DOCSLIB.ORG

From Crisis to Empowerment Please Open ➤

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
From Crisis to Empowerment Please Open ➤ Mission East ANNUAL REPORT 2016 From crisis to empowerment Please open ➤ Mission East’s approach to relief and development Mission East is an international relief and development organisation founded in Denmark. It works to help vulnerable populations, supporting communities’ capacities to organize and assist themselves, through activities ranging from disaster relief to development assistance. Here you can get an overview of our main sectors and approaches: What we do Rural Community Develop- Disaster Response ment Our main sectors Emergency relief Food Security Disaster Risk Reduction Water, Sanitation Livelihoods Disability and inclusion and Hygiene Our key approaches Accountability and Inclusion Resilience Partnership Aiming to assist the most vulnerable, we Working to support durable improvement Responding to community needs, we try try to ensure that no one is left behind in lives and livelihoods, we try to link relief, to be accountable to those we help and on the basis of gender, disability or other recovery and development. Taking a con- those who fund our work. discriminatory factors. text-specific approach to analysing and We collaborate with other local and preparing for natural hazards, we work In our development programming we international partners and take a planned towards Disaster Risk Reduction. In climate- use a rights-based approach and seek approach to capacity building of civil vulnerable locations we will try to integrate attitude change to enable women’s society. Climate Change Adaptation approaches into empowerment. local development where possible. THE WORK OF MISSION EAST Please open ➤ RUSSIA ARMENIA AFGHANISTAN TAJIKISTAN • Vocational education and employ- • Emergency response and disaster • Organisational capacity building of ment for youth with disabilities. risk reduction. local partners. • Public awareness-raising and • Water, sanitation and hygiene. • Improved hygiene through con- advocacy for rights of people with • Food security. struction of latrines and water disabilities. systems and hygiene training. • Livelihood security. • Support the introduction of a • Construction of bridges. • Infrastructure rehabilitation. Universal System of Inclusive • Construction of gabion walls and Education to benefit all children. • Natural resource management. training in inclusive disaster risk • Engaging diasporaUKRAINE to support local • Capacity building of local communi- reduction to improve resilience community development. ties, civil society and government. to landslides and other natural disasters. KAZAKHSTAN • Medical care, support and informa- • Rural social development. MONGOLIA tion for people with HIV/AIDS. • National level advocacy for inclu- sive education. BULGARIA GEORGIA UZBEKISTAN Armenia Romania North TURKMENISTAN Korea TURKEY Tajikistan Syria Syria Afghanistan Iraq IRAN PAKISTAN Nepal IRAQ • Distributing emergency household INDIA SYRIA items, shelter materials, food and cash for displaced families. • Support to a local partner’s work Myanmar/ distributing relief items and food to • Providing water and latrines and Burma vulnerable families in Aleppo. promoting safe hygiene practices. • Community centres – safe spaces for conflict-affected children and youth to learn, play and get sup- port. • Rebuilding livelihoods disrupted by the war. • Capacity building of local partners for humanitarian action. UZBEKISTAN TAJIKISTAN Philippines TURKMENISTAN Badakhshan Takhar Baghlan Kabul AFGHANISTAN PAKISTAN IRAN RUSSIA NEPAL NORTH KOREA • Livelihoods training, rights aware- • Improving living conditions of the ness and literacy classes for women. most vulnerable by providing wa- • Inclusive community disaster ter, sanitation and hygiene facilities. preparedness. • Responding to needs of flood- • Advocacy for climate-smart affected households. development. • Improved sanitation via safe and accessible latrines for households UKRAINE and schools. • Repair of earthquake-damaged KAZAKHSTAN water supply systems. MONGOLIA • Post-disaster support to livelihoods through seeds, livestock and training. BULGARIA GEORGIA UZBEKISTAN Armenia Romania North TURKMENISTAN Korea TURKEY Tajikistan Syria Syria Afghanistan Iraq IRAN PAKISTAN Nepal MYANMAR/BURMA INDIA • Provision of food assistance for students to support education. Myanmar/ • Support to sustainable food culti- Burma vation training and demonstration farms. UZBEKISTAN TAJIKISTAN Philippines TURKMENISTAN Badakhshan Takhar Baghlan Kabul AFGHANISTAN PAKISTAN IRAN FOREWORD In 2016 Mission East increased its assistance to internally displaced people in Iraq. This photo was taken at one of Mission East’s Child-Friendly Spaces, where children can play and learn in a peaceful environment. CONTENTS Foreword ................. 