Here’s a moving testimony from Kevin Kompelien, president of ReachGlobal and EFCA: The Evangelical Free Church of America International Mission. (At the time of this article’s posting in 2011, Kevin was the ReachGlobal Africa director.)
Kevin explains the exciting ways the DNA and ReachGlobal have collaborated in Africa. This video was shot at the DNA 2011 Global Forum in South Africa.
What is your purpose as a Christian? To glorify God? To become Christlike and shine His light? Yes, but how… where does God most clearly lay out His purpose for humanity? In Genesis. This is when God created the world overflowing with beauty and potential, placed humans in it, and presented His first commision for us. Together we will unpack what it means to be made imago Dei, in the image of God. Understanding this concept is critical, and there are consequences if we do not. Learn how an understanding of imago Dei can change individuals, businesses, communities, and nations so that they flourish in the mission God’s given them.
Truth, goodness, and beauty are the hallmarks of the Kingdom of God, but sadly we often overlook the “beauty.” We all see a crystal clear river and say it is beautiful. We see another stagnate with debris and trash and say it is polluted and ugly. Why do we share this universal understanding of beauty? Where does this shared understanding come from? There is an intrinsic answer here that points straight back to our Creator. Today we are joined by artist, entrepreneur, professor, author, speaker, and pastor Brian S. Chan. Brian wrote his thesis on the beauty of God and art in worship and has never looked back as he continues to share and deepen his understanding of beauty and the Kingdom. During our discussion, we asked is beauty objective, where does it come from, why do humans pursue ugliness, when did the church have a vision for beauty, and what does a theology of beauty look like? Last, we get practical and ask how can each of us apply this concept into our daily lives.
I am excited about this video and the vison that DNA has. I beleive “now is the time” to prepare for the harvest in Southern Sudan.
I am working with some of my Sudanese friends in Portland, Oregon to establish churches and faith-based elementary schools in Souther Sudan. Can you help? With curriculum, information about what is currently happening in Southern Sudan, access to various resources, etc. etc.