By Norm and Carol Waggy
The Global Mission office of the Church of the Brethren has instituted a new communication tool named Country Advisory Teams (CATs). These teams are a way for the Global Mission leadership to stay informed and better understand each country or region where Church of the Brethren partners are involved.
These teams are made up of one person from the United States, one person from the country or region represented, and perhaps more people if requested by those two. The team leader will be responsible for ensuring regular contacts with the leadership of Global Mission, including quarterly written reports.
CAT members are volunteers who have a passion for mission, a commitment to the Church of the Brethren, and a knowledge and passion for the country or area served. CATs will help with communication with global partners. They may assist in the organization of workcamps, fundraising, and sharing information with the communication office of the Church of the Brethren. CATs may be formed for countries where the Church of the Brethren has partner churches or where US staff are assigned.
All CAT members will be invited to attend the Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren in the United States every three years. A gathering for the entire group of CAT members will be arranged in conjunction with this Annual Conference. In addition, in-country meetings of each CAT will be held every two to three years.
At this time, the following people have volunteered to serve as members of CATs:
Africa Great Lakes: Chris Elliott, Bwambale Sedrack
Brazil: Greg Davidson Laszakovitz, Alexandre Gonçalves, Marcos and Suely Inhauser
Dominican Republic: Jonathan Bream, Pedro Sanchez
Haiti: Ilexene Alphonse, Vildor Archange
India: (yet to be determined)
Nigeria: Carol Mason, Joel S. Billi
Rwanda: Josiah Ludwick, Etienne Nsanzimana
South Sudan: Roger Schrock, Athanasus Ungang
Spain: Carol Yeazell, Santo Terrero
Venezuela: Jeff Boshart, Joel Peña, Robert Anzoategui, Jorge Rivera
— Carol and Norm Waggy are interim directors of Global Mission for the Church of the Brethren.
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