5 We are Mission East ........ 6 Thank you ................ 7 Our joint achievements in 2016 .................. 9 Finances .................. 10 Afghanistan ............... 12 Armenia .................. 14 Looking beyond the first 25 years Myanmar/Burma .......... 16 Iraq ...................... 18 In 2016, Mission East celebrated East stopped working in Romania in 2016, but our Nepal .................... 20 25 years of bringing assistance partner organisation, Solia Sperantei, will continue to support vulnerable groups in that country. North Korea ............... 22 to the most vulnerable. And the Tajikistan ................. 24 work continues: the organisation CELEBRATING 25 YEARS has expanded its response to the In November, Mission East celebrated its silver Mission statement ......... 26 humanitarian crisis in Iraq, and jubilee. This was a good opportunity to reflect on our history – from the early food distributions in the carried on reaching out to some of former Soviet Union to present-day relief efforts the world’s most remote places. in some of the world’s major crises – but also to take a glance at the future. In many respects, the world has progressed since 1991, but plenty The severe humanitarian situation in Iraq was of challenges remain, not least climate change, never far from the headlines in 2016, and Mission overpopulation and unresolved conflicts. Despite East’s work in the country increased significantly. our best wishes, organisations like Mission East In a complex and rapidly changing environment, are still essential to supporting long-term poverty Board Mission East provided emergency relief to the dis- alleviation. We remain determined to continue to Chairman Carsten Wredstrøm ∙ Ib Alstrup ∙ David Hermansen ∙ placed, but also initiated programmes to support realise our ‘values in action’ in the future. Ib Nørholm ∙ Dietmar Roller people trying to rebuild their lives, returning to their often devastated neighbourhoods. The jubilee also gave us the opportunity to thank Editors all the people – staff, volunteers, partners and Kim Hartzner, Managing Director ∙ donors – who have made our work possible. A Peter Sigetty Bøje, Deputy Managing DISASTERS AND DEVELOPMENT Director, Copenhagen ∙ Peter special thanks to those who contributed in 2016. Elsewhere, Mission East also demonstrated its Drummond Smith, Deputy Managing We look forward to continuing to turn your support capacity to respond quickly to emergencies, be they Director, Brussels ∙ Vibeke Hauge natural disasters such as mudflows in Tajikistan and into life-changing programmes in the year ahead. Førrisdahl, Liaison Officer ∙ Line floods in North Korea, or conflict-related crises such Højland, Communications Officer as the mass displacement of people in the wake of Graphic Design renewed fighting in northern Afghanistan. Emer- Carsten Wredstrøm Dorthe Engborg Bang, Kindly gency response to those most in need con tinues Chairman of the Board Production to be an important part of Mission East’s activi ties. Clausen Grafisk At the same time, Mission East maintained its commitment to support long-term community Photos development, for example assisting particularly Mission East, Peter Eilertsen remote communities in areas of Nepal and Myanmar/ Front page Burma which are several days’ travel from roads Jamal and Umran both live as IDP’s and towns. Partnerships, an emphasis on resilience, Kim Hartzner, in the Nazrawa camp in Iraq. They and the participation of often marginalized groups both attend Mission East’s Child- Managing Director also remain essential elements of Mission East’s Friendly Space where Umran (on the approach, as illustrated by our long-term engage- right) impresses his friends with his ment in disability inclusion in Armenia. acrobatic skills. Photo: Peter Eilertsen. Local partners can reach a level of self-sufficiency that allows them to continue by themselves. Mission ANNUAL REPORT 2016 | MISSION EAST | 5 WE ARE MISSION EAST Working together with compassion Mission East could not achieve what it does without its dedicated staff. 