It’s with deep gratitude, that we can say, your prayers and generous support continue to sustain and strengthen the work God has entrusted to us across Africa. Because of you, lives are being touched, leaders are being equipped, and the gospel is advancing.
Over many years of ministry, one message has come through with consistent clarity. The future strength of the Church in Africa rests significantly in the investment we make in the next generation of indigenous leaders. This is not simply a strategic insight. It is a biblical priority. As Paul instructed Timothy, “the things you have heard from me… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).
At AFnet, we are not stepping away from our threefold calling of training pastors, planting churches, and caring for AIDS orphans. Rather, we are sharpening our focus within that calling. We are intentionally giving greater attention to emerging, younger leaders, while continuing to serve and strengthen the pastors already faithfully laboring across the region.
This investment is not about control or outside direction. It’s about coming alongside fellow African Leadership, in a role to help train, coach, mentor, and resource. Our aim is to support them so they can more effectively reach their own communities with the truth of God’s Word. Scripture reminds us, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). While there is great passion and zeal among leaders, there yet remains a pressing need for solid biblical training and deeper theological understanding.
We are encouraged to report that God is already at work in this renewed focus. Apart from our 2 year in-service Bible School curriculum and other training platforms, we are now into the second of a new three-year, multi-regional training and mentoring course, with over 1,000 pastors actively participating, and engaged in this accredited program. The hunger for truth, the eagerness to grow, and the commitment to serve are evident in every training session. As you read this, our team will be traveling, training and ministering across Zambia. Please pray with us for each of the events in Livingstone (April 10-11), Lusaka (April 13-14), Chingola (April 16-17) and Kasama (April 24-25).
Looking ahead, and in response to invitations we’ve received from surrounding countries, we’re preparing to expand this training into Malawi and Tanzania later this year. Already over the past 2 years we’ve had plenty of cross-border participation, with leaders from adjacent countries; Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, the Congo and Tanzania, joining our various training seminars. Therefore, our prayer is to see this initiative extend throughout southern Africa in the coming years. Our goal is to invest in, and help develop greater Biblical literacy among thousands of eager Christian leaders desirous to be more effectively trained and equipped. And, who in turn will influence and impact churches, communities, and nations all over Africa.
“Your partnership makes this possible. Thank you for standing with us so faithfully. We ask you to continue praying for wisdom, strength, and open doors. And, if the Lord so leads, we also invite you to consider increasing your regular support or making a special gift toward the expanding needs of this ministry. Together, we can help raise an army of younger emerging leaders effectively rooted in truth and equipped for lasting impact. As Scripture encourages us, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).”
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.