"Crossing ten seas" is general council preparatory material with a difference, intended not just for delegates and other participants, but for congregations in Alliance member churches.

In 1552, John Calvin exclaimed that he would cross ten seas to promote the unity of the church.

In August 2004, delegations from 218 Alliance churches in more than 100 countries will "cross ten seas" to gather in Accra, Ghana, and bear witness to their common faith in the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Congregations in the same churches, without leaving home, can use the material in this folder to "cross ten seas" in imagination and sympathy, entering into all or some of fourteen studies from different points of the compass and parts of the world.

Each of the studies tells a story, looks to the Bible for meaning and asks questions.

They are suggested for use with Bible study groups, congregational fellowships, Christian education programmes and youth groups.

As we journey towards Accra 2004, we invite congregations around the world to add their voices, naming issues, offering insight, praying earnestly and reflecting biblically on what fullness of life means and how the witness of the Alliance family can make a difference.

What are the life-related issues facing your community? How is your congregation responding through prayer and mission? How are you working with others to bring fullness of life to all?