Office of the President
Amazing Africans
The greatest resource on the continent of Africa is its people. Culturally and linguistically
diverse, deeply relational, and spiritually sensitive, they number nearly
1.2 billion people, with at least 3,000 distinct ethnicities. While colonialization,
the slave trade, corruption, political
instability, war, and poverty have
impacted millions in Africa, so has
the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Looking at the religious contours
of Africa, the people south of the
Sahara are predominantly Christian
and animist. Responsiveness to
the Gospel there is relatively high.
Those living north of the Sahara,
where responsiveness is usually
much lower, are mostly Muslim. In
between is a tension belt, an area
where the call of the minaret and the message of Christ are being broadcast to
people simultaneously. Here, both are vying for the allegiance of Africans.
From Boko Haram in Nigeria to al-Shabab in Kenya, a strong effort rooted
in Islamic fundamentalism is seeking to use intimidation and force to influence
those living in the tension belt. Churches have been destroyed, and persecution,
even the killing of followers of Christ, is on the rise in the tension belt.
How can we as followers of Christ help Africans, especially those living in the
tension belt, stand strong for the Lord, growing as disciples and sharing their faith
with others? These three strategic investments can make a difference:
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