With over thirty years active involvement across Africa, AFnet’s overall strategy of training leaders, planting churches, and an active outreach among AIDS orphans, is well established. But, it must be understood that AFnet’s role has never been one of “ownership”. Rather, we see ourselves as strategic Partners, and not owning any projects, ministry outreach, ministry events; nor dictators of the process in any given area, region or nation.
We believe that collaboration is at the heart of the Great Commission. Clearly, community and team is the structure that Jesus Himself modelled with His Disciples. At our core, therefore, is a commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with Local Churches, National Christian leaders and Believers; to empower and support local ministries in their efforts to reach their communities and nations with the Gospel. That commitment will continue as long as AFnet exists
Considering this, and while transitioning executive and field ministry responsibilities to a next generation leadership, we’ve prayerfully begun a personal paradigm shift towards understanding our own ongoing specific role over the next decade.
After a lot of personal reflection, we already see our role developing more into identifying, training, mobilizing and equipping younger emerging leaders from around southern-Africa to engage in a transformational journey with us. One of engagement, growth, coaching and mentoring.
I believe that the foundational elements of this process should include specific engagement with Scriptural Teaching to deepen CONVICTION. At the same time, modelling and learning from seasoned and experienced leaders can help grow and cultivate more mature CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER. Networking and helping to open doors for younger, less connected emerging leaders, will help them form more meaningful peer and mature mentor relationships within the network. And this helps build better COMMUNITY. But being recognized and COMMISSIONED, while also receiving the necessary tools and encouragement for ministry, is equally important to serve and sustain a long-term ministry calling.
We see this as a legacy leaving opportunity in which to invest, Lord willing, the last part of our active, hands-on ministry involvement. I don’t see a greater duty for us than to actively invest in an upcoming, emerging, younger generation Christian leadership, that which we have learned and experienced over our lifetime. Clearly, this also fits in well with AFnet’s overall objectives, which has always included the establishment of regional, national and a continental network providing mentorship, training, and collaboration opportunities. Thank you for continuing on this exciting journey with us.
Johan and Christa
A word from Johan
We know the end of the Story; that, before the Throne of God will stand
people from every tribe, language, and people, worshiping God for
what He has done in their lives.
Therefore, as you continue to commit yourself to the Lord’s purpose
for your life and involvement in this great Task over the course of 2023,
may you not be surprised by how He might speak to you as to your role
and ongoing involvement. As you pray for us, so we will pray for you,
that together and in synergy we may fulfil our call and commission as
co-laborers on His Harvest Force!