Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF)™’s Post

Ministry can be some of the loneliest times — but it can also be some of the best times. Ladies, here are 5 helpful ways to build community with the ministry wives in your area: 1. Find out what the needs are and meet those. Have a conversation with them to see what they need. It might be teaching on how to reconnect with Jesus, how to be more effective in personal ministry, or something else entirely. 2. Have lots of “get to know you” activities. Ministry wives are busy and might not be able to make every gathering. So, be intentional with your time and think of meaningful questions that will foster authentic conversations beforehand. 3. Get out of their normal environment. Sometimes, it can be tempting to hold an event at a church, but attendees may not be able to relax in that environment. Consider going to a park or coffee shop or renting a home for a fun retreat. 4. Consider teaching them a skill. Finances can be difficult for ministry families. Helping women develop a skill they could potentially use as a side hustle is a great way to foster community and empower them. 5. Rejoice Together. It can be easy to talk about what is hard, but it is just as important to celebrate what God is doing through your different ministries! | #BetterTogether

The Power of Strong Communication and Family Relationships for Progress and Development As we gather with loved ones during the end-of-year and New Year festivities, it is a time of reflection and renewal. For many, this season brings the joy of family reunions, the warmth of shared memories, and the opportunity to strengthen bonds that sustain us throughout the year. Yet, it is also a moment to recognize the profound role that strong family relationships and communication play—not only in our personal lives but in the advancement of society as a whole. Strong communication and relationships, particularly within families, are the foundation of progress at every level of society. These bonds create an environment of trust, understanding, and shared purpose, which are critical for driving organizational performance, fostering innovation, and advancing technology. In families, open and effective communication nurtures collaboration, mutual respect, and problem-solving skills, which ripple outward to strengthen communities, organizations, and nations. Conversely, poor family networks have a profoundly negative impact on society. When family bonds weaken, social cohesion erodes, leading to a lack of guidance for younger generations, increased social unrest, and diminished national development. Families serve as the first place where values such as accountability, empathy, and resilience are cultivated—qualities that are essential for leadership and innovation. In Africa, the ubuntu philosophy—a culture rooted in interconnectedness, compassion, and the belief that "I am because we are"—offers a powerful framework for safeguarding family bonds. This cultural heritage not only strengthens familial ties but also promotes collaboration and unity across broader societal structures. Protecting and nurturing this environment of family support and ubuntu culture is critical for Africa’s growth. As we move forward into the new year, Africa must invest in policies and initiatives that promote strong family units, prioritize communication skills, and uphold the values of ubuntu. Families should be seen not merely as social units but as pivotal contributors to organizational success, societal innovation, and national progress. By preserving these bonds, Africa can unlock its full potential and ensure sustainable development for generations to come.

Very powerful article: I’m not saying I’m not scarred. But scars do fade’: Baroness Lola Young on her childhood in care. I have taken the below three points from the interview: 1. Every child has potential, but they need the right support to thrive. Lola Young’s story proves that children can achieve amazing things, even when life begins with hardship. But this requires stable homes, caring adults, and safe environments. Without these essentials, many children are denied the chance to succeed. We must rebuild a care system that equips every child with the tools they need to realise their full potential. 2. Belonging and love are transformative for children in care. Children in care often grow up feeling unwanted and disconnected. Lola’s journey shows the life-changing power of feeling valued and loved. When children feel like they matter, they gain confidence and strength to face the world. The system must prioritise building real, lasting relationships that foster this sense of belonging. 3. The care system must prioritise children, not just its processes. Too often, the care system is focused on maintaining its own operations rather than meeting the real needs of children. Lola’s experiences highlight the harm caused by constant moves, substandard housing, and lack of attention to individual well-being. We need a system designed to nurture children with better homes, stability, and a commitment to their futures. https://lnkd.in/ePHZ992e

How can placing families at the heart of politics help rebuild communities? In our latest blog, we discuss insights from The Centre for Social Justice’s May 2024 report, exploring the role of family, marriage, and community in tackling the UK’s loneliness crisis. #FamilyFirst #Community #CSJReport https://lnkd.in/e4zJzZ7i

I'm always so proud of my brilliant friend, Sofia Caballero Stafford, for dedicating her kind heart, brilliant mind, and tenacious spirit to improving health outcomes for communities facing systemic disadvantage. “I trained as a doula to be able to support moms, particularly women of color who have the highest rates of preventable maternal mortality—and that’s actually increasing, not decreasing in the United States,” shares Sofia. “I really wanted to be able to serve the Spanish-speaking community in particular, and was looking for an outlet to do that.” The Doulas en Español model is centered around partnerships that allow the collective to share their expertise and cultural background and fill a gap in the maternal health system." Learn more about GoFundMe Heroes, Doulas en Español, below.

