I learned something this past week that really impacted me and confirmed that we are on the right track to make a lasting impact on Africa. I learned that between 1980 and 1988 the US government pumped $83 billion dollars of foreign aid into Sub-Saharan Africa. $83 billion dollars! During that same period of time living standards dropped and infant mortality rose. Once again, we learn that foregin aid does not disciple the hearts and minds of people. God uses people to disciple people.
After forty years of traveling all over the continent of Africa, I am convinced that the hope of changing Africa is a new generation of servant hearted, disciple making leaders. Leaders who think Biblically and act like the New Testament followers of Jesus.
Sally and I are giving our lives to train such leaders who will help lead this continent out of the morass of pain and poverty it is experiencing.
We are greatly inspired by the students who are gathered from 15 nations for CPx, our leadership school here in Cape Town. There are 68 amazing students in our school, 43 from all over Africa. They are the hope of changing Africa!
In three weeks time one of these leaders is launching ‘Explore Africa.’ Explore Africa is an initiative of short term and long term teams throughout the continent…the vision is to change Africa through making disciples, training leaders and planting simple, disciple making, leadership empowering movements. A big part of this will be abstinence “clubs” on university and high school campuses…the clubs will empower and encourage young men and women to live lives of sexual purity, to be disciplined followers of Jesus Christ, and serve as simple disciple making churches on their campuses.
If a new generation of young leaders do not disciple the nations of Africa, the nations will disciple the young leaders!
Another goal of “Explore Africa” is to raise up a new generation of servant leaders who are equipped to disciple nations. Sub-Saharan Africa has been evangelized many times but it has not been discipled. Outsiders can inspire temporary behavior modification in Africans but unless their minds are renewed from animistic world-views to a Biblical world-view the changes are only superficial. Animistic world views combined with poverty imprison people in dependency, hopelessness and a paralyzing victim mentality.
2 Responses to “Africa Does Not Need More Foreign Aid”
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I love this post! I’m so glad that there are people going to Africa that care about discipleship. I’m probably going to make a few people mad by saying this, but its easy to get converts in 3rd world countries. All you have to do is feed and clothe people. They’ll love you and Jesus, that is, until the food runs out. It’s a much hard to challenge to make disciples and teach people to endure and love Jesus in the midst of their poverty. Better yet, to rise above it and make an impact in other’s lives for the sake of the Kingdom. May God be with you and bless you and you strive to be faithful to calling He has place on your lives.
You are absolutely right! Africa does not need more foreign aid anymore than a baby needs candy or the unemployed needs welfare support. People all over the world are empowered to change their circumstances when they are given the economic opportunity and time leverage to do so.
When I think of foreign aid and Africa, I am reminded of the story in the Bible in Acts 3:6 when Peter and John walked up to the temple and were approached by the crippled begger. I am fascinated and intrigued by the reaction and response of Peter: “4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. .”
For most Africans to overcome their circumstances, three principles are demonstrated in this verse:
1. They have to get the attention of a role model: ” Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5So the man gave them his attention,”
2. They have to be offered the freedom that comes from salvation in Jesus Christ: “6Then Peter said, Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
3. They need someone to hold them up by their strong hand until their feet gets strong enough to be independent. “7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.”
Pastor Floyd, I believe your all-nations ministry and teams are doing exactly that through leadership and discipleship in Africa; God bless your heart for that. It is my prayer and desire that, one day, we will see an influx of Africans from all over the world joining hands with you, and others alike, to help establish the kingdom of God in Africa; where Justice, Righteousness and Loving kindness is the norm of all African societies.
Thank you and Amen.
Nabil Mensah
Hamilton Ontario.