Christ-Centred Churches AFRICAJun-Sep 20 Among all African Peoples www.aimint.org/ap news

Christ-Centred Churches AmongAfter all African Peoples 125 years, we are still making Christ-Centred Churches Among Jesusall African Peoples known,

Christ-Centred Churches Among all African Peoples

You can help the work continue…

• Go and make disciples among ’s 1,000 unreached people groups • Pray for God to do marvellous things and send more workers into His harvest • Support in practical ways

Find out more on aimint.org/ap aimstories.com PrayAfrica.org Just Brieflynews from Africa and the Asia-Pacific New Council Member: Workers remain in Africa: Please check updates on our website, Laura Sleeman became a member Most workers from AIM Asia- www.aimint.org/ap or call the office of the AIM Asia-Pacific Council in Pacific have remained in Africa during nearer the time. March when the Council met by video the COVID-19 pandemic. Pray for the Aitken Family set for Madagascar: conference. Laura (pictured) previously well-being of our workers and for those Jeremy and Felicity Aitken are set for served with AIM in but is they serve. Pray God will do marvellous a return to Africa to serve in a hospital now working with a private firm in things in this time of lockdown. in Madagascar in 2021. Pray for the Melbourne. AIM AGM and Event in September: family, who are currently on leave of The proposed 5 September absence in Melbourne, and expecting Afternoon Tea with AIM event to their fourth child mid-2020. celebrate 125 years of AIM is unlikely to occur due to lockdown and travel ePrayerLink: restrictions. The proposed Annual Weekly prayer emails are being used General Meeting of Africa Inland to give updates on workers and ministry Mission Ltd. may be delayed and may in Africa. Request your copy by “Signing occur by video conferencing, accessible up for prayer information” on by members on computer or telephone. www.aimint.org/ap/pray In the Life of Africa Inland Mission Test your knowledge about AIM, after 125 years of service. Answers on page 5.

Across 3. Mission that began in 1895 4. Hospital established by early AIMers 9. Disease that killed many early missionaries 10. Early mode of transport to Africa 11. First Australian involved in AIM 13. Capital of South Down 14. First AIM missionary 1. Kenya’s closest neighbour 2. Capital of Chad 5. Australian doctor based at Kijabe 16. Book written about Ben & Winsome Webster 6. Capital of Kenya 19. Valley stretching from Lebanon to Mozambique 7. Scott’s planned destination 21. Website for mission prayer material 8. Capital of 22. Hong Kong has been involved in AIM ...years 12. Port in Kenya 23. First missionaries to Chad 15. Country where work began by AIM 17. Australian family long associated with AIM 18. Capital of Rwanda 20. Translator of Nandi Bible

Africa Inland Mission Ltd. Africa Inland Mission PO Box 328 International, Hong Kong Gosford NSW 2250 Australia PO Box 70238 AFRICAJun-Sep 20 Kowloon Central Hong Kong www.aimint.org/ap news T 02 4322 4777 T (852) 2770 5380 Africa Inland Mission English-language magazine of E director.h [email protected] International, New Zealand Africa Inland Mission Asia-Pacific Mobilising Region. PO Box 13457 Onehunga Auckland 1643 New Zealand Editor Len Lesleighter Christ-Centred Churches E [email protected] T 09 281 4595 E [email protected] Among all African Peoples

Cover: Africa Inland Mission celebrates 125 years since its foundation in 1895. You can be a part of the next chapter!

• Africa Inland Mission — www.aimint.org/ap Christ-Centred Churches 2 Among all African Peoples

Christ-Centred Churches Among all African Peoples

Christ-Centred Churches Among all African Peoples Preparing for COVID-19 in Kenya frica Inland Church’s Kijabe out what we could make using local Kenya. The hospital’s mission is to Hospital in Kenya is preparing for materials, and it is very satisfying to see “Glorify God through compassionate the COIVID-19 pandemic. this bearing fruit now,” Sue said. health care provision, excellent training AAfrica Inland Mission workers from Teams have made 2,000 simple but and spiritual ministry in Christ Jesus.” Australia, Dr Peter and Sue Bird are effective face shields, more than 500 Please pray for those at Kijabe as among the team. masks and about 200 medical gowns. they deliver health care to those in need Mrs Bird said this was involving Kijabe serves patients from all over during these difficult COVID-19 times. medical and non-medical people alike. Kenya and other African countries. Please pray for those at “Those of us who are not involved An 80-bed wing has been created for in the medical work, have been working COVID-19 patients, with five ventilated Kijabe as they deliver on making face masks, gowns, caps and ICU beds. health care to those in clear face shields. The hospital is a faith-based hospital need during these difficult “A few of us did research to find sponsored by the Africa Inland Church, COVID-19 times.

