IPC 2016 – Update
Published on August 17, 2016
Greetings to GB friends around the world from IPC 2016.
We have just returned from the 2016 International President’s Committee in the beautiful Bahamas, where the IPC were encouraged and blessed in so many ways. I would like to take this opportunity to share just a few of the subjects we touched on:
First we heard how people from all parts of our GB family have been responding to the words which challenged us at ICGB 2014:
‘A great door of opportunity lies before me’. 1 Corinthians 16:9
GB in The Bahamas used the GB theme on local radio, as they shared a ‘thought for the day’ each morning during GB week. Their reflections were heard in the Turk and Caicos Islands. A church there got in touch and now GB is re-established in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Look out for this ‘open door’ icon on our Facebook page and on the GB website news page in the next few weeks as we pass on more of these wonderful stories.
We were encouraged to ‘meet’ with Christine McFarlane(GB Scotland) who is heading up the 2017 Gathering Programme Team. She will work with Safyia (Trinidad and Tobago), Naomi (New Zealand), Sam (England) and Esther (Nigeria) to produce a stimulating and transforming programme. Naa from Ghana will lead the logistics team. Many are already registered for this exciting experience and bookings are still being accepted. If you’re aged 18-35 years and haven’t yet booked a place, speak to your national office about the possibility. Please pray for those involved in planning.
We spent time thinking about 2018, our 125th year of mission. What a year that will be! Our theme has been chosen and will reflect the legacy of the last 125 years of mission alongside the vision of what is yet to be. Based on the imagery and message of John 15 our theme for our year of celebrations will be ‘Fruitful and Overflowing’. Details of ICGB 2018 will also be winging their way to you very soon. Be ready!
We have planned a number of publications and resources to expand and spread the word of GBI. Don’t miss resources to support our 2017 theme BE EMPOWERED! Ask your IVP for power points to help you explore some empowerment themes: Empowering the Generations: Empowering Teams and Empowering Mission. Then, in response to popular demand, be ready for some GB Fact Sheets putting the spotlight on GB in different countries.
Of course, we also fulfilled our legal responsibilities, looking at governance and finance issues. It was a privilege to allocate funds from our GiveaGirlaHope fund. One of the exciting projects being supported is the establishment of a GB tuck shop and vegetable garden in Zimbabwe, which is currently experiencing a very hostile economic environment. The project will give the girls new skills, will help with nutrition and will support the local community. Watch out for news of fund raising projects to help you support the GiveaGirlaHope Fund.
‘A great door of opportunity lies before me’. 1 Corinthians 16:9
Watch out on our Facebook page or log in to our website to get more news and resources as the year progresses.
Christian Greetings
Vivienne
(International President , Girls’ Brigade International.)
