missionaries
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Africa

Shelvis & Nancy Smith-Mather

  • Education and leadership development

“I was born in war and now I am growing old in war,” a common story for South Sudanese, does not discourage the local church. Through a Christian organization called RECONCILE, divided groups unite for peace. RECONCILE trains grassroots leaders across South Sudan and in refugee camps, building their skills in conflict transformation and trauma recovery. As Principal of the RECONCILE Peace Institute, Shelvis implements initiatives helping communities reflect on tragedy, reconcile broken relationships, work together to transform conflict, and heal. In addition, he researches and designs comprehensive peace practices for South Sudan through Oxford University.

Even during war, the education of children remains a top priority for the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (PCOSS). Convinced that education reduces poverty and can promote reconciliation, PCOSS provides schools. Nancy coordinates a program with PCOSS and RECONCILE equipping communities to improve schools, developing teachers, championing the education of girls, and promoting peace.

Support current needs for this missionary/partner

Give to Peace and Reconciliation in South Sudan
RCA missionaries Shelvis and Nancy Smith-Mather work with RECONCILE (Resource Centre for Civil Leadership), which promotes peace-building by providing training in trauma recovery, conflict reconciliation, and civic education. Make a gift to support this work.
Give to RECONCILE Training Center - South Sudan
Make a gift to the RECONCILE Training Center so that leaders of different communities in South Sudan can receive training in trauma healing, civic education, and reconciliation that they can use to bring peace and healing to their part of the world.
Give to RECONCILE Scholarships - South Sudan
You can give to the general scholarship fund or make a gift toward a specific type of scholarship: Book Scholarship: $35 Course Scholarship: $300 Full Scholarship: $4,620
Give to RECONCILE Book Scholarship - South Sudan
Fund a book scholarship to provide one South Sudanese leader with course materials and books during any two-week course at RECONCILE Peace Institute.
Give to RECONCILE Full Scholarship - South Sudan
A Full Scholarship provides one South Sudanese leader with funding for a complete 12-week training at RPI. Graduates acquire vital skills to increase the impact of their peace, development and trauma recovery work in the places of highest conflict in South Sudan.

RECONCILE International desires to equip South Sudanese with skills in conflict transformation, trauma recovery, and income generating activities that they will take with them back home to build their nation.

Greetings to General Synod 2021 from Shelvis and Nancy Smith Mather.

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