As we approach the close of another year and the celebration of Christmas, my heart is full of gratitude. This season draws our attention back to the central truth of our faith: that Christ, the eternal Son of God, became human for our redemption. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Christmas is more than the story of a child in a manger. It is the story of the King of Kings identifying fully with us - taking on flesh, giving all of Himself, and laying down His life for our salvation. That kind of sacrificial giving is both our example and our calling as children of God and citizens of His Kingdom.
Looking back over four decades of ministry, I see God’s hand at work. There have been seasons of abundance and times of scarcity, yet in both we have learned to be content and to trust in His sufficiency (Philippians 4:11–13). There were moments when resources seemed too little for the task, yet God multiplied them, and the work pressed forward. Like the boy who brought his five loaves and two fish, we have placed what little we had into the Master’s hands, and He has made it enough.
By God’s grace, this small mission has left a deep footprint across Africa. Churches have been planted and multiplied. Thousands of leaders have been trained and equipped. Communities have been transformed by the Incarnate presence of Christ birthed through His Church. Orphans and widows have been cared for, and countless lives have been redeemed for eternity. Only heaven will reveal the full fruit of these labors.
But, as you know, ministry is never without its trials. The past few years especially have been testing. As funding declined, I often felt the weight of responsibility pressing heavily. In my weakest moments, the Lord’s words came alive: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). I was reminded of Billy Graham’s words: “It’s not until we come to the end of ourselves that we come to the beginning of God.”
Friends, God has sustained this ministry for 40 years: not because of human strength, but because of His faithfulness and the faithful partnership of His people. And now, as we enter this Christmas season and the year’s end, I must ask you to prayerfully consider joining us once more in advancing His work across Africa.
This Christmas, as we remember God’s gift of His Son, let us ask ourselves: If Christ gave all of Himself for me, what can I give for Him?
A word from Johan
Your year-end gift - sewn into this ministry - becomes more than a financial contribution. It becomes part of Christ’s mission to the nations. It equips leaders, strengthens churches, and extends the reach of the Gospel to the unreached. Like the wise men who brought their treasures to the feet of Christ, may we too bring our best to the service of His Kingdom. Would you prayerfully consider a significant, tax-deductible year-end contribution to AFnet? Your generosity will empower us to re-engage in ministry in even more strategic ways than ever before. With deep gratitude, and with prayer for a blessed Christmas.