Down Sue Bird and the team wearing their own handmade face masks while sewing 1. Kenya’s closest neighbour green ones for the hospital. Kijabe ICU staff. They need you (to stay home), or you might need them (to keep you alive). 2. Capital of Chad 5. Australian doctor based at Kijabe 6. Capital of Kenya 7. Scott’s planned destination 8. Capital of Uganda 12. Port in Kenya Money Boxes — 15. Country where work began by AIM 17. Australian family long associated with AIM For Such a Time as This 18. Capital of Rwanda Thank you for all those who have You can deposit your money boxes 20. Translator of Nandi Bible been saving change in our 125-year in our ANZ bank account in: Anniversary money boxes. Thanks to Australia (012633 469013706) or those who have already transferred funds New Zealand (06 0241 0909688-00). from their box to AIM. Please advise AIM of your deposit on the phone numbers below or by email Your change ([email protected] in Australia or [email protected] in New Zealand. is greatly Please order your new money box from AIM in: valued in this Australia (Phone 02 4322 4777) or New Zealand (09 281 4595). turbulent time Thank you for your support and for praising God for His faithfulness of Covid-19. in AIM’s 125 years of service. AFRICA news — June to September 2020 • 3 When the Sacrifice Brings Joy How the Karamojong People of Northern Uganda Delight in the Lord Story by Kristin Andre. Photos by Jordan Andre he Karamojong are a people group who live off the beaten path. Theirs is a way of life Tmost of us think of when we think about Africa. Their houses are made of mud and sticks, they don’t wear much in the way of clothing (especially the children), and they are a semi-nomadic people who can often be found herding their livestock all over North Eastern Uganda. They lead very simple lives, and often men in the culture have more than one wife and many, many kids. But there was something so beautiful about sitting with them after one of their church gatherings outside Kotido, Uganda, on an unusually rainy day in late November. I was blown away by their generosity and love for Christ and one another. They have next to nothing, yet here they were, bringing buckets, bags of food, multiple goats to be sold as an offering in celebration of the completion of the church building, which will serve as a community centre and gathering place for them all. Now, you and I might think a church building is a bit of a silly thing: a thing of the past; no longer needed. Why waste money building such a thing when we can gather anywhere? We are the church, after all, right? It’s the people, not the building. But to the Karamojong, this building (which isn’t even a fully walled-in structure, but rather simply short walls and a tin roof) represents way more than just a structure to host Sunday church gatherings. It’s a place for them to gather together in the name of Christ to lift his name high, as well as a place to celebrate together the big things in life: coming of age ceremonies, weddings, anniversaries, a place to mourn the dead together, and a place to learn new skills and share meals as a community.

4 • Africa Inland Mission — www.aimint.org/ap A Karamojong boy walks through sticky mud while tending to his family’s herd of livestock.

The completion of the church building meant so much to them. I wish you could have seen them! They danced and sang for hours, until some were dripping with sweat. And after that? They came together and shared in the bounty of delicious peanuts they’d grown and prepared the rest of the food to be sold, with all of the proceeds to be given as an offering. The amount of food was more than I could have imagined. They all just kept bringing offerings of food. It was truly a beautiful sight. People who have next to nothing by Western standards, giving sacrificially and joyfully. I couldn’t help but think of the poor widow Jesus talks about in Mark 12. ‘He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor woman also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”’ (NAB) Sacrificial giving is the kind of giving that is done at great personal cost to the giver. The Karamojong people gave sacrificially that day. But here’s the kicker – their sacrifice brought them all so much joy. They gave sacrificially AND joyfully. What a beautiful people and a beautiful picture of Christ’s kingdom come. Karamoja is the ministry location for AIM Asia-Pacific workers Nita Finger (Au) and

Bruce and Christine Turner (NZ). For this and more stories see aimstories.com

1. 2.Ndjamena 5. Peter Bird 6. Nairobi 7. Chad 8. Kampala 12. Mombasa 15. Kenya 17. Checkley 18. Kigali 20. Bryson 20. Kigali 18. Checkley 17. Kenya 15. Mombasa 12. Kampala 8. Chad 7. Nairobi 6. Bird Peter 5. 2.Ndjamena Tanzania 1. Webster 23. Thirty-five 22. PrayAfrica 21. Down

