All members and associates of S.M.A. are committed to living the Gospel primarily among Africans and those of African descent. The special calling of all the branches of S.M.A. is (in the words of our Founder) a ministry to “the most abandoned,” or those most forgotten by the rest of the world, wherever we are sent. Working with today’s most abandoned–street children, leprosy patients, AIDS victims, people with disabilities, refugees, war victims–S.M.A. Lay Missionaries are committed to our African brothers and sisters.

The S.M.A. Lay Missionaries (headquartered in the U.S.) normally serve in Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Liberia, as well as the U.S. In these countries, we continually strive to respond to the needs of the people among whom we are living, always keeping in mind the call of Jesus to go forth and share the Good News.

VALUES OF S.M.A. LAY MISSIONARIES

S.M.A. Lay Missionaries hold to the following values (among others):

We dedicate ourselves to the mission of Jesus Christ according to the spirit and calling of the wider Society of African Missions.

We believe that the Church needs the time, gifts, commitment, dedication and energies of all its members to fulfill its universal call to mission. Collaboration of Laity, Religious, and Priests is a response to the needs of the world and the Church today.

We work closely with other units (entities) of S.M.A. in Africa, the U.S., and elsewhere. In accord with the S.M.A. calling, we also work in cooperation with the local Church and with other missionary organizations.

We hope to develop spiritual values, including personal transformation in Christ as inseparable from the missionary calling. Growth toward holiness, or developing in relationship to God, self, others and the environment, is crucial for the missionary.

We believe that mission transcends cultural boundaries, reverencing diversity and uniting “all the scattered children of God.”

We rely on celebrating the Eucharist together and common prayer as essential for mission.

We place a strong emphasis on community. Community includes serving, supporting, and caring for one another, and simplicity of lifestyle.

We have a spirituality that is shown through prayer and ministries directed toward justice, care and concern for the marginalized among whom we live and work.