CWM Pacific Region is on!
Welcome to the Council for World Mission Pacific Region website.
This has long been the vision for many in the region that we have a website that would assist the region with its endeavours.
The primary aims of the website are to:
Profile member churches
Profile projects
Share information and resources
Signal future events
Report on past events
The Pacific Region website would give small churches a web presence and allow them to relate churches in the other CWM regions.
The IMG (2004 meeting in Nadi) resolved that ST$2,500 has been added to the 2004 budget for the Regional Secretariat for the development of the website.
The regional programmes were one of he areas that have suffered because of a lack of a website. Compounding matters is the lack of awareness of the material that is available for the members to use. This website is expected to be the catalyst that will re-energize the region to participate more in the regional programmes and to make this website an undoubted success.
I would like to acknowledge the work and the determination of Rev Chris Nichol who raised this issue at the recent IMG meeting in Fiji. Chris' vision and resolve has seen this dream materialize. The region would also like to thank Kenwyn Pierce of CWM communications unit who has selflessly given his time and expertise to this project. I believe that both men work will be in vain if we fail to maximize the use of this resource.
As I become more comfortable and knowledgeable with the technology, I will increase the range and diversity of information and services on our website.
Please keep this page on your favourites page. I would appreciate any comments that you may have that will assist our regional website.
posted by Siaosi Salesulu on
9.8.04
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The Task
In line with the vision of the Council for World Mission, the Regional Secretary will use the Regional website to foster the spirit of ecumenism among member churches in the Pacific Region and to encourage a commitment to support each other through the sharing of resources, of money, people, skills, insights and experience.
In line with the resolutions of the Pacific Regional Consultation, the Regional Secretary is expected to coordinate the work of the member churches. The Regional website will be utilized to manage a plan for developing and implementing approved regional programmes among member churches in the Pacific Region. The Regional Secretary takes an active and innovative role in this process; that they will utilize their given experience and skills in liaising with and networking (The Regional website is one feasible option) within the member churches.
The Regional Secretary will use the Regional website to assist and support member churches in the development and implementation of approved projects and programmes. It is expected also that the Regional Secretary in using the Regional website will encourage and assist member churches in the sharing and dissemination of relevant and necessary information pertaining to the needs of individual member churches.
The Regional website will be an avenue where member churches will be expected to facilitate opportunities for churches to learn, receive and share ideas, information and experience regionally and globally.
The Regional website will be able to publicize medium and long-term plans, advising churches on project planning and management and coordinating the application process for funding programmes. The Regional website is to assist member churches to evaluate the progress and effectiveness of programme funding already undertaken or implemented.
The Regional website in sharing both within the member churches themselves, more widely the contemporary challenges, and the concerns facing member churches in the Pacific.
posted by Siaosi Salesulu on
7.8.04
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IMG meeting May 2004
Introduction:
The Interim Management Group (IMG) of CWM Pacific Region met in Nadi, Fiji on the 24th -28th May, 2004 to monitor the progress of resolutions as finalised at the Regional Consultation that was held in Kiribati (April 2003).
As time was of a premium, two days were well spent discussing, scrutinising and finalising certain contestable points that (expectantly) will ultimately pave the way for the region to express and manifest its stated goals and objects
A major regret for the IMG was that two members were able to attend for differing reasons. (Rev Dr Elia Taase, Wilson Gina)
Enclosed is the report for the region in summary form. These are the main topics discussed and the resolutions as formulated and adopted by the Interim Management Group (IMG) on the Nadi, Fiji on the 24th -28th May, 2004.
