Discussion 4: Opportunity to build bridges (6%)

[Dave]

Given a clearly defined set of challenges in a community, give examples of how a faith
community could respond in a way that will confirm its understanding of its missional calling.
Choose any one of the examples listed hereafter and discuss.

• Ensure that your response will focus on building bridges to overcome the challenges.
• Read what your peers write. You will vote for the idea you found most insightful.
– Adolescent pregnancy
– Access to clean drinking water
– Child abuse and neglect
– Crime
– Domestic violence
– Drug use
– Pollution
– Lack of funding for schools and services
– Ethnic conflict
– HIV/ AIDS
– Inadequate emergency services
– Inequality
– Lack of affordable housing
– Poverty
– Racism and police brutality

Grading Guide: Each learner is awarded 3 points for their own discussion and 2 points
for interaction, dialogue or voting on another learner’s post. A bonus point is
awarded to any learner who got a vote (6 points total)

[Mignon Duvenhage]

Regarding the issue of adolescent pregnancy, I love Celebration church’s response to this issue in our community. Firstly, there is the option to have a free scan done when you are pregnant. Research shows that a mom is less likely to abort a baby once she has heard the heartbeat and seen the baby on the scan. However, there is also counselling available for pregnant moms or moms who have chosen abortion and need counselling thereafter.

Secondly, there is a life group at the church specifically aimed at supporting single moms. In this way, pregnant adolescents can know that once they have the baby, they are not all on their own, but will have a support group around them. All these ways build effective bridges to assist these pregnant young moms and offer support.

[Victor Reinhardt Hlongoane]

A faith community can respond to lack of school funding by building bridges through practical support and partnership.

The church can collect and donate school supplies like books and uniforms to support learners in need. It can also offer after-school tutoring and homework help using volunteers to improve learner performance. In addition, the church can work with schools and local leaders to raise awareness and seek solutions together. The church also supports learners through prayer, counselling, and values teaching, helping them stay hopeful and focused.

In this way, the church shows its missional calling by meeting needs, supporting education and strengthening the community.

[Author]

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