268 people around the globe worked for Mission East in 2016. When I look back over the years, when I look today at the different countries and at headquarters, I can’t help but be proud of Mission East’s staff, as well as our partners’ staff. They give their time, energy, passion and compassion to achieve together Mission East’s vision to support the most vulnerable. Whether in the remote mountains of Nepal and Afghanistan, Marianne le Floch under the burning sun of Iraq, in the small villages of Armenia and Tajikistan, or in front of a computer in headquarters, we Finance and HR Director are all part of Mission East’s family, committed and willing to go the extra mile. A big thank you to all of you who contribute daily
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Thesis Topic Reasons of Church Split
    THE SCHOOL OF MISSION AND THEOLOGY (MHS) THESIS TOPIC REASONS OF CHURCH SPLIT AMONG CHIN MIGRANT CHURCHES IN STAVANGER THESIS FOR MASTER OF GLOBAL STUDIES SUBMITTED BY THAWNG HLEI THANG STAVANGER, NORWAY MAY 8, 2015 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENT……………………………………………………………………..2 ACKNOWLWDGEMENT………………………………………………………………….6 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS……………………………………………………………….7 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………….9 1.1 Theme of the Thesis…………………………………………………………………..9 1.2 Research Overview …………………………………………………………………10 1.3 Research Problems…………………………………………………………………..11 1.4 Research Design and Structure of Thesis…………………………………………....12 CHAPTER TWO: THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE………………………………………14 2.1 Introduction …………………………………………………………………………..14 2.2. Value…………………………………………………………………………………14 2.3 Cultural Differences…………………………………………………………………..15 2.4 Conformity versus Affirmation………………………………………………….. …..15 2.5 Power………………………………………………………………………………….16 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH……………………………….. 18 3.1 Qualitative Research Method…………………………………………………………18 3.2 Selecting the Informants………………………………………………………………19 3.3 The Interviews………………………………………………………………………..19 3.4 Participant Observation………………………………………………………………20 3.5 Analysis of Material………………………………………………………………….21 3.6 Role of Researcher……………………………………………………………….…. 21 2 3.7 Ethical Consideration…………………………………………………………… 22 3.8 Reliability and Validity ……………………………………………………………22 CHAPTER FOUR: BACKGROUND OF LAI-SPEAKING CHIN IN NORWAY………24 4.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………24 4.2 A Brief Historical
    [Show full text]
  • A Handbook of Councils and Churches Profiles of Ecumenical Relationships
    A HANDBOOK OF COUNCILS AND CHURCHES PROFILES OF ECUMENICAL RELATIONSHIPS World Council of Churches Table of Contents Foreword . vii Introduction . ix Part I Global World Council of Churches. 3 Member churches of the World Council of Churches (list). 6 Member churches by church family. 14 Member churches by region . 14 Global Christian Forum. 15 Christian World Communions . 17 Churches, Christian World Communions and Groupings of Churches . 20 Anglican churches . 20 Anglican consultative council . 21 Member churches and provinces of the Anglican Communion 22 Baptist churches . 23 Baptist World Alliance. 23 Member churches of the Baptist World Alliance . 24 The Catholic Church. 29 Disciples of Christ / Churches of Christ. 32 Disciples Ecumenical Consultative Council . 33 Member churches of the Disciples Ecumenical Consultative Council . 34 World Convention of Churches of Christ. 33 Evangelical churches. 34 World Evangelical Alliance . 35 National member fellowships of the World Evangelical Alliance 36 Friends (Quakers) . 39 Friends World Committee for Consultation . 40 Member yearly meetings of the Friends World Committee for Consultation . 40 Holiness churches . 41 Member churches of the Christian Holiness Partnership . 43 Lutheran churches . 43 Lutheran World Federation . 44 Member churches of the Lutheran World Federation. 45 International Lutheran Council . 45 Member churches of the International Lutheran Council. 48 Mennonite churches. 49 Mennonite World Conference . 50 Member churches of the Mennonite World Conference . 50 IV A HANDBOOK OF CHURCHES AND COUNCILS Methodist churches . 53 World Methodist Council . 53 Member churches of the World Methodist Coouncil . 54 Moravian churches . 56 Moravian Unity Board . 56 Member churches of the Moravian Unity Board . 57 Old-Catholic churches . 57 International Old-Catholic Bishops’ Conference .
