Our Vision for our Work in Africa

Consider, that around 1900 there was approximately 10 million Christians on the continent in Africa and now there are well over 300 million that would say they adhere to Christianity.

This is a massive shift and one that truly may be unprecedented for Christendom. As Amie and I have considered this issue, we have come to see the importance of training Africans in a solid biblical understanding of Christ and his Word as a necessity. With the great growth of Christianity there is a lack of "spiritual infrastructure" for the training of the next generations in the gospel and for the continuing outreach of the gospel to the nations and cultures who have not heard the good news in Africa.

We have been struck by the term "theological famine relief" as the key phrase of our vision for going to Africa. Here in North America we have so much wealth, education, and opportunities. Obviously, this is disproportionate in regards to what Africa has. "Today, unlike almost any other earlier period, the money and the strong education institutions of Christianity are in one part of the world, while the majority of the active believers are located elsewhere" (Mark Noll The New Shape of World Christianity). We here in North America still have a very important role to play in the booming church of what has been coined the 'global south.' We have a great responsibility to our brothers and sisters in these nations to share the education and theological knowledge that we take for-granted here.

"The gospel belongs to every one in every culture; it belongs to no one in any one culture in particular" (Noll, The New Shape of World Christianity). We must share what we have with other cultures and peoples and continue to pass on the good news of Jesus Christ and the riches we enjoy in Him. We must seek to continue to mobilize men and women from all nations to go to the rest of the nations that have not heard the good news.

Enter Pwani Bible Institute for the Chalmers. This small bible institute on the coast of Kenya in the city of Mombasa is where God has called us to work. To teach, to share our lives, and train up ministry workers for Kenya and the continent of Africa. We know this will not be easy. It is extremely difficult to leave everything and everyone we know and love here in Canada. The closer our departure date comes the harder it becomes. But, as our pastor said last Sunday, "a pilgrim doesn't truly have a home." Our home is with Christ and we are compelled by His love for us to share it with others in Mombasa.

We appreciate all your prayers, participation, and encouragement as we trust God on this journey to Africa.