Recently, members of the OAIC International office came face to face with a full-grown, male rhinoceros. The event occurred in Nakuru National Park as the office enjoyed a brief safari during a staff retreat. Fortunately the OAIC directors and staff members came away unscathed. Yet the event proved to be a memorable moment for everyone involved.
The rhinoceros encounter was just one aspect of the three-day retreat, which took place October 28th through October 30th. Over the course of their stay in Nakuru, a town in Kenya’s Rift Valley province, the OAIC International office came together and reflected on critical issues that face the organization. The change of scene allowed directors and staff to interact freely, and to focus their attention on the past, present, and future direction of OAIC.
Several topics of discussion emerged during OAIC’s staff retreat. The directors and staff began by reflecting upon the original Founding Visions of AICs and the core values that have defined African Independent Churches from the beginning of their existence. Values such as generosity, harmony, respect for African culture, prioritizing local control, and an emphasis on the guidance of the Holy Spirit are still present in AIC communities today. Staff members discussed the need to continue to reflect upon these Visions in the work that they do today.
During the retreat’s sessions staff also examined the “Visions for
a Better World” strategic framework, which outlines the OAIC’s
immediate strategy for the next five years. General Secretary Rev.
Nicta Lubaale promoted OAIC as a movement of movements, which partners
with its member churches and communities to support them in realizing
their own visions. Rev. Lubaale stressed that the Holy Spirit speaks
from the margins of society, and that OAIC needs to be a space where
people’s stories can be heard. He believed that God is working through
the OAIC to mobilize communities into action as they confront
challenges such as poverty, disempowerment, and marginalization.
The OAIC International Office in Nakuru National Park
To conclude the retreat’s sessions, directors and staff members discussed OAIC’s future direction. There is a need for a redefinition of the role of the General Secretariat. AIC communities enrich the Secretariat. Therefore the regions and chapters around the continent must be encouraged to become more involved in OAIC’s decision-making processes. As a new generation emerges within OAIC, new and younger members must be introduced to the Founding Visions and the core values that represent AIC communities. Finally, OAIC is responding to various external changes, such as globalization and interconnectivity. OAIC’s website should be an indication of the organization’s place within a new global environment.
Even though there was a somewhat dangerous encounter with a large animal, the fellowship, reflection, and conversation that directors and staff experienced during their stay in Nakuru allowed for ideas to circulate and strengthen the life of the OAIC Secretariat – in the expectation that in the longer term the OAIC as a whole will benefit.
Organization of African Instituted Churches
P. O. Box 21736-00505, Ngong Rd., Nairobi , Kenya
Tel: +254-20-3870356 / 3860830
Website: www.oaic.org
, E-mail: admin@oaic.org
