cont’d
Weakness in the area of good governance
Low level of appreciation and understanding of human and children’s rights
Poor hygiene and sanitation
Why the local church?Why the local church?Reasons for focusing on Ethiopia’s local
churches:
Exists in all parts of the country- over 40,000 evangelicals and 80,000 Orthodox local churches
Composed of all peoples, tongues, nations and nationalities within the country
Faces the challenges and has the solutions
Major Target GroupsMajor Target GroupsMajor target groups of the CDTRC
Children Sunday school teachers
Church and theological school leaders
Government officials
Para church child focused
organizations
Parents and potential parents
School teachers
04/20/2322
Ministry FocusMinistry FocusThe CDTRC:
Conducts training programs for children
of SS teachers, children ministry
workers, churches, child focused NGOs,
government and community leaders
Prepares teaching and training
materials for children’s ministry
Acts as advocate for children
Concluding remarksConcluding remarksTo spearhead the efforts of
transformation, (for the Blessings, the Challenges and the opportunities) in Africa, the issue of children takes central place .
That undertakes the fulfillment of the Great Commission and Discipeling the Nations
It is only then the Generation models the kingdom of God to prevail on this Planet.
Discussion QuestionDiscussion Question
How best can we mobilize our local Churches potentials towards shaping the Youth & children in Africa?