posted by Siaosi Salesulu on
30.7.04
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Pacific Youth Leaders' forum
Official and Social programmeThursday 11 November 2004
1030 - 1400: Arrival of overseas participants
1400 - 1900: Retire to host families
1900 - 2100: Feast hosted at the Tausoa Lima Falekaupule hosted by Funafuti Island Community
Friday 12 November 2004
0800 - 0900: Opening ceremony
Words of Welcome - President
Opening devotion - Rev Fuiono Peifaga
Introduction to the programme - Rev Tafue Lusama
Opening address - Minister of Youths, Hon Alesana Kleis Seluka
Address from CWM Pacific Office - Mr Siaosi Salesulu
Morning tea provided by Fa’kai Fou congregation
0900 - 1030: Session 1
1030 - 1200: Session 2
1200 - 1400: Lunch - Nanumea community
1400 - 1530: Session 3
1530 - 1600: Afternoon tea provided by Fa’kai Fou congregation
1600 - 1700: Session 4
1700 - 1900: Close of day/free time
1900 - 2000: Feast hosted by Nanumea Island Community
Saturday 13 November 2004
0600 - 1500: Youth Outing programme
1500 - 1900: Free time
1900 - 2200: Feast hosted by Nanumaga Community
Sunday 14 November 2004
1000 - 1100: Church service
1100 - 1300: Free time
1300 - 1800: Free time with host families
1800 - 1900: Youth Church Service - Fetu Ao Lima
1900 - 2100: Feast hosted by Niutao Community
2100: End of evening
Monday 15 November 2004
0800 - 0815: Morning devotion
0815 - 1000: Session 5
1000 - 1030: Morning tea provided by Vaiaku congregation
1030 - 1200: Session 6
1200 - 1400: Lunch - Nui community
1400 - 1530: Session 7
1530 - 1600: Afternoon tea provided by Vaiaku congregation
1600 - 1700: Session 8
1700 - 1900: Close down
1900 - 2200: Feast hosted by Nui Community
Tuesday 16 November 2004
0800 - 0815: Morning devotion
0815 - 1000: Session 9
1000 - 1030: Morning tea provided by Lofeagai congregation
1030 - 1200: Session 10
1200 - 1400: Lunch - Vaitupu community
1400 - 1530: Session 11
1530 - 1600: Afternoon tea provided Lofeagai congregation
1600 - 1700: Session 12
1700 - 1900: Close of day/free time
1900 - 2200: Feast hosted by Vaitupu Community
2200: End of day’s acitvities
Wednesday 17 November 2004 0800 - 0815: Morning devotion
0815 - 1000: Wrapping up and Evaluation
1000 - 1030: Morning tea provided by Nukulaelae community
1000 - 1200: Closing
1200 - 1400: Lunch - Nukufetau community
1400 - 1900: Free time
1900 - 2200: Farewell feast hosted by Nukufetau Community
Entertainment
Presentation of gifts
End of day's activities
Thursday 18 November 20041000: Departures
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IMG Minutes Appendix B
APPENDIX B
YOUTH PROGRAMMES
YOUTH WORK CAMP
Nuuuli, American Samoa
CCCAS hosted the Work Camp in January 2004 for two youth members (one male and one female) from each member church in the region.
THEME-Who is my neighbour?
Full and effective participation of youth in the life of the Church and in decision-making? The capacity for progress of our societies in the Pacific is based, among other elements, on their capacity to incorporate the contribution and responsibility of youth in the building and designing of the future. In addition to their intellectual contribution and their ability to mobilise support, they bring unique perspectives that need to be taken into account. This is what motivated me in my drive to realise this regional programme. Despite the setbacks and the impediments I would not be denied, as I was this event as the ideal vehicle for the promotion for the voice of youth in the Pacific region of CWM. Any efforts and proposed actions in the priority areas of the Church considered in this programme are, in a certain way, conditioned by enabling the economic, social and political participation of youth, as a matter of critical importance. Youth organisations and youth initiatives like our working camp are important forums for developing skills necessary for effective participation in the Church and society, promoting tolerance and increased cooperation and exchanges between youth organisations. I perceived this regional programme as the first step in the youth development in our region. It is my expressed wish that the youth camp or leaders’ forum that will be held in Tuvalu at the end of the year will be as successful as this youth Camp was. It was recommended by the Youth Work camp delegates that CWM Pacific Region should be seen to give priority to –
(i) Improving the level of basic education, skill training and literacy among all youth, including young women and youth in distressed circumstances.
(ii) Establish or strengthen programmes to educate young people in the cultural heritage of their own and other societies and the world.
(iii) Encourage the design of educational programmes aimed at teaching peacemaking and conflict resolution in schools.
(iv) Enhance vocational and technical training relevant to current and prospective employment conditions.
(v) Promote human rights education in schools and educational institutions.
(vi) Ensure the adequacy of facilities and programmes to train youth workers and youth leaders.
