First Writers Congress for East-Central Africa
More than 140 participants gathered for the first East-Central Africa Division writers congress, held March 27-30, 2007, at the Division offices near Nairobi, Kenya. Pastor J. K.K. Lumbu, Division Publishing Ministries Director, organized the meetings under the theme: “Writing for Life, Reading to Save.”
Those attending the three-day congress heard presentations on such topics as writing effectively, the importance of the writing ministry, legal issues in publishing, the role of publishing and writing in finishing God’s work on earth, and many other areas. Facilitators and presenters came from across Africa as well as from other parts of the world. They included Nancy Van Pelt, Adventist writer; Russ Holt, Vice President of Pacific Press Publishing Association for product development; and Oyeleke A. Owolabi, Publishing Ministries Director of the West-Central Africa Division.
The meetings will result in a renewed impetus in the East-Central Africa Division on developing writers from within the Division and across Africa. Those attending the meetings voted to put into place organizations and procedures for encouraging writers throughout Africa to prepare materials that are uniquely designed to meet local needs. Participants also expressed a commitment to being personally involved in the writing ministry and to dedicate themselves and their talents to further God’s work through writing.
Russ Holt, PPPA Vice President for Product Development