    [Show full text]
  • © in This Web Service Cambridge University Press
    Cambridge University Press 978-1-107-07339-5 - The Camera as Witness: A Social History of Mizoram, Northeast India Joy L. K. Pachuau and Willem Van Schendel Index More information Index Aberystwyth 410 Arunachal Pradesh 85 Aborigines Mission 63, 85 Asian Centre for Human Rights 374 Abraham, Rachel 380 Assam 6, 21, 36, 114, 127, 128, 138, 142, 154, advertising 181–184 176–177, 199, 201, 203, 206, 233, 235, Agra 43, 417 245, 253–254, 256, 263–264, 299–300, agriculture 171–176, 299, 308 302–303, 312, 353, 373–374 Aichhuma Fanai 127 Assam Regiment 206, 222, 318 Aijal see: Aizawl Assam Rifles 137, 181, 235, 318, 321 Aizawl 57, 63, 66, 69, 71, 78, 87, 90, 104, 106, Assam Rifles Ground 134–135, 276, 359–360 114, 126, 128–141, 150–151, 160–163, 165, Assamese 302 169, 176–177, 185–186, 191, 193–194, 196, Assamization 258 198, 203–204, 207, 217–219, 236, 247, 251, Autonomous Mizo District 257–258, 260–261, 258–263, 275–287, 319, 355–356, 360, 388, 276, 299 391, 393, 400–401, 406, 410, 417–420 autonomous district 359, 362–366, 373–374, Aizawl Theological College 104, 106 Awksarala 235 Akyab see: Sittwe Alikadam 358 Babua 49, 90 Allahabad 43, 69, 97, 410 backsliding 71 America 168, 382, 391, 398, 408 Baddely, G.T. 193 (see also: United States) bamboo dance 270, 282–283, 357 American Samoa 82 bamboo famine see: famine Angus, B. 164 Bangladesh 6, 82, 192, 245, 303, 341–358, 369, annexation see: Lushai Expedition 1889–90 402, 406, 410 anti-colonial campaign 142 baptism 67, 84 Anti-Famine Campaign Organisation 300–301 Baptists 65–66, 85, 238–239, 275, 328 Arakan 114, 118, 206, 233, 341, 343–344, 348 (see also: Christianity) Arakan hills 3–4, 20, 34 Barkal 151–153, 337 Archer, W.G.
    [Show full text]
  • Plenary Session I: 14:15-17:20
    GRAND RAPIDS 2010 PROCEEDINGS OF THE UNITING GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE WORLD COMMUNION OF REFORMED CHURCHES GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN USA JUNE 18-28, 2010 REV. DR. SETRI NYOMI GENERAL SECRETARY WORLD COMMUNION OF REFORMED CHURCHES 150 ROUTE DE FERNEY 1211 GENEVA 2, SWITZERLAND UGC 2010 Record of Proceedings 2 THE WCRC LOGO The symbol designed by Judith Rempel Smucker identifies the family of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. When dismantled into four key elements, its visual theology reinforces verbal theology and invites prayerful reflection. The elements are: vessel, circle, interwoven threads, and cross. ISBN 978-2-9700686-8-6 © 2011 World Communion of Reformed Churches P.O. Box 2100, 150 Route de Ferney, 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland The texts in this book may be freely reproduced for the purpose of study within the member churches of the Communion, provided the source is acknowledged. Except in this case, no text may be reproduced in whole or in part without permission. The text was edited by Setri Nyomi, with the assistance of Penny Blachut, Hartmut Lucke and Elizabeth Visinand. The recorder was Carol Veldman Rudie. Cover, layout and design: Judith Rempel Smucker UGC 2010 Record of Proceedings 3 Table of Contents PREFACE 6 PROCEEDINGS OF THE UNITED GENERAL COUNCIL 8 APPENDICES: Messages 1. Message to Adults 59 2. Message to Children 63 Presidents’ Reports 3. Report of the President of WARC 65 4. Report of the President of REC 70 General Secretaries’ Reports 5. Report of the General Secretary of WARC 74 6. Report of the General Secretary of REC 93 Pre-Council Messages 7.
    [Show full text]
  • The Civil Society Fund Development Interventions
    THE CIVIL SOCIETY FUND DEVELOPMENT INTERVENTIONS Mission East Application for project: New Ways to Grow: Improving Food Security in Southern Chin, Myanmar 1. Relevance of the intervention Objective of the intervention The project has the following development objective: Remote rural communities in Chin State have improved food security and nutrition. The development objective will be measured against the following success criteria: i) Increased household food production (quantity and diversity) ii) Improved local knowledge on sustainable agricultural techniques and diet / food preparation for good nutrition Relevant aspects of the context in which the intervention is to take place (e.g. social, economic, political, climate-related and environmental conditions) The intervention will take place in the southern part of Chin State, Myanmar. The country is listed by CISU as a fragile context and by INFORM as a very high risk country. The level of poverty in Chin State, the lack of State presence (linked to lack of access to basic services) and protection of human rights for the Mara community as a religious minority (Christian) and their high level of exposure and vulnerability to natural hazards are clear factors to meet the criteria for such categorisation. Chin State is located in the western part of Myanmar bordering Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur states of India. The primary focus will be on the areas inhabited by the Mara indigenous people group - including 53 villages within the 3 townships of Thantlang, Matupi and Paletwa - often referred to informally as ‘Maraland”. This covers an area of 1,200 square miles, and is the target area covered by partner Together for Sustainable Development (TSD).
