Connecting with ICA Churches

After many years of preparation and waiting, we have finally arrived in Angola, thanks to an invitation by the Igreja de Cristo em Angola or the Church of Christ in Angola (ICA). Interestingly, although they share the same name as our religious heritage on the Angola Mission Team, none of the ICA churches were planted by missionaries from the Churches of Christ. ICA began as an indigenous movement of Angolan Christian refugees in the Congo who came together from various denominations to pray for peace in Angola. In 1975, they began returning to Angola and planted churches along the way. us to come and work side by side with them. Today, the majority of ICA churches are in Luanda, and we were also able to participate in one of their conferences shortly after arriving in Angola. The theme was The ICA of Yesterday, ICA Today, and the ICA We Want for the Future. We enjoyed getting to know the leaders who came from all over Luanda as well as each of the Angolan provinces that have ICA churches. It was a great way to learn about their history, their dreams for the future and their current status. Our goal during the next year is to continue visiting each of these 30 or Robert, Danny and I (Nathan) recently so congregations throughout the counspent some time in northern Angola vis- try and begin to strategize along with iting 14 ICA congregations in the Uge them how we can move forward to Province. Though many churches were spread the gospel into new areas. destroyed during the civil war, these ~ Nathan Holland churches are some of the very first that were planted as a part of this unity movement that now bears the name Church of Christ. Each church welcomed us very warmly, and in all but a few cases, we have been the first foreign visitors that they have ever received in over 35 years of existence. It was such a privilege to visit them and learn more about the roots of this movement which has invited
Negage church in Uge

Planting Churches Nurturing Growth Harvesting a Nation

The Angola Team

Rusty, Laura, Alex, Stephen & Benjamin Campbell Nathan Holland Robert, Teague, Efesson & Biruk Meyer Danny, Katie, Eliana & Sophia Reese Jordan Yarbrough

Day of Prayer
for the Angola Team Sunday, October 16 5:00 PM
Central Church of Christ in Little Rock, AR

OR Sunday, October 23 6:00 PM

Castle Rock Church of Christ in Castle Rock, CO

our website: www.angolateam.org

email us: contactus@angolateam.org

October, 2011

Relationships Are Key

We are settling into life in Huambo, Angola. We have roofs over our heads and we are learning our way around town. Our schedules are still very irregular due to traveling, time spent on home repairs, and a general lack of knowledge of the way things work and how time ticks in our new hometown. In spite of the irregularity, we try to be consistent when it comes to forming relationships with our neighbors. In the first phase of our work here, our goal is to build the foundational knowledge and relationships we need to be successful mentors and church planters. Each of us is committed to living among the people of Huambo in a way that will benefit the Kingdom of God. As you all know, relationships are key when it comes to mission work. In Angola, relationships also go hand in hand with getting anything accomplished. Ill share a few examples: Ana, a single mother of four and vendor in the Kapango market near the Reese home, invited an overwhelmed little Eliana under her umbrella one afternoon, providing refuge from a mob of children that just wanted to play, and opening a door for a relationship. Now, every time Katie, Jordan, or I walk to the market, we look forward to greeting Ana with a kiss on each cheek and a little conversation. It is a blessing to have a familiar face to greet soon after walking into the busy market. Jordan is now living in the home of our friends Charles Kambungo and his wife Helena. Charles has been a great resource for our team since the first survey trip in 2006. As Jordans relationship with Helena and Charless sisters grows, she learns more and more about Angolan culture and experiences the daily life of an Angolan family at a much deeper level. As our relationships continue to grow and mature, we will all be able to gain knowledge and a better understanding of the people we encounter in Huambo.

Prayer Requests

Praise God for the safe arrival of Nathan, the Meyers, the Reeses, and Jordan to Angola. Praise God that Robert finally received his permanent visa. Praise God for His gracious provision of all our needs during our first weeks in Angola. Praise God for the safe arrival of the Campbells baby, Benjamin. Pray for the team as we continue to settle into life in Huambo and form relationships with the people there. Pray for the health and safety of all team members. Pray for Nathan as he travels to the U.S. for a few weeks. Pray for the Campbell family as they return to the U.S. to begin the visa application process. Pray for Gods continued provision of each familys needs. Pray for growing and fruitful relationships between each family and their sending congregations. Pray for our partnership with the churches of Christ in the Lisbon area. Pray for our growing relationship with ICA. Pray for the Angolan people. Pray for the Angolan Christians.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. ~ Philippians 4:12-14

It wasnt a realtor that led each of us to our current homes; it was a relationship. Our family (the Meyers) met Amrico when we ~ Teague Meyer went to look at a house for rent. We pursued a friendship with Amrico by attending church with him the following Sunday. When renting that house didnt work out, Amrico called everyone he knew in Huambo to find another house for us. We live in our current home because of Danny and Katie with Ch arles and Helena Amricos help.
email us: contactus@angolateam.org October, 2011

our website: www.angolateam.org