Teach a man to fish, and he can provide for himself
and his family for a lifetime. With wisdom and discernment,
may we discover ways to help generously
while not hurting or hindering.
Focus on evangelism and discipleship. The danger
of the church in Africa being a mile wide but only an
inch deep is precluded when evangelism and discipleship
are intimately linked.
Train the leaders. The importance of Christ-dependent,
wise, servant leaders who walk in humility and
integrity cannot be overemphasized. Leaders who
are daily dying to self to live for Jesus and others
must be trained and then empowered and released
to be and do all that God desires throughout Africa.
Having lived and worked among Africans in the tension belt, I found myself
amazed by them over and over again. Many were rich in joyful dependence upon
God in the midst of overwhelming economic poverty. Doing much with little, they
had dignity and grace. Their worship and prayer often moved me to tears. Their
hospitality was overwhelmingly gracious. I loved these amazing people and delighted
in having a small part in helping some of them know, love, worship, and
serve an awesome God, their Creator and Redeemer.
While the remaining challenge is great, Christ is greater. Let’s do all we can to
empower African Christians. Let’s embrace teaching people how to fish instead
of just handing out fish. Let’s invest strategically in evangelism and discipleship,
seeing African churches birthed, strengthened, and multiplying. And let’s not neglect
the training of God-loving, Christ-honoring, Spirit-empowered servants to
lead the church and to carry out its mission.
Bob Fetherlin
photos page 4, top: Africans fish. bottom, L: New believers are baptized in Lake Kivu
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). R: DRC youth worship under a tree.
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