John and Ruth Kerr

The Kerrs serve at the Trans-Africa Theological College in Kitwe, Zambia where John is the Vice-Principal for Academics and Spiritual Life -- and Ruth has a hand in everything from music to missions. They work with approximately 100 mature and motivated students; most of them have already planted a church.

With its 150+ acres, TTC has become a "Development Centre." Ministries to our impoverished neighbors include church-planting, AIDS-awareness, a Pro-Life centre; Community Schools; Orphanage ministries; Buildings and infrastructure; agriculture and skills training; feeding programs.

Ruth is involved in AIDS Awareness training and takes this urgent message, along with student teams, into teacher training institutions and churches.  

KERRENT EVENTS 46

                        DECEMBER, 2011

“CHRISTMAS AMONG THE POOR ”  

Christmas is pretty much like any other season when you are poor.

You might get to shop the market for used clothing.

If you are born a women, there is the life of unending chores...

... becoming a mother while still a child yourself.

These are our neighbors.  They surround our college campus on every side.  We do some things to express the love of Christ to them:  community schooling; skills- training; conservation agriculture; home-base care; pro-life counseling; community health evangelism.... 

At the Christmas season we are reminded that our Lord Jesus lived among the poor while he walked among us.  And that as we look into their eyes and extend a helping hand, we minister to Him.

Proverbs reminds us that God and the poor are so identified that right relations with the poor is lending to God.  “He who oppresses the poor insults his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him” (14:31).  “The one who is generous to the poor lends to the Lord who will reward him for those deeds” (19:17).  One Wisdom Commentary says,   “These astonishing sayings raise the poor to highest dignity.  They and the rich are regarded as equals, but the poor alone are identified with God.  God’s relationship with them is so complete that actions toward the poor are indistinguishable from actions toward God.”

Thank you for helping us touch these lives with the Good News!  Many of you helped us meet every need on our Christmas needs list!   For YOUR Zambian neighbors we say, "Twatotela Sana Mukwai!"  Your support touches many of Planet Earth's neediest people!  And what lovely affirmation we have in the old Christmas carol:   "He who now will bless the poor, shall himself find blessing."

Merry Christmas!

John & Ruth