AFARI had a table at the Mission network event outside the exhibit hall at Presbyterian General Assembly in San Jose for three hours on Sunday afternoon, June 22.

Here, Ram shares volunteer opportunities with a visitor while J.B. talks with a Rwandan pastor interested in how ARI's leadership training/sustainable agriculture focus enables pastors in rural areas to help their communities become healthier with local ideas and leadership.

Labels: AFARI News

On May 18, 2008, the combined choirs of First Congregational Church (Branford, CT) and First United Church on the Green (New Haven) presented a stirring performance of Brahms' Requiem at the Branfourd Church. The Benefit Concert for Asian Rural Institute was made possible by the Friends of Music, United Church on the Green, and the Marjorie and Ford Dickie Memorial Music Fund of First Congregational Church, Branford. Pre-concert special gifts were given by members of both churches -- many in honor of Roger Manners, former pastor of the Branford Church and founder of American Friends of ARI -- and a free-will offering added to the support which will be received by ARI.

Both congregations had ARI-awareness events in April which familiarized many people new to ARI with its mission. So thoughtfully planned by choir directors Rev. Kathryn Nichols and Dr. Mark Brombaugh (at whose wedding Roger was best man :-) and the churches' music committees, the many ARI board members able to be present were delighted at this new way of sharing the good news of ARI in the world!

Rev. J.B. Redding, AFARI board member, joined Kathryn following the concert. Sister J.B. eloquently presented Asian Rural Institute's mission to all those assembled for the concert, in a way that beautifully augmented the written information shared in the programs. Our hearts were deeply moved at her sharing the depths of meaning of ARI's presence in the world.





Brass section of the accompanying orchestra

Labels: AFARI News