Global Development

Global Development Consultation in Turkey n GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT n GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT n GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT n GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT n GLOBAL

Global Development Consultation was held in Izmir, Turkey, from July 5-6, immediately preceding the Annual Gathering from July 6-12. More than 70 persons from 36 countries

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attended, 20 of whom made presentations or led workshops or case studies discussions. Workshop topics included partnering with government and bilateral donors as well as other faith based agencies; the role of the church in advocating for the poor and speaking truth to power; striking the right balance between longer term development commitments and more immediate disaster response; and specific issues related to ministry to refugees, migrants, stateless persons and Internally Displaced Persons.

Other areas covered were the biblical

and ethical underpinnings for governance and leadership, models of development and relief being practiced by Baptists and how to improve cooperation in development and relief.

Conferees expressed trust, respect, a desire that

development work among and by Baptists be “marked by genuine partnership” as well as humility, expressed through “mutual listening,

accountability, good governance, integrity.”

transparency, and

Such work should “address the circum- stances and causes of poverty, displace- ment, marginalization and oppression,” undergirded by “effective

assistance practices, sustainable community development practices, prophetic witness and advocacy, and prayer that recognizes the spiritual dimensions of oppression and exploitation.”

The overarching desire is that devel- opment work done by Baptists “be biblically and theologically shaped” with a commitment “to an ongoing dialogue between those involved in humanitarian assistance and our theologians.” Conference participants hoped “acts of

service and solidarity [will] bring together in sensitive and appropriate ways both the ‘word’ and ‘deed’ dimensions of Christian witness, thus obeying

both circumstances the and

commission and the great commandment.” Culture,

great needs

would be considered in the undertaking of any development work, honoring “the gifts, talents, and perspectives of all parties,” while being sensitive to new opportunities and challenges that arise. “A central conviction emerging from our time together is that God has blessed

18 BAPTIST WORLD MAGAZINE

the global Baptist

community

with

many resources, gifts and capabilities,” conference participants noted.

Above left: Participants at the Global Development Consultation in Turkey

Top: Anthony Sell of Australia leads a group discussion

Above: Erich Geldbach from Germany and Aundreia Alexander of the United States share in group discussion

Left: Preciosa Caronogan of the Philippines and Malsawmdawngliana Zongte from Mizoram, India

Bottom left: Pheiga Gangmei Kabisinpou of India leads a session

humanitarian

Below: (Left to right) Bader Mansour from Israel, Gus Reyes from the USA, Joina Dhlula from Zimbabwe and Blooming Night Zan, Karen refugee in Thailand

Bottom right: Gato Munyamasoko from Rwanda makes a presentation