Valley Rift 19. Chad Destination 16. Scott Cameron Peter 14. Juba 13. Barnett 11. Boat 10. Malaria 9. Kijabe 4. Mission Inland Africa 3. 2. page on crossword to Answers Across

AFRICA news — June to September 2020 • 5 Biblical Perspectives in the COVID-19 Crisis 4he spread of the Coronavirus and its impact on our daily lives has generated anxiety, panic Tand suffering in many different forms. As the virus continues to spread globally, government authorities and society in general are taking measures to decrease the potential devastating effects of the virus. The Christian must embrace the measures being taken with zeal and responsibility. In addition to the important everything in common” (v.44), to the singular and eternal redemption and government and societal efforts being point where they sold their properties salvation is found in Jesus Christ and taken, I would like to remind you of and shared them with the neediest Jesus Christ alone. measures which we as believers can take: (v.45). That was possible because “all If confined to your home, take the Trust and rest in the Lord. Psalm 25 the believers were one in heart and opportunity to catch up with the family. begins by stating that our trust is in the mind” (4:32). In these days of isolation, Pray together, read the Word, discuss Lord (v.2) and concludes with a request, the closed doors of churches must not that great book you’ve been wanting to that He free us from all troubles (v.22). prevent the fellowship of God’s people. read and watch that must-see movie. Days of crisis present themselves as an Pray for one another, care for one Have an intentional attitude to be salt opportune scenario to reaffirm in whom another and communicate with each that is a seasoning of love and to be light we believe and how much we believe. other! Call, send messages, participate that shines Christ brightly for all those Whether in the face of a destructive in online groups, and stay connected around you to see. illness or any other clashes of life, our to your local worship services online. Get involved with the persecuted trust is in Him who reigns. He is the The fellowship among believers is church and the unevangelized world. only shelter that does not crumble in unstoppable because it is the result of Learn more. Pray more. Innovate, using the face of storms, wars and pestilence. grace and the will of God. your gifts and the opportunities that come And He invites us to believe enough to to your hands so that others can see the rest – even in the day of adversity. Trust absolute, eternal and amazing intervention and rest in the Lord! He is your shelter Trust and rest of God, already revealed in Jesus Christ. and peace. For those involved in global missions, it is Keep your heart teachable. Psalm 86 in the Lord! time to move forward, not backward; to is a prayer of the “poor and needy” (v.1) find new ways to embrace those who are written for “when I am in distress” He is your shelter afflicted and share the gospel. God’s grace (v.7). In the face of such a scenario, the is never less than the challenge faced. psalmist asks: “teach me your way, Lord, and peace. Sow abundantly, for you do not that I may rely on your faithfulness Carry out the mission of God. know which seeds will germinate! (v.11). Even in the midst of anguish, In Acts 8, we see that the church When possible, spread the gospel on the God teaches us about his ways and his did not pause its mission during the internet, interject your convictions and truth. Moments of crisis should lead us great persecution. On the contrary, faith into conversations, invite others to to reflection, prayer and learning. We even though they were scattered, they listen to your pastor’s online sermons, must ask: What does He want to teach preached the Word everywhere. In live a life compatible with your faith, us? God has the infinite capacity to deal moments of uncertainty God raises a love so much that you engage with with all scenarios and events – and even faithful church. In days of suffering God those who are suffering, and witness to in the most unlikely ones – He brings strengthens his church for his mission. the nations about the final and eternal light and teaching. If prevented from leaving home, answer for a broken world: Jesus Christ. Promote fellowship. Churches are become more active on social networks, Article by Ronaldo Lidorio, Brazil, not defined by their church buildings promoting the Word – spreading hope to https://godchurchmission.com/ and locations, but by their fellowship, the downhearted, joy to the depressed, v2/index.php/9-coronavirus- love and worship. In Acts 2 we read that encouragement to the frightened; and 2020-four-biblical- “all the believers were together and had reminding everyone that the true, perspectives-to-consider

