CWM Life-flourishing Creation and Economy-Africa Region

24/06/2026

The Council for World Mission (CWM) Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM) issued two public statements addressing urgent challenges affecting communities in the Pacific and Africa.

15/05/2026

Ascension Day

A Holy Day that reaffirms Christ’s Living Presence

Today, the Council for World Mission Africa Office staff joined the worship service at St Barnabas United Church, together with congregants who offered praise, prayers, and Scripture reflections as they honoured Ascension Day. Christians around the world today are remembering Ascension Day, a holy day and an important feast in the Christian calendar. Ascension Day calls us to reflect on the truth that Jesus did not only rise from the dead; He was exalted to the right hand of the Father. The story did not end at an empty tomb. Christ reigns now, and this changes everything for the Church and for mission.

As the Bible declares in Acts 1:9, “He was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.” A key moment in the service was the sermon delivered by Rev Des Van der Water former CWM General Secretary. In his preaching, Rev Des shared what the ascension of Jesus means for believers today.

He reminded the congregation that the ascension does not mean Jesus disappears. Rather, Christ’s physical presence is no longer visible to human eyes, but His presence remains real abiding with God’s people through faith. The ascension teaches that our Lord continues to be very much present in the world, guiding, strengthening, and interceding for His Church.Rev Des emphasized that because Christ reigns, we can worship with confidence and live with mission purpose. His message also encouraged CWM and the wider Church to remain faithful to God’s calling, rooted in the promise that the risen and ascended Christ is with His people.

What the Service Meant

This Ascension Day worship service meant renewal. It reminded CWM that the Christian story is not only about what Jesus did in the past (resurrection), but also about what Jesus is doing now reigning and remaining present with His people.
It meant recommitment to mission. The service reinforced that the Great Commission continues. In the light of Acts 1:1–11, believers are called to witness faithfully, serve boldly, and trust that God’s purpose will not fail.
It meant prayerful unity. CWM staff worshipped together with the congregation in one faith, one hope, and one purpose God’s guidance and asking for strength to continue the work entrusted to the Church.
It meant hope based on Christ’s promise. With Matthew 28:20 in mind “I am with you always “the worship affirmed that Jesus is present today, and will remain with God’s people tomorrow as mission continues.
Service Leadership and Participation

The worship service was led and supported by:
Rev Des Vanderwater-Former CWM General Secretary (preacher/sermon)
Rev Heidi Pietersen (UCCSA SA Synod Chairperson and Resident Minister
Rev Craig Morrison (prayer for CWM Africa staff)
Daimon Mkandawire**, Mission Secretary for Ecology and Economy
Rev Wellington Mthobisi Sibanda, TOP Coordinator
Nofy, Intern from Madagascar
Conclusion

As we celebrate Ascension Day, we give thanks that Jesus reigns. The ascension assures believers that Christ’s presence continues strengthening, leading, and empowering the Church to serve God with courage and faithfulness.

09/04/2026

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gWPC2pyer0c&pp=iggCQAE%3D&fbclid=IwVERDUARETUNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeHJJx3V8IriCirpLFANR2-eDiUdJxBVfZGj1mJ_e4X3uNUl4jhzETpD2KgM0_aem_47zZALULZepFq9dXExOgdA

Professor Jooseop KeumGeneral Secretary for Council for World Mission and Professor Extraodinarius at UNISATopic:Eudaimopolitics vs Necropolitics: Witnessing...

04/04/2026

You are warmly invited to join the Council for World Mission (CWM) and the University of South Africa (UNISA) for what promises to be one of the most impactful, inspiring, and transformative partnerships. Through this collaboration, we envision training a new generation of global PhD students in Transformative Ecumenism, while also providing scholarships to deserving students in support of this important initiative. We invite you to attend this event in person to hear first-hand about the vision, purpose, and opportunities that this partnership seeks to create. Kindly RSVP and join us for this significant occasion.

26/03/2026

The second day of the Revisioning Mission Consultation with the Presbyterian Church of Mauritius continued with rich reflection and honest engagement as Rev. Dr. George Marchinkowski from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) shared on the experience of the UPCSA in its journey with the Council for World Mission.

Drawing from the UPCSA’s own walk with CWM, Rev. Dr. Marchinkowski encouraged the church to move beyond a maintenance orientation toward a more courageous and faithful missional orientation. His presentation challenged participants to see the church not merely as an institution to be preserved, but as a living witness called to participate in God’s transforming mission in the world.

In a time when many churches can easily become preoccupied with survival, structures, and internal concerns, the call to become missional is a call to renewal, boldness, and deeper engagement with the realities of our communities. It is a call to be a church that listens, discerns, responds, and embodies the Gospel in ways that nurture justice, dignity, and life in fullness.

As the consultation continues, we remain grateful for these shared ecumenical insights that strengthen the church’s witness and deepen our collective commitment to God’s mission.

25/03/2026

The first day of the Revisioning Mission Consultation with the Presbyterian Church of Mauritius opened as more than a gathering; it was a call to discern anew what faithfulness demands in a world wounded by injustice, ecological devastation, and deepening inequality.

We were privileged to begin with a keynote by Dr Kapambwe Kondolo, whose contribution challenged the church not to remain captive to safe and comfortable understandings of mission, but to recover its prophetic vocation in the midst of the cries of the people and the groaning of creation. His reflections reminded us that mission cannot be reduced to maintenance of institutions, but must be embodied as courageous witness, justice-seeking discipleship, and solidarity with communities pushed to the margins.

In a time marked by economic exclusion, environmental destruction, and the ongoing violence of empire, the church is called not merely to observe the signs of the times, but to respond with boldness, hope, and transformative action. Revisioning mission, therefore, is not an abstract exercise. It is a spiritual, theological, and ethical imperative.

As the consultation continues, we pray that this shared journey between the Presbyterian Church of Mauritius and the Council for World Mission will renew the church’s commitment to God’s mission of justice, peace, and life in fullness for all creation.

11/03/2026

A work visit to the CWM Office by the UCCSA General Secretary Rev.Kudzani Ndebele CWM Independent Director /NPC Chair for the Africa Office.

03/03/2026

Today at the CWM Africa Office! ✨🌍
We had the honor of hosting a meeting to discuss the upcoming Black Theology Leadership Institute (BTLI) conference happening in Johannesburg from June 14th to 17th with South African Coordinator for BTLI Dr Cliff and Dr. Latimore, the BTLI Director ( Princeton Theological Seminary ) USA . CWM believes in building a partnership that amplifies the important work that is in pursuit of justice and transformation.

BTLI and the conference: BTLI is a dynamic initiative rooted in the commitment to create a critical thought and action around Black theology and its intersection with pressing global issues.