Conclusion – Voices of and for youth: An essential dialogue
A critical first step in the implementation of the initiatives of the Pacific region of CWM is the expansion and regularisation of effective channels between non-governmental youth organisations and CWM.
It was recommended by the Youth Work camp delegates that CWM Pacific Region that the region considers the following-
Develop joint youth policies, projects and programmes.
Establish more effective and efficient channels of communications and modes of cooperation between and among youth and youth-serving organisations and the youth related organisations and other CWM youth leaders (from other member churches) plus other youth-related intergovernmental organisations.
Objectives:
It was recommended by the Youth Work camp delegates that CWM Pacific Region that we as an organisation motivate youth groups, family units and individual young people to be productively involved in economic, social and political activities in their communities. Also we should encourage programmes that will re-orient the young people to become productive members of their families and be self-reliant.
The full and effective participation of youth in the life of society and in decision-making
The capacity of each society to progress is based, among other elements, on its capacity to incorporate the contribution and responsibility of youth in the building and designing of its future. In addition to their intellectual contribution and ability to mobilise support, young people bring unique perspectives that need to be taken into account. Youth organisations can be important forums for helping young people to develop the skills necessary for effective youth participation in society.
CWM Pacific Region proposes action to: Develop and strengthen opportunities for youth to learn their rights and responsibilities.
As the Regional Secretary I concur with other youth delegates that we should promote the social, political, developmental and environmental participation of young people, and remove obstacles that affect their full contribution to society. Encourage youth associations and their activities through financial, educational and technical support. Foster national, regional and international cooperation and exchange between youth organisations.
Strengthen the involvement of young people in international forums.
CWM Pacific Region proposes action to:
Encourage cooperation among regional and interregional conferences of ministers responsible for youth affairs in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Pacific, South East Asia and the Caribbean and invites them to consider meeting regularly at the international level under the aegis of the CWM-Global.
CWM Pacific Region proposes action to: Formulate and adopt an integrated regional youth policy as a means of addressing youth-related concerns.
CWM Pacific Region proposes action to – undertake special efforts to develop and disseminate model frameworks for integrated policies and to identify and organise an appropriate division of responsibilities among governmental and non-governmental entities concerned with youth-related issues.
Strengthen national capacities for data collection and dissemination of information, research and policy studies, planning, implementation and coordination.
Establish or strengthen national coordinating mechanisms for integrated youth policies and programmes.
Regional level: The activities of the Pacific region, in cooperation with concerned regional intergovernmental and non-governmental youth and youth-related organisations, are essential complements to national and global action. These can make particular contributions to the formulation, implementation, coordination and evaluation of action at the regional level, including periodic monitoring of regional youth programmes.
International level: An essential role for international cooperation will be to promote conditions conducive to the implementation of the regions at all levels.
May the Lord grant us the wisdom and the strength as we strive to serve the needs of our youth population as well as all the programmes of CWM Pacific region.
[1] As stipulated b the PRC 2003
[2] Climate changes and AIDS are two of the regional conferences as organised by WCC in the regional in the last 6 months.
[3] Appendix B
[4] Appendix C
[5] The Regional Secretary whilst a member of the IMG is an employee of the region and is excluded from counted as one of the six member as s/he will have no voting privileges.
[6] Pacific Regional Consultation-Nauru.
[7] This will be confirmed at the PRC 2005
posted by Siaosi Salesulu on
10.7.04
IMG Minutes Appendix A
The Nature and Structure of the IMG
The nature and structure of the IMG will be discussed in greater detail and at length at the next PRC (2005)
The IMG resolved that ideally when a member church selects their candidate for the IMG that the nominated person will have many of the skills and qualities as listed below. This would assist with the gift mix of the IMG and the advancement of the regional programmes.
Some of the important qualities/traits as identified by the IMG include
- Strategic and analytical skills
- Financial skills (experience, ability).
- Have a working knowledge of the difference between Governance and Management
- Experience in Management.
- Experience of CWM
- Someone who can think regionally rather than individually
- Committed
There was also a perceived need for job descriptions for all those on the IMG so each person understands and is aware of the expectations the region has for him/her as a member of the IMG. This is an option that the IMG may wish to adopt in the future.
The present IMG lamented that it would be a shame if the region spent its entire empowerment fund on managing it. This would be a sad irony that would be self-defeating for the Region and its goals.
