RISING – that was the word most associated with Africa during the dawn of the 21st Century. All over Africa, various indicators led to a sense of growing optimism: dictators were being replaced by democratically elected leaders; protracted conflicts were coming to an end; a middle class was emerging; foreign direct investment of over $500bn per year were flowing towards a continent seen as yielding the best return on investment; China and other major investors flocked the continent; and natural resources were being discovered at an amazing pace. It seemed, the long held image of a “dark continent” would become a thing of the past. Africa could no longer be described as “the hopeless continent.” Several magazines reversed their previous bleak prophecy and pronounced the continent as “hopeful.”
Some, now think the word – “rising” belongs to the past. Two factors have made this difference: first is the sudden drop in commodity prices, particularly oil, secondly, peace has eroded across large swathes of the continent. Due to a sharp increase in violence, generated mostly by Islamic extremists, the Boko Harams and the al-Shabaabs, the too-good-to-be-true picture has been shattered.
The question often asked is, “How can you build on a long history that encompasses colonial violence and paternalism, post-colonial domination, inept and corrupt leadership and the insecurity generated by internal and external factors?”
For any tangible and lasting progress, African and Africa must be included in the peace and development process. Efforts must be made and we must move from perceived and felt needs to identifying not just immediate solutions, but, long term solutions capable of making a lasting impact. We must approach the solutions from holistic and nuanced ways.
Against all odds, I have embarked on developing a number of sustainable projects that will be capable of providing ministry opportunities, creating much-needed jobs while simultaneously generating revenue for continuity – long after my exit – that is, if Jesus tarries! Our focus this year and in the foreseeable future will be in the areas of agriculture/community development, education, and health. Our evangelistic and church planting activities will continue to accompany each endeavor.
Behind the news media’s favorite themes – war, disease, corruption, and disaster, there is another story: The spirit of the Lord is unleashing a wondrous transforming work. The rate of conversion in some parts of Africa is said to be outstripping birth rates. Africa, the mission field of yesterday can become the mission base of tomorrow. Africa, the “Dark Continent”, may soon become God’s beacon to the world.
Bread for Life International is one of many indigenous tools God is using to build a better foundation. Together, we are making a significant, positive and lasting difference as together we take Jesus’ message to a rapidly changing continent through words and practical demonstration of love!
Some, now think the word – “rising” belongs to the past. Two factors have made this difference: first is the sudden drop in commodity prices, particularly oil, secondly, peace has eroded across large swathes of the continent. Due to a sharp increase in violence, generated mostly by Islamic extremists, the Boko Harams and the al-Shabaabs, the too-good-to-be-true picture has been shattered.
The question often asked is, “How can you build on a long history that encompasses colonial violence and paternalism, post-colonial domination, inept and corrupt leadership and the insecurity generated by internal and external factors?”
For any tangible and lasting progress, African and Africa must be included in the peace and development process. Efforts must be made and we must move from perceived and felt needs to identifying not just immediate solutions, but, long term solutions capable of making a lasting impact. We must approach the solutions from holistic and nuanced ways.
Against all odds, I have embarked on developing a number of sustainable projects that will be capable of providing ministry opportunities, creating much-needed jobs while simultaneously generating revenue for continuity – long after my exit – that is, if Jesus tarries! Our focus this year and in the foreseeable future will be in the areas of agriculture/community development, education, and health. Our evangelistic and church planting activities will continue to accompany each endeavor.
Behind the news media’s favorite themes – war, disease, corruption, and disaster, there is another story: The spirit of the Lord is unleashing a wondrous transforming work. The rate of conversion in some parts of Africa is said to be outstripping birth rates. Africa, the mission field of yesterday can become the mission base of tomorrow. Africa, the “Dark Continent”, may soon become God’s beacon to the world.
Bread for Life International is one of many indigenous tools God is using to build a better foundation. Together, we are making a significant, positive and lasting difference as together we take Jesus’ message to a rapidly changing continent through words and practical demonstration of love!