Dr Filimao Chambo
The past year was extraordinary in many ways. At the end of September 2010, Africa Region reached the half million mark with total Church membership of 511,373. We recognize that this growth is a result of the dedication of the local churches, districts, and fields across the region, and we thank God for their commitment to making Christ like disciples in Africa.
During 2010, the work of the church was evident in ongoing ministry across the region.
· The JESUS Film continued to be instrumental in saturation evangelism.
· Africa Region Literature & Publication Ministry provided 71,500 volumes for evangelism, discipleship and ministerial training across the region.
· NCM and Helping Hands Africa faithfully led the Church of the Nazarene Africa Region to respond appropriately to the various humanitarian and socio economic challenges faced by the people of Africa. We applaud those partnering with NCM/HHA in finding resources to complement those provided by the local people.
· Nazarene Missions International facilitated a number of workshops and seminars in Missions. There is a growing hunger across the region to learn about and participate in mission work of the church. Africa Region is increasing its participation in funding the mission.
· One of the highlights for NYI was GOL 2010. Over three billion people watched the FIFA World Cup held in South Africa through June and July 2010. The Church of the Nazarene initiative GOL2010, a soccer evangelism strategy was utilized as a curriculum for weeklong GOL soccer camps, special day soccer camps, VBS, and other youth gatherings throughout Africa to communicate the gospel.
· A highlight in the Sunday School and Discipleship International ministry area was the growing number of intentional organized ministry activities for children, youth and adults ministries to effectively nurture the believers with the Word of God. NCM Africa and SDMI are working together to reach out to children through equipping children’s ministry workers and providing holistic ministry through local churches and Child Development Centres.
· Communications – Radio Broadcast continues to be an important ministry tool to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the continent of Africa.
Education: the highlight was the launch of Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU), a new Nazarene University, in Swaziland in October 2010. The creation of the university was the final step in the transition from three separate Nazarene Colleges in Swaziland – College of Education (1936), College of Nursing (1928), and the College of Theology (1912) to one university.
Centennial Celebration – Church of the Nazarene in Swaziland: While this was a Swaziland celebration in many ways it was a celebration for the church on the continent. This was a celebration of God’s faithfulness and the faithfulness of Nazarene Missions. The Church of the Nazarene in Africa is a product of the commitment and dedication of men and women of faith who embraced God’s call to missions. The mission to go into all nations to make disciples, rooted in a holiness and missional passion, led to the establishment of the Church of the Nazarene in Africa beginning in 1901 in Cape Verde and 1910 in Swaziland. The centennial celebration gave us an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the ministry of those who have gone before us, those who laid the foundation for the establishment and expansion of the Church in Africa. We stand in awe of the Lord as we witness His grace for His people in Africa in this generation.
As we look ahead to the new year of 2011, may we resolve to follow and obey the guidance of the Lord in all we do. May this be our prayer, "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long" (Psalm 25:4-5).
As followers of Jesus Christ, let us make a commitment to keep Scriptural holiness ablaze all over Africa in 2011.
Prayer is the vital force that will bring about God's vision and mission for the Africa Region. Once again, I call all Nazarenes in Africa and around the world to pray and fast with us as we answer the call 'to make Christlike disciples in Africa' who will, in turn, impact the world for Christ.
I am confident that you will be inspired as you review the various pages that describe our mission, vision, and objectives on the Africa Region.