Every craftsman knows the truth: without the right tools, the work is almost impossible. Ministry is no different. The most essential tool for any Christian leader is the Word of God, a Bible.
At the core of AFnet’s calling, lies a commitment to identify, train, and equip emerging African leaders to bring the Gospel to unreached communities, plant churches, and disciple new believers. Yet many of those we train lack access to even a usable Bible. Some young pastors have never owned one. And among the communities they serve, most families cannot afford a copy of God’s Word for themselves.
One reason why Africa is often described, spiritually, as “a river a mile wide and an inch deep” is the huge gap in effectively trained and equipped pastors, and with that the overwhelming lack of direct access to the Word of God. As Romans 10:17 reminds us, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Without the Word, faith cannot take root and grow strong.
Years ago, my grandparents understood this need. Though they never travelled far or preached a sermon, after they passed on, they left their life’s savings to AFnet to establish a Bible Fund so that every graduate of our training program could receive a high-quality study Bible. As a result, over the years, thousands of leaders have walked into ministry carrying not only a degree, a ministerial diploma or a certificate of completion, but also the living Word of God in their hands. My Grandparent’s insight, future vision, and obedience to what they figured their small inheritance could achieve in eternal dividends for God’s Kingdom, is what launched the Bible Fund. And already it has paid amazing Kingdom dividends on their behalf.
Today, however, that Bible Fund is almost empty. And sadly, over the past couple of years, we have not been able to provide this most vital tool to the men and women who are stepping out in ministry: by faith to lead, plant, and disciple. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” How can they guide others if they themselves have no lamp?
This is where you come in. Would you prayerfully consider helping us replenish, and even expand the Bible Fund? Your gift will help place a Bible into the hands of every new leader we train, and, were we can also into the hands of new believers as they come to Christ. Together we can ensure that the next generation of African leaders do not enter the harvest field without the one tool they cannot do without: the Word of God. Please help us again put a quality Study Bible into the hands of each of our graduates. Every pastor, evangelist and Christian leader we commission, those we send out to take the gospel to the last remaining dark corners of a Continent where many still live beyond the hope of the Evangel, needs a Bible in their toolkit.
A word from Johan
I learned a long time ago that, practically, you and I can never effectively qualify linguistically, culturally or otherwise to filling the shoes of the likes of those we train to serve on the frontlines of ministry today. However, you and I can make it possible for them to go. Already AFnet has trained, and continues to equip thousands of emerging Christian leaders, and we’re committed to continue doing so. At the same time, ready on the sidelines are many dedicated, committed servants of God, ready to be trained, commissioned, and to go wherever the Lord might send them. But, with the training, we must put the right tools into their hands, so they can do the job to which they are called. You can help us do exactly that!