    [Show full text]
  • 2002 Agenda for Synod 2002 Agenda for Synod 2002
    2002 AGENDA FOR SYNOD AGENDA FOR SYNOD 2002 AGENDA FOR SYNOD 2002 June 8-15, 2002 Fine Arts Center Auditorium Calvin College Grand Rapids, Michigan © 2002 Christian Reformed Church in North America 2850 Kalamazoo Avenue SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49560 U.S.A. Printed in the United States of America CONTENTS Preface ...........................................................................................................................7 Announcements...........................................................................................................9 Delegates to Synod ....................................................................................................13 Board of Trustees of the Christian Reformed Church in North America Board of Trustees Report...................................................................................21 Appendix A: Church Order Article 13-a Report.......................................43 Appendix B: Abuse Prevention ..................................................................47 Appendix C: Chaplaincy Ministries ..........................................................49 Appendix D: Disability Concerns ..............................................................51 Appendix E: Pastor-Church Relations.......................................................54 Appendix F: Race Relations ........................................................................59 Appendix G: Social Justice and Hunger Action .......................................61 Appendix H: Denominational Ministries Plan.........................................63
    [Show full text]
  • Including the Vulnerable
    XXXXXXX Including the vulnerable ANNUAL REPORT 2015 1 Please open ME strategic focus areas Rural Community Development: • WASH - Water, Sanitation and Hygiene • Food Security • Livelihoods • Building Local Civil Society Capacity • Gender Rights • Disaster Risk Reduction Disability and Special Needs: • Advocacy for Disability Rights and Inclusion • Building Local Civil Society Capacity • Diagnosis and Rehabilitation • Inclusive Education Emergency Disaster Response: • Emergency Water, Sanitation and Hygiene • Food Aid • Non-Food Items • Shelter VALUES IN ACTION HONESTY • INTEGRITY • COMPASSION • RESPECT FOR ALL PEOPLE • VALUING THE INDIVIDUAL THE WORK OF MISSION EAST 2015 RUSSIA Romania Afghanistan • Medical consultation, support • Emergency response and and supplies. disaster risk reduction. • Winterisation kits: food, • Water, sanitation and clothing and school supplies. hygiene. • Home work classes. • Infrastructure rehabilitation. • Improved household food security. • Improved livelihood security. • Natural resource manage- ment. UKRAINE • Capacity building of local KAZAKHSTAN communities, civil society and MONGOLIA government. Romania BULGARIA GEORGIA UZBEKISTAN Armenia North TURKMENISTAN Korea TURKEY Tajikistan Syria • Assistance with medical supplies to Syrian refugees in Syria Lebanon. Afghanistan Iraq IRAN Armenia • Youth with disability helpedPAKISTAN towards employment through Nepal better vocational training. • Communities assisted with their development by con- necting them to diaspora. • Rights of people with INDIA disabilities strengthened and general awareness raised through advocacy. Burma • Medical care, support and Iraq information for people with HIV/AIDS. • Distributing emergency • Capacity building of local household items, food and cash partners for humanitarian for newly displaced families. action. • Providing winter clothing, blankets, heaters, fuel and shelter improvements for winter. • Child-friendly spaces for learning and play for displaced children. • Psychosocial support for women affected by the conflict.
