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May 23, 2005
 Today,
we began the day at Rhema Bible Ministries, which
has a sister church in the U.S.
The three
presenters--a public relations officer, the dean of
Rhema Bible College, and a director of one of the
church's non-profit organizations--talked about their
respective areas of work within Rhema and how the
church is dedicated to social change and community
empowerment.
They said
that they spend a great deal of time reaching out
to the community through their endowment and non-profit
agencies that fall under the church's umbrella. Blacks
make up 52 percent of the students at their Bible
college, while whites are at 33 percent and 15 percent
of the student body is biracial.
It was
fascinating understanding how they run this 35,000
members-church. From the editing room, to the different
other rooms, it was as if I was in a corporation.
It was very well organized and it felt awkward seeing
how they were organizing themselves to spread the
word of God. I definitely have a problem with the
concept of mega-churches, wherever they may be in
the world. The concept of faith and love for God is
a personal thing. The real church lies within oneself.
Also, I
would be very curious to know how the Rhema Church
organizes itself as far as the endowments they get
and what role it plays in their decision-making and
fairness. They said that three people of color sit
on their executive board, including one black woman.
I was surprised to learn that 50 percent of their
pastors are people of color.
In the
afternoon, we drove to Soweto township and visited
Baba Credo Mutwa, a sangoma or traditional healer.
It was my best moment of the trip this far. I had
been looking forward to it since we left Atlanta.
He spoke of how we all originated from Africa, but
mostly he spoke of the African knowledge disseminated
around the world and how Western scientists should
pay more attention about traditional cures for human
diseases.
He pointed
to a plant that he said cures alcohol and drug-addictions.
He also talked about a medicine that he has given
carriers of HIV/AIDS that has allowed them to live
long, healthy lives.
Mutwa,
though mainly spoke about Africa's place in the world
systems and a need for global support of the continent.
He states:
"They need to give a chance to Africa. It is
the Mother of Life on Earth." He compared scientific
discoveries, art, and languages throughout the world
to their African origins.
I believe
that Credo Mutwa is the quintessential historian of
the 21st Century. He speaks beautiful English, and
can speak of several topics in several areas. He is
the most knowledgeable individual I ever met. I will
forever remember this day.
Oh dear
Africa, oh dear Western World, let us unite and make
this sweet Earth a better place. Let us save the nature
and our environment and preserve our people from the
evils of AIDS.
Almamy
Sagna '06 is a business administration major from
Dakar, Senegal.
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