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     "Sharing gifts in suffering and in joy" will be the theme for the next Mennonite World Conference assembly, Africa 2003. The theme is drawn from 1 Corinthians 12, the primary biblical text selected for the gathering in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in August 2003.
     The events of September 11 have created a new sense of vulnerability to terrorism, economic decline, and instability that now includes North America. In the wake of that attack, MWC member churches around the world, especially several in highly volatile countries, expressed condolences and encouragement to their brothers and sisters in the U.S. These developments confirmed the growing understanding of the global church as the body of Christ with many members and many gifts to be shared in all circumstances of life.
     Rejoicing together and celebration will be central at the assembly, with music being a major component. The music committee, led by Ken Nafziger (USA) and Eunice Khanye (Zimbabwe) and representatives from MWC-related churches in five continents, met for the first time with MWC officers and staff in Strasbough, France in November.
     "If the music group inspires and moves the assembly in Zimbabwe half as much as I was inspired and moved [in France], it will be a highly successful gathering. The creative spontaneity of each member was most impressive," said Ray Brubacher, MWC associate secretary, after the meeting.
     The committee will select at least two additional people from each continental region to form a choir to lead singing at the assembly. They will choose songs for worship from around the world and they hope to produce a songbook and a recording.
     Plans continue for a youth gathering of representatives from each of the 87 MWC member conferences to precede the assembly. The agenda will focus on faith and life issues youth face in their contexts.
     The youth programs and the scope of the music committee's ambitious ventures are contingent on adequate funding.
     Looking ahead to Africa 2003, Bedru Hussein, vice president of MWC, and a leader of the Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia, quoted a Zulu proverb: "When a thorn pierces the foot, the whole body must bend over to pull it out."
     Bedru continued: "Mennonite and BIC missionaries brought the Good News to Africa and as a result, many persons came to the Kingdom of God. They became members of the Body of Christ and of the MWC family. These churches have stories to tell and vibrant lives and gifts to share. Although there is suffering and pain in many African countries, these believers welcome their brothers and sisters from around the world to see, to feel, to experience their suffering and their joy. Let us therefore bend together. In the process we will see the face of God and experience love and fellowship in seemingly contradictory situations. Come! Enjoy African hospitality and celebrate together the love of Christ."

Plan for "Africa 2003"

• Assembly Gathered
  • Bulawayo, Zimbabwe — August 11-17, 2003
  • Daily services of singing, prayer, stories, Bible study and sermon, led each day by a different continental region
  • A choir representing each region leading congregational singing
  • Ample time for fellowship, eating, tours, workshops, performances
• Global Church Village
• Youth Summit
• Assembly Scattered
  • Visits to a wide variety of African churches across the continent before or after gathering in Bulawayo