by Rae Burnett

SOME Christians in Africa have a reputation of being on fire for the Lord, but indigenous ministries helped by Christian Aid are looking for more than short-lasting emotions and enthusiasm. They are committed to making disciples who make disciples, who make disciples. This is the key to spiritual work that lasts.

From east to west and north to south, throughout the entire continent of Africa, financial help from Christian Aid has enabled indigenous ministries to build missionary and discipleship training schools to ensure that workers will be properly prepared to fulfill their callings.

This help has also made possible discipleship conferences which have had a profound effect in many nations, producing many new missionaries and serious candidates enrolled in schools of missions.

Every ministry has its own vision, revealed by the Lord to it’s leader. Here are some of the fruitful projects made possible by gifts from Christian Aid:

1. Hundreds of missionaries have carried out “tentmaking” projects, such as this soldering shop. Work projects are necessary in remote unreached areas, especially where Islam is entrenched, as newcomers are often viewed with suspicion. Unless they have a visible means of income, missionaries are suspected to be thieves (where do they get money to live?) They also serve to build relationships, thus opening doors for the gospel.

2. Cars, vans, buses, bicycles, donkey and horse carts, as well as boats and motorcycles, have been provided. These have greatly increased the productiveness of thousands of native missionaries who would otherwise have to walk long distances taking the gospel where it has never been preached.

3. As missionaries go to remote villages with the gospel, monthly support from Christian Aid provides the needs of their families while they are gone.

4. Christian Aid has provided help to construct numerous village churches, like the one below, where new converts make bricks and construct walls for a place to meet. Often they must wait and pray for U. S. donors to send money to buy roofing, doors and windows.

5. Christian Aid donors have also shared in blessing many redeemed lives through supporting orphanages and schools to reach and equip the next generation for Christ.

Let us continue to participate in the work we cannot do ourselves by sending help to native missionaries whom the Lord has called and empowered to do it. For more information, contact Rae Burnett at rae@christianaid.org.