Therefore the group has resolved that there will be a reduction in the number in the IMG from the present number of eight.
How IMG members?
As resolved by the IMG the group will consist of six members [5]
The length (duration) of a person on the IMG.
The IMG resolved that the maximum duration of a person’s tenure on the IMG is two terms or 4 years
Roster system.
i) This was proposed by Paulo that the region work a roster type of system that each church will be rostered as to when they are expected to provide the IMG with either its youth rep or the women’s representative.
ii) Chris also promoted the idea that we introduce a rolling-roster system whereby every year a member of the IMG is replaced.
i.e. 2003 Polynesia will change its rep
2004 Micronesia will change its rep
2005 Melanesia will change its rep
2006 Aotearoa will change its rep and so forth.
A variation of this model will be two regions will ask to replace its member followed by the other remaining regions the ensuing two years. This will allow for experienced people to always be in the committee for continuance whilst there is ample opportunity for new people to contribute to the IMG by means of membership
Both these suggestions were rejected by the IMG.
Six Member IMG committee
The seven Member committee is virtually the same as the status quo with the only modification being the Moderator will also act as the representative of his/her region.
If this formula was to be adopted today then Rev Dr Elia Taase will vacate his position as the representative fro the Polynesian group as Rev Dr Paulo Koria (of CCCS) who is the present Moderator will fill this role
A Six Member IMG
1. Paulo Koria (Moderator and Polynesia representative)
2. Alexai Starr (Youth representative)
3. Eti McCarthy (Women’s representative)
4. Wilson Gina (Micronesia representative)
5. Chris Nichol (Aotearoa representative)
6. Tekaebei Kaoma (Micronesia representative)
* Regional Staff (excluded from the above considerations)
7. Siaosi G. Salesulu (Regional Secretary)
RESOLUTIONS.
*It was resolved that the IMG will have Six official members – The Regional Secretary (seventh member) as an employee will have no-voting privileges.
*It was resolved by the IMG that if the situation arises that there is a tie in the voting on an issue this is to be interpreted that there needs to be more dialogue. Hence, discussion will continue until a majority vote can be reached.
*It was resolved by the IMG that as of the PRC [6] 2005 – The Regional Secretary budget would cover his/her travel and expenses.
*It was resolved by the IMG that we begin the “change over” in 2007 b/c of personnel.
*It was resolved by the IMG that the Moderator position rotate from each Region on a roster type format [7}.
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR IMG
It was reaffirmed by the IMG that one of the primary functions of the IMG was to monitor the progress or otherwise of regional projects that were funded in some part by the Empowerment Fund. This would take on greater importance during the time between the Regional Consultations. The IMG would also be the group that the Regional Secretary would be accountable to.
It was affirmed by the IMG that the IMG was not an Executive Committee type group. There was an identified fear that the IMG was being given tasks that were the prerogative and the domain of the Regional Consultation.
It was resolved by the IMG that the Regional Consultation was the appropriate forum for some decision making as all member churches are able to partake in the decision making process. Furthermore, Reverend Chris Nichol believed that the IMG is not to deal with policy but rather it was concerned with managerial issues in the region.
It was resolved by the IMG that the IMG would finalise the date, the time and the appropriate conditions when the IMG will be solely known as the Management Committee (MG) for logistical reasons.
posted by Siaosi Salesulu on
9.7.04
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IMG Minutes 04/13 to 04/23
IMG 04/13 Accounting assistance and MPSF assistance for Nauru Congregational Church
The IMG recieved by means of a formal letter from NCC a request for assistance from the Pacific region of CWM in regard to the finances of NCC and the MPSF application.
After careful consideration and deliberation the IMG has resolved the following
Those who are selected to go to Nauru must have proven ability in the following areas -
1. Communications
2. Accounts/finance
3. Mission/ and some knowledge of MPSF
The named people have been nominated and confirmed by the IMG to assist NCC with the identified problems.
Ms. Tira Teena (Auditor General of Kiribati)
Rev Tekaabei Kaaoma (IMG member from KPC)
Siaosi G. Salesulu (Regional Secretary for CWM Pacific region)
Ms Teena and Rev Kaoma will assist with immediate needs whist the Regional Secretary will be there in the capacity to report back, monitor the situation for the IMG and PRC and help in areas that he is able.