6 • Africa Inland Mission — www.aimint.org/ap New Tax-deductible Project: African Crises Relief J1076N frica Inland Mission is partnering with Global Development Group in project J1076N, African Crises Relief. Gifts are tax-deductible for donors in Australia and New Zealand. (See details below) to (See Ways to Give to J1076N on Aadjacent slip.). This project will help provide emergency aid and relief through financial aid for food, and essential supplies in the event of a crisis. This can include natural disasters, pandemics or other emergency situations. This aid will be provided in African countries and other locations where Africa Inland Mission is operating. Primary activities include: • Providing funds through AIM workers or trusted partners. • Often giving first-response aid before other agencies arrive. • Providing assistance in a prolonged disaster or famine from drought and other causes. Often Work-for-Food programs are used to help, with honour. • Providing assistance to people regardless of race or creed. You can help Africans in a time of crisis by donating to this project. Equipping African Leaders: Kenya Tax-deductible Project J1061N Update frican Leaders are being trained Bible Training College in Marsabit. in an ongoing tax-deductible Africa-based project leader and project commenced in August Regional Executive Officer of AIM’s A2019, Equipping Leaders: Kenya, J1061N. Eastern Region, Colin McDougall said This project is a partnership between he was pleased with the progress so far. Africa Inland Mission in Australia and “At least four graduates are providing Kenya and Global Development Group guidance and encouragement as in Australia. upcoming leaders in their communities.” The aim of the three-year project Mr McDougall said they were is to enhance transformational encouraged that four scholarship development and change, to ensure recipients formed a team while at college. leadership with integrity. This will help AIC Missionary College student and scholarship When they graduated, they grouped provide spiritual, moral and economic recipient Titus Biwott working bi-vocationally together with their wives, or fiancé in during his five-month practicum. Titus learned development in Kenya and East Africa. low-impact farming techniques at the college one case, and another student not on and put them into practice to supplement his In the initial six months of the diet in the field. project to December 2019, 16 students a scholarship. They agreed for their were enrolled in several training four families to move into depressed colleges and received scholarships. communities in Turkana to work there. This included six continuing students’ It is anticipated 36 potential leaders part-way through their courses. Four of will be trained during the three years in these students graduated from the AIC one of five selected institutions in Kenya. AIC Missionary College graduates who Missionary Training College in Eldoret This project has been fully funded for benefited from the scholarship with an AIM staff member in front. and two graduated from the Northern the three years.

AFRICA news — June to September 2020 • 7 Opportunities to Serve with Africa Inland Mission from 2021 OVID-19 has brought the world to experience and learn about cross- among the community. There are seven to a halt in many ways, for now. cultural ministry at the same time, positions on this team with open and However, God willing, this will with experienced leaders and a cross- flexible joining times. Csoon pass and new opportunities to serve cultural team. A tested curriculum Kenya God on-the-ground with AIM in Africa helps in language learning and ministry The Riverside Focus Team in north- and diaspora ministry will open. In AIM development on the field. Help make east Kenya needs people with a medical we believe the best way to reach people disciples among an unreached group. background to help shine God’s light in is go live with them, just like Jesus did. In some locations you can also help a non-Christian community through Here Personnel Manager, Liz Moore mobilise African churches into mission. medical education and community health. in Australia, looks at just some of the Our Focus and Ministry Teams are opportunities open from 2021. Explore also great ways to start your ministry North Africa where God may be calling you and career. These often have a rolling entry Like a good chat? Love meeting express your interest in service on point to join the team. people? There are opportunities for you www.aimint.org/ap/go to help shine the light in North Africa. Full-Term Opportunities If you have a CELTA qualification, you South Sudan can teach English at the same location. Join other Aussies already serving This is also open for short-term. among the Didinga people of South Short-Term Opportunities Sudan. This AIM Focus Team is eager for a significant number of missionaries Farm Quest, Lesotho (three weeks) to commit a significant amount of This is in February/March each year. time to storying, Discovery Bible Study Learn about sustainable agricultural Ways to start your service (DBS) and relational ministry among practices and how they can be used as Africa Inland Mission offers several the Didinga. Your medical, teaching or ministry platforms in a variety of rural great ways to commence service in Africa other skills could be used as ministry locations in Africa. or the diaspora, which are places around platforms. The goal of this work is to 3D Christian Camps, Rwanda the world where we minister to African help establish Christ-centred fellowships Peter Gitau has a vision for the 3D unreached people groups. in every Didinga village filled with Christian Campsite to have possibly the First, you can explore the field and people who have the desire to reach first climbing wall in Rwanda! The 3D see what it will be like to live cross- their neighbouring tribes with the Good Camps are great at teaching the Bible, culturally in our short-term program, News. There will be various times to discipleship, and having fun! Peter just with opportunities up to 12 months. join this team. needs to plan this possibility with a Our GO-Program is a great eight- Belgium carpenter, who can then gather a gang week program, usually mid-year, in Multiply followers of Jesus among of workers to come to Rwanda to help which you receive two-weeks classroom all the African people of the diaspora. build it. This volunteer opportunity training and five weeks internship with This AIM Diaspora TIMO Team would suit a carpenter based in a church experienced workers. This is offered in will partner with a local church in its group that is willing to raise the funds East and North Africa. ongoing work among refugee/immigrant required to purchase the materials and groups in Belgium. Cross-cultural help team cover costs. experience is desired, and a degree may But wait, there’s more… be needed for a visa. The above are just a few of the many Chad current opportunities to help share Jesus Our full-term program, for There are about 600 Christian schools among Africa’s unreached people groups service of two-years or more has some in the Muslim-dominated parts of Chad. through AIM. Inquire online, at www. great team and more individual and In many of these schools, most students aimint.org/ap/go or email Liz at AIM mentored options to start. AIM began come from non-Christian families. Use on E: [email protected] or the Training in Ministry Outreach your teaching skills in this Christian contact our Hong Kong or Auckland or TIMO program more than 40 Educators Ministry Team to share the teams. They will help you find out how years ago. Today it is still a great way message of Jesus with these students and you can serve, either long or short term.