    [Show full text]
  • Including the Vulnerable
    XXXXXXX Including the vulnerable ANNUAL REPORT 2014 1 Please open ME strategic focus areas Rural Community Development: • WASH - Water, Sanitation and Hygiene • Food Security • Livelihoods • Building Local Civil Society Capacity • Gender Rights • Disaster Risk Reduction Disability and Special Needs: • Advocacy for Disability Rights and Inclusion • Building Local Civil Society Capacity • Diagnosis and Rehabilitation • Inclusive Education Emergency Disaster Response: • Emergency Water, Sanitation and Hygiene • Food Aid • Non-Food Items • Shelter HONESTY • INTEGRITY • COMPASSION • RESPECT FOR ALL PEOPLE • VALUING THE INDIVIDUAL The work of Mission East RUSSIA Romania Afghanistan • Distribution of medicine, food • Water, sanitation and hygiene. • Capacity building of local and clothing. • Infrastructural rehabilitation. NGOs and local authorities. • Free medical consultations. • Development of women’s • Winterisation kits. Self-Help Groups and training in business skills. • Emergency response & disaster preparedness training. • Seed distribution and training on improved agricultural practices. UKRAINE • Natural resource management. KAZAKHSTAN MONGOLIA Romania BULGARIA GEORGIA UZBEKISTAN Armenia North TURKMENISTAN Korea TURKEY Tajikistan Syria Afghanistan Iraq IRAN Syria Armenia Assistance to Syrian refugees in • Developing vocational trainingPAKISTAN Lebanon and IDPs in Syria: and employment to disabled Nepal • Materials for temporary youth. shelter. • Establishing and empowering • Kitchen utensils and sanita- Iraq disability NGO’s. tion
    [Show full text]
  • Christian–Buddhist Dialogue in Myanmar: a Spirituality of Involvement in Social and Ethical Transformation
    Christian–Buddhist Dialogue in Myanmar: A Spirituality of Involvement in Social and Ethical Transformation by San Lian STM, MDiv, LLB, BTh, Diploma of Buddha Dhamma A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy University of Divinity 24 October 2017 Abstract This thesis examines the possibility of promoting Christian–Buddhist dialogue in Myanmar, where both Buddhists and Christians (especially those of the Protestant churches) have neglected and avoided interfaith dialogue up to the 21st century. In Myanmar, differences in faith and ethnicity tragically lead to religious marginalisation, violence and ethnic conflict. In this unstable situation, politicians exploit an amalgam of hatred, mistrust and fear rooted in ethnic religiosity, which often fuels the anger of defensive religious leaders. In response, this thesis advocates for the promotion of interfaith dialogue based on socially engaged spirituality for Myanmar people at the grassroots level, which may in turn lead to moral and social transformation. The thesis explores the core messages of the Buddha and Jesus Christ, as enshrined in the Four Noble Truths and the Sermon on the Mount, with a special focus on the Noble Eightfold Path and the Eight Beatitudes. Conceptually, the thesis advances interfaith awareness based on the documents of Vatican II, the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference and the World Council of Churches. The researcher uses the narrative method of theology, integrated with the analytical interpretive method used in missiology. The thesis aims to peacefully address socio-religious evils from the perspective of dialogue, and to uncover relevant and feasible ways to bring peace and social harmony to the broken, fear-ridden hearts of the suffering people of Myanmar.
    [Show full text]
  • POTCHEFSTROOM) in Association with Greenwich School of Theology, UK
    NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM) In association with Greenwich School of Theology, UK Theological Education and the Effect of Tribal Identity upon Christian Unity and Mission in Burma By Steven Curtis BA, MAR, MRE, MDiv, DMin, PhD #25499599 For the thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Missiology at the Potchefstroom Campus of North-West University Supervisor: Prof Dr PJ Buys Co-Supervisor: Prof Dr Naas Ferreira November 2016 ABSTRACT Many Burmese are isolationists by default because of their strong ethnic and tribal sensitivities, compounded by extended socio-political repression. This insularity is often undiminished even among Christians, leading to the impoverishment of both the local churches and the greater body of Burmese believers, by extension. Biblical theology militates against any form of ethnic factionalism. Therefore, the local churches must actively seek to interact with one another, insofar as they differ only in tribal or ethnic composition, as opposed to significant doctrinal disparity. One way in which this issue may be addressed is through holistic theological education within the country in a missiological context. This thesis investigates the origins and development of tribalism in Burma, contrasts tribal factionalism with biblical principles of Christian unity, evaluates the extent to which factionalism has impacted the Burmese church, and considers how holistic theological education can be instrumental in addressing this problem. The original contribution to knowledge in this thesis is the cause and the extent of disunity among a number of small Reformed churches in Burma. Keywords: Burma, Myanmar, Tribes, Factionalism, Isolationism, Christianity, Reformed, Unity, Theological Education, Missions ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This thesis is born out of a missionary’s heart.
    [Show full text]