The IMG has the utmost confidence that the people as selected are the most suitable for the situation and they will bring much needed assistance to NCC.
IMG 04/14 Pacific Regional consultation (PRC) 2005
Nauru Congregational Church will not host the PRC-2005 due to the lack of suitable venue. In addition, there is insecurity due entirely to problems with accommodation and the uncertainty over financial institutions in the country.
As agreed to at the PRC in 2003 if this was the case then the next member church on the roster would be asked if they could host this event. The member church in question is the Congregational Union of New Zealand. The Regional Secretary will also write to UCPNG and the UCSI that if CUNZ is are not able to host then would either of them be in a position to host the PRC 2005.
IMG 04/15 Pacific Voice
Alexai spoke of the situation in Nauru and read a letter from Pastor Willie Starr, which details concerns that he has in regard to asylum seekers in Nauru.
It was resolved by the IMG that the proposed Pacific Voice publication could be the strand or the vehicle that allows people in the region to speak of their experiences.
A case study approach is the way that the Pacific Voice publication may work. Thus it would be more contextual yet within an existential, theological, analytical perspective.
Regional Secretary was to include ST$2,000 to be integrated in the Regional Office budget for 2004.
IMG 04/016 Regional Programmes
The Asylum Seekers policy document and the Youth work camp [4] are now complete and we are now looking with renewed vigour and confidence to the future for other programmes. Logic dictates without the support of all stakeholders that these regional programmes will be a monument - remembered for its beleaguered promises rather than what was ultimately delivered.
The following is a description of the regional progamme and the stage that the regional office is at each programme.
HIV/AIDS PROGRAMME
1. To raise awareness within the churches about the problem of HIV/AIDS
2. To provide a new theological and pastoral understanding of the problem
3. To encourage a prositive and conscious response to the problem, its effects and means of prevention, from the people of the churches and society as a whole
The Regional Secretary has assembled a resource base of information for churches to access in their work against the epidemic and is available to be translated into each church's language. The Regional Secretary has procured publishing rights from the WCC for their material to be published in our region. The regional secretary also has theological and pastoral resources from other CWM churches and other agencies concerned with this issue that can be uplifted upon request.
Timeframe:
The timeframe for these tasks remain unchanged and are stated as follows
End 2003 Material for awareness campaign collected and prepared for distribution to the churches
End 2004 Material used by the churches
End 2005 Assessment of project
IMG 04/017 REGIONAL YOUTH LEADERS FORUM
EKT to host this event in 14-21 November 2004
The Youth Leaders Forum set for Tuvalu. 14 - 21 November 2004.
All member churches of the Pacific region are now invited to make their selections (one male, one female) and forward their names to the Regional Secretary.
I would considerately remind the region that the CWM definition for youth are those persons under the age of 30. It would be good if the region made the real attempt to abide by this.
The IMG has also affirmed that each church is to encourage its participants to be more verbose at these meetings. People who cannot communicate fluently in English will always find it difficult to converse with their Pacific peers, thus causing an uncomfortable situation for all concerned.
As soon as the programme is finalised I will disseminate this to all those who will be attending the Forum as well as the General Secretaries. I will contact you all next month about the confirmation of your representatives.
We are all looking forward to visiting Funafuti (venue) and experiencing the wonderful hospitality of our Tuvalu brethren.
Invitations will be recieved no later than July 2004 for delegates to prepare for this camp that this
IMG 04/018 NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT PROGRAMME
The Regional Secretary is at present collating proposed work as undertaken by member churches on this contentious subject.
Please note that the Regional Secretary actively encourages discussion at individual church levels in addition to the regional arena.
The option as advertised by CWM in London for small research programmes costing no more than NZ$3,000. This option has not taken up by anyone from the member churches.
IMG 04/019 CLIMATE CHANGES
It is very pleasing that the South Pacific Regional Environmental projects (SPREP) have been very forthcoming in their desire to assist the region with their regional programmes. SPREP’s overt willingness to share their database of information and the use of their resources had been unexpected but nevertheless welcomed.
SPREP in conjunction with our regional has benevolently offered to host a series of seminars and/or conferences where other regional and interest groups could gather to discuss issues (i.e. Toxic dumping, climate changes) and to formulate policy documents that will be of use to regional and to those organisations on the international arena. The material is readily available.
