Synopsis
In a world of constant change the Followers of Jesus will engage the world using a menu of strategies. Global Neighbors identifies several issues for developing effective strategies in what has historically been "missions" and "ministry to the poor." I draw upon more than 30 years of first-hand engagement in Africa and in urban ministry to apply biblical principles, sociological theory, and community development practice to the task of being a neighbor. The lessons contained in these pages speak to those searching for effective living. This book does not lay out a plan of action. My intention is to present the concepts that have challenged me and contribute to a discussion of the issues facing Christian community and ministry. You will quickly discover my assumption that the concept of ‘neighbor’ is essential for our self-understanding as followers of Jesus. I suggest a framework that is foundational for understanding change within the societies where we should be neighbors, but often aren’t. This framework describes component elements of social systems and then offers a model for their integration which can serve you as you try to make sense of your communities and the process of change taking place within them. This framework combines insights from the book of Deuteronomy on what it means to be the People of God, as well as others from the field of sociology. It is not the only perspective you could use, but it does provide a means for us to understand and to contribute to the growth of knowledge of community change. The goal is more than understanding—it is action.
About the Author
Dwight Jackson From 1970 to 2001 Dr. Jackson was a Baptist pastor, missionary, and educator serving churches in Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky in the United States. In 1970 he and Brenda Kemp were married before taking on a 3 month assignment as church planters in Ohio. From 1980-88 they were assigned to Burundi ('80-85) and Tanzania ('86-88) serving as church developer and educator. Dr. Jackson established theological training centers in Kayanza, Burundi and a center for training urban pastors in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He, also, served as an adjunct professor at the Limuru Pastor's School. From 1995 to 1999 they were community developers working on the urban north side of St. Louis. Mrs. Jackson taught secondary students while Dr. Jackson worked with community groups to increase employment opportunities. From 2000 to 2005 Dr. Jackson taught sociology and public policy at the university level. Beginning in January 2005 he led Food for the Hungry Rwanda as Country Director. From 2007 to 2009 he also served as regional director for the Great Lakes, overseeing work in Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda. He left Food for the Hungry in October of 2010. In 2006, he and Dr. Mukiza Ntezimana Jonas co-founded PROCOM a local NGO of which he is now the Executive Director. In order to expand the impact of PROCOM, Dr. Jackson led the PROCOM board to launch a for-profit business in Agriculture. Dr. Jackson is now the sole shareholder in the Sabbath Year Economic and Agriculture Development company (SyEAD Rwanda) which has two model farms-Nyagatare of 60 hectares and Kirehe of 40 hectares and 50 hectares of land leased from local farmers. In 2013 with Rob Erickson and Nathan Dowling launched the Western Rift Tobacco Company. WRTC now has two orders totally 40,000 lbs annually. Cigar tobacco is a new crop in Rwanda and could generate as many as 3,000 jobs by 2021. Dr. Jackson holds a -PhD in Public Policy Analysis -Masters in Research (Sociology) -Masters of Divinity, and -Bachelors Degree in Sociology. In 45 years of marriage Dr. and Mrs. Jackson have been blessed with 6 children (2 by birth & 4 by adoption). They are blessed with 10 grandchildren.
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