The specialized Community Conference on Family Security, organized in collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, was held in Sharm El-Sheikh. The conference aimed to enhance awareness and promote the importance of family security and strengthen ethical and social values in society.🎓 The conference witnessed the attendance of a significant number of officials and participants from various sectors, including scholars, clerics, academics, and experts in the field of family security and upbringing. Several sessions, seminars, and workshops were organized to discuss issues related to family security, its challenges, and ways to address them. The importance of the family as a fundamental unit in society and its role in raising righteous generations and contributing to the construction of a cohesive and interconnected community were highlighted. Various topics were discussed, such as proper upbringing, child protection and rights, domestic violence, effective family communication, and the role of religion and values in enhancing family security. Experiences and successful practices in the field of family security were shared through interactive sessions and scientific discussions. The role of youth and the efforts they can make to enhance family security through active participation in society and adopting the right values were emphasized. Attending the specialized Community Conference on Family Security is an important step in building and promoting awareness about the significance of family security and strengthening ethical and social values in society. Participants hope that this conference will lead to practical and effective implementation of the concepts and knowledge discussed, in order to achieve family security and general societal well-being.♥️

Today, on International Children's Day, we are faced with the bitter truth that children are often undervalued and overlooked in our society. The physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our young ones is being compromised due to the actions, inactions, and decisions of parents, guardians, and members of society at large. The consequences of parental and societal neglect, abuse, and indifference towards children have led to a world where young lives are physically and psychologically oppressed and disregarded. We see it in the rising numbers of child labour, poverty, hunger, and homelessness. We see it in the lack of access to quality education and healthcare. We see it in the devastating impact of war, conflict, and displacement on innocent young minds. We see it in early child marriage, where a girl who should still be playing with her dolls is forced to grow up and play the role of a wife and a mother. Many children grow up in toxic environments where they lack the love, attention, and guidance they need to become holistic adults. But today, we must renew our commitment to raising our future generation in the best way possible, bearing in mind that a holistic child makes a holistic adult. But a broken and traumatised child? 🤔 We demand a world where children are cherished, protected, and empowered. A world where their laughter, curiosity, and dreams are nurtured, not silenced. As parents, guardians, caregivers, and members of society at large, let us: 📌Advocate for policies that prioritise child well-being and ensure a safe, healthy environment for all children. 📌Hold ourselves accountable for the choices we make that impact children, both directly and indirectly. 📌Support organisations working to empower and protect children. 📌Be a voice for children who cannot speak for themselves. Let's confront the harsh truths and take collective responsibility for creating a brighter future for our children. Together, we can build a world where children are valued, loved, and given the chance to live and not just exist. #InternationalChildrensDay #ChildrensRights #EmpowerTheNextGeneration #Childrenswellbeing #UNICEF --------------------------- P.S Before you take the decision to end that marriage or you know someone who is about taking that decision, I'll recommend the book: The Effect of Divorce On Children Under The Age Of 18 by Lorenzo Barr and you will be glad you did.

Second Heaven Strategies Message - It's not okay to forego family gatherings over ideological disagreements. Ask The Glenns December 10th Workshop. Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/gmbsfpRN If you've been watching the news this post-election holiday season, you've most likely seen the segment on the topic of family gatherings where the professional suggests that it's okay to decline the invitation. Turn it off. The holidays are here—a time for laughter, connection, and, yes, a little bit of chaos. Especially now, many of us have felt tempted to RSVP “No” to family gatherings because of that cousin’s Facebook posts or your uncle’s unsolicited political commentary. It's easy to think, “Why subject myself to the tension?” But here’s the thing: family is about more than ideological alignment. Foregoing family gatherings because of differing beliefs creates an echo chamber where only like-minded voices are welcome. That’s not healthy for us—or society. If we can’t sit across the table from family who think differently, how can we engage with the world at large? The truth is that Aunt Amy's cranberry sauce isn’t any less delicious because she votes differently, and Grandpa’s stories aren’t less meaningful because he watches a different news channel. Instead of canceling, lean in. Listen with curiosity, set boundaries if needed, and focus on what unites rather than divides. If you have an issue with family - major or contrite, legal or philosophical - Darryl and Jane Glenn encourage you to register for their December 10th, Ask The Glenns interactive workshop. You'll have an opportunity to ask questions about your specific issue and leave with knowledge, insight, ideas and other tools to apply to your situation. Workshop Topics: - Disputes Between Parents - Custody and Parenting Time - Major Decisions Regarding School, Medical, Extracurricular Activities - Other Family Disputes - Decisions Concerning Aging Parents - Strife over Family Property - Unique Disputes - Modification of Court Orders - Issues Between Parents and Children - More! Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/gmbsfpRN Every month Darryl and Jane Glenn offer three workshops in their areas of expertise - family, property and work. With their combined expertise in family law, land use/property rights, workplace dynamics and public policy, along with their love for people, they can help you creatively solve just about any problem you're facing and hopefully strengthen meaningful relationships in the process. Learn more about Second Heaven Strategies, mediation and personal coaching services, and Ask the Glenns workshops today! https://lnkd.in/gcCiGgNd Please share this post, Like and Follow our Second Heave Strategies Page, Join our Group and attend one of our workshops. #secondheavenstrategies @followers @highlight @everyone

A brilliantly written request for consideration and action by Peter addressing the Aged Care Bill. It should not be given the green light. If it is enacted in its current form, the consequences on those receiving services in their home will verge on the catastrophic. Critical information has not been included as part of this review and stated they will be provided as legislative instrument. How can any bill be considered if the rules, pricing and other critical provisions not yet defined or not provided as a whole, be considered or given the green light. It is clear from lived experience testimony that many have been harmed by legislative instruments used to make amendment to the Aged Care Act 1997. These changes are made without consultancy or knowledge and people made aware based on impact. It’s created complex and administratively intense processes with constant changes to the goal posts. Recipients, their family and informal carers and representatives have been impacted mentally, emotionally and physically, all singing the same tune. Make no mistake, this has become a fight for survival. We hope that the voices of the few who speak for the many are heard loudly and clearly. There is NO confusion or hidden meanings in the words or the lived experience stories that have been shared by those able to give testimony. All are speaking the same. We need to do better for all people.

Amazing article from our CEO, Kirsten Olson Children & Families First Quality prenatal care matters!