I have contacted a range of groups indicated and I would like to think that we could work in unison so this programme can commence and be wholly successful.
I believe that there could be some merit to having conference/seminars organised by SPREP and our regional office. However, with the restrictions we have with money I realise that this option will be a universal chorus of no.
Like the AIDS material we have been given free reign to reproduce what we want yet we must acknowledge what we reproduce. Although it may cost but what if we collate the material add our theological material and a forward, introduction and an acknowledgements page and distribute this material to many institutions. I am hoping for some creative packaging that will be eye-catching without being cartoonish and childlike. A colourful copy can be different from the more formal policy type format.
I affirm that publicity of this programme would be through Regional Secretary and the CWM Web Site.
I have made contact with individual churches to develop theological and teaching resources and accordingly forward these to the Regional Secretary. As passed by the PRC (2003) member churches requiring this information would be able to request it from the Regional Secretary.
IMG 04/20 ASYLUM SEEKERS
The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand formulated a policy statement in consultation with the UCPNG, CUNZ and UCSI. This statement was submitted for the perusal of the Pacific Regional Consultation for their consideration and constructive action. Each member church was given the opportunity to study the document and forward any suggestions to the Regional Secretary. Unfortunately, the Regional Secretary did not receive any comments/objections/insight on this paper and it was resolved by the IMG meeting in Apia 2003 that the CWM Pacific region adopts this as their official stance. The Regional Secretary was then advised that he was to seek means to disseminate this.
It was the inclination of our region that this statement would be used in relating the concerns and hope of the region to the respective governments of each member church.
IMG 04/21 TOXIC WASTE DUMPING
WCC has programmes similar to our seeking to raise awareness of the adverse effects of dumping toxic waste. Ultimately our region is working towards stopping dumping of toxic waste in the Pacific
I have been in contact with the CWM Communications Unit, along with environmental, other NGO and ecumenical sites who can promote public awareness of this programme. This bodes well that material collected that we think needs to publish using this technological medium.
The Regional Secretary has been liasing with SREP, WCC, and various NGOs (working in this area). In the best interest of our region I have been canvassing the support of the countries of those member churches that are the source of toxic dumping yet a campaign of vigorous letter writing sometimes fails to acquire the desired result instantly.
IMG 04/22 CWMM
Chris concern noted on this subject.
Paulo outlined the aims of the CWMM and this was endorsed by the IMG. It was noted that no church in the Pacific region could realistically afford the cost of internal travel as this was budgeted for at the start of the financial year.
It was resolved by the IMG that –
The Regional Secretary will write to Elizabeth Joy outlining that it was the Pacific region’s understanding that CWM Global would cover all costs pertaining to the CWMM visits including internal travel yet it was unanticipated to find that the local churches would have to absorb all internal costs.
It was resolved by the IMG that CWM-Global would be gently reminded that they do not have the right to dictate to sovereign churches or enforce their decisions concerning financial matters.
IMG 04/23 Letter from PCANZ church property trustees to Kerry Enright.
A letter from PCANZ church property trustees to Kerry Enright regarding the concern about the CWM investing its empowerment fund within the AIF was tabled. This letter outlined some of the concerns the trustees of the PCANZ church property trustees had.
After detailed and prolonged discussion the IMG representing the CWM Pacific Region readily accepts that there always extenuating factor associated with exchange and interest rates yet we are steadfast in our belief that the AIF is the best option for the region to invest its empowerment fund.
The IMG resolved the following:
Firstly the IMG of the CWM-Pacific Region acknowledges the imminent risks that are associated with the realm of investing finances. Secondly, the IMG of CWM Pacific Region acknowledges the expertise, the appropriate acumen and experience of the PCANZ church property trustees to make decisions in the best interest of CWM-Pacific Region.
Conclusion.
27 May 2004-08-06
12.25(FJ Time)
Paulo thanked all people for their energy
Have a safe trip and send regard to family and church groups
The IMG meeting was closed with a word of prayer by the Moderator.
Please note that the nature and structure of the IMG will be discussed in detail at the PRC 2005. You are asked to read Appendix A in preparation for discussion.
posted by Siaosi Salesulu on
6.7.04
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