8 • Africa Inland Mission — www.aimint.org/ap Response Form Ways to give

Yes, I would like to support to new tax- AIM’s ministry deductible I want to give monthly $50 $25 $100 $ project Give a one off gift of $ Please complete the payment authority below. Please make cheques payable to Africa You can help Africans in a time of Inland Mission Inc. or complete details below; crisis by donating to African Crises or donate online: www.aimint.org/ap/give Relief J1076N. (PayPal fees apply to online gifts) Donors in Australia Please use my donation Credit Card: www.gdg.org.au/GiveToJ1076N Where Most Needed Direct Deposit: BSB 064118 A/C 10200094 $ Kenya Famine Relief (GDG) Email details* to AIM International Famine [email protected] and Crisis Relief IO-130 $ Cheque: Payable to Global Development

My Own Option $ Group, Include a note with donation details* My Total Donation $ and post to: PO Box 651, Rochedale South Gifts for these overseas projects are not QLD 4123. tax-deductible in Australia or New Zealand. PayPal: www.gdg.org.au/PayPalJ1076N General fund gifts in NZ are tax-deductible and are used in New Zealand. If a project is Donors in New Zealand oversubscribed, your gift may be allocated to a Credit Card/PayPal: similar project, or project in the same region. www.gdg.org.nz/GiveToJ1076N , Thank you for your support. and complete details. My Address Direct Deposit: www.gdg.org.nz/DD, and follow instructions on the page. Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Dr/Rev Cheque: Payable to: Global Development Family Name Group Ltd. Include a note with the donation First Name details* and Post to: Global Development Address Group NZ, PO Box 10076, Bayfair, Tauranga 3152. Postcode *Donation Details: date, amount, project

Email number (J1076N), name & email/ address. Phone Thank you for caring! Payment Authority Africa Inland Mission (Card payments processed in Australia only) Ltd in Australia and Africa Card Type Visacard / Mastercard Inland Mission International Card Number New Zealand are partners for project J1076N African Crises Relief with Global Expiry Date Development Group (ABN 57 Name on Card 102 400 993) an Australian NGO approved by Signed the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Australia, and with Global Development Group Ltd Date / / (GDGNZ) IRD: 116-721-430; Registered Charity #: CC54017. Gifts over A$2 in Periodical Payments/Internet Australia and NZ$5 in New Zealand are tax Deposits deductible. Excess Funds may be applied to You can make direct payments into AIM other approved project activities. Please note, Australia or New Zealand bank accounts. no non-development (evangelistic, political or For Details, Contact: welfare) activities are a part of, or funded by, New Zealand: T 09 281 4595, or GDG projects. Australia: Robbyn T 02 4322 4777 Response slips can be mailed to AIM in: For more information please visit New Zealand: PO Box 13457 Onehunga 1643 www.gdg.org.au or www.gdg.org.nz Australia: PO Box 328 Gosford NSW 2250 For other non-tax-deductible project options please see www.aimint.org/ap/give