In This Issue: Doors and Opportunities Open Page 3

Christ-Centred Churches AFRICAFeb-May 21 Among all African Peoples www.aimint.org/ap news

Christ-Centred Churches Among all African Peoples

Christ-Centred Churches Among all African Peoples In this issue: Doors and Opportunities Open Page 3

Annual Review 2020 Pages 4-5

Stories Bring Life Pages 6-7

Start 2021 in Prayer Page 8 New Committee Member in New Zealand he board of trustees for Africa Andrew is Korean-born but educated Finance Manager Inland Mission Intentional New in New Zealand. He has a Bachelor of Robbyn Lesleighter Zealand appointed Andrew Mun Commerce from Auckland University. of the bookkeeping Tas a new trustee in December 2020. He has been Treasurer of the Korean role. Andrew is based in Auckland, where Student Council at the University of Andrew has a passion for mission he is Director and Senior Accountant Auckland and an Auckland church. and is looking forward to being involved of his Accounting company. His firm, Andrew will be Treasurer and in the work of Africa Inland Mission. THE Accounting Services, has the moto bookkeeper for the AIM New Zealand Welcome, Andrew! Trustworthy, Honesty, Efficiency. committee. He will relieve Australian

Just Brieflynews from Africa and the Asia-Pacific Workers on Home Assignment Workers Preparing to Go Invitation for New Members Several Australian workers will be Craig and Helen Waldock expect Africa Inland Mission Ltd in on home assignment in Australia in to return to ministry in Tanzania in Australia is inviting new members to 2021. They include Nita Finger from early 2021. They will continue work join the company. Members can include early 2021; and Margaret Papov, from among the Nyamwezi people. Jeremy individuals and churches. Members are May to August, before taking a time-out and Felicity Aitken and their family required to agree with the purpose and from AIM to care for elderly parents. are building their support-team and constitution of the organisation. Details The Gitau family plan to return from learning French in preparation for a new and membership forms are on www. Rwanda to Australia in December assignment at the Good News Hospital aimint.org/ap. Members are involved in 2021 for home assignment before in Manditsara, Madagascar. the governance of the organisation. returning to Uganda for a new position. Offices Open Africa Crises Relief Project All will be available to meet churches AIM offices in Australia and New Almost AUD 5,000 was transferred and supporters during their home Zealand office look forward to returning to Africa in the J1076N African Crises assignments. to a new normal in 2021 and be open for Relief tax-deductible project through 2020 Annual Reports visitors under Covid-safe rules applying our partners Global Development Group The 2020 Annual Report of at the time. between July and December 2020. AIM Africa Inland Mission Ltd. (8 pages) New Auditors workers in Africa use these funds to and audited financial reports for the Africa Inland Mision Ltd in provide emergency relief to Africans in company and AIM in New Zealand are Australia has appointed new Auditors a time of crises. Thank you for your available on the Asia-Pacific website. on the retirement of previous Auditor support. You can give by PayPal on www.aimint.org/ap/connect. See a brief Lawrie Green of Shedden and Green. www.gdg.org.au/PayPalJ1076N and Annual Review in this issue of Africa WSC Group will audit the company in online at: africancrisesrelief-gdg-j1076n. News. 2020-2021. raisely.com/

Africa Inland Mission Ltd. Africa Inland Mission PO Box 328 International, Hong Kong Gosford NSW 2250 Australia PO Box 70238 AFRICAFeb-May 21 Kowloon Central Hong Kong www.aimint.org 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: Doors to Africa are opening after COVID. Opportunities are many. See page 3.

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

Christ-Centred Churches Among all African Peoples

Christ-Centred Churches Among all African Peoples AIM Prayer Concert says “Thank you, God” undreds of people gathered for the outstanding accomplishments and Sue Bird, Chris and Fiona Tyrrell; online to thank God during in the present through Vision 2020. Jeremy and Felicity Aitken and future Africa Inland Mission’s 24-hour Vision 2020 was a six-year strategy from workers Phil and Lauren Castelijn globalH Concert of Prayer on 28 November. (pictured). January 2015,2019 finishing Snap in December Shots - Africa and Asia-Pacific The event began in the Asia-Pacific 2020. (See a recent report of results in from New Zealand, then Australia, Africa News, October 2020 on www. Korea and Hong Kong. It was then aimint.org/connect.) broadcast from several African locations, Participants then focused on prayer United Kingdom, South America, USA for the future ministry of AIM. One and Canada, finishing in California. continuing need is for more people Participants either joined by Zoom Chris and Fiona Tyrrell to “go, make disciples” (Matthew 28: Peter and Sue Bird serving in South Sudan or watched the Livestream through 18-20) and join the 680 YouTube. In Australia, both individuals AIM workers in Africa, and small groups gathered around the partnering Specialwith African Events in Australia country. Others joined in as well, from coworkers andand churches the Asia Pacific places including Africa and the USA. (Luke 10:2). The event featured videos, live AIM’s Concert of Prayer interviews and prayer. The focus was broadcast from Australia first to thank God for AIM’s 125 years featured live and recorded Phil and Lauren Castelijn since the work began in Kenya in 1895. presentations from workers preparing to serve in Africa , shared in the Prayer Concert. Then, participants praised God including Australians Peter Africa Inland MoveMission to South Sudan Open for Business from Len Lesleighter, AIM Austrlaia/ Asia-Pacific Director 6-11-2019 OVID-19 has had an impact abound to share the Gospel and to help fulfil unprecedented in our lifetimes, make disciples, especially among the its vision of but God remains in control. unreached peoples of Africa. influence CThe work of Africa Inland Mission AIM has priority teams needing through 600 is continuing and moving as much as workers. These generally require a two Christian schools. Professionals with a possible back to normal. to three-year commitment. Bachelor’s degree are preferred. In Australia, closed borders and A Training in Ministry Outreach A Ministry Team in Marsabit, travel restrictions have delayed AIM (TIMO) in Belgium is partnering Kenya needs three new members to workers returning to Austalia or leaving with a Belgium church to reach out to live, proclaim the Gospel and make for Africa. Some workers have returned refugees and immigrants. Eight more disciples in Marsabit town. People to Australia during 2020 for home team members are needed. Members with practical or professional skills assignment, and we expect workers will will ideally have some cross-cultural are required. These include teachers, a be returning to Africa in 2021. experience and a degree or diploma to general surgeon; interns, paediatrician, Travel from Australia is possible if help obtain a visa. orthopaedic surgeon, anesthesiologist people have long-term work engagement A Focus Team in Chad requires and ophthalmologist. overseas, and flights are available. Workers four more members who can join from For information on these, and have moved more freely to and from our August 2021. This team aims to plant more priority teams or individual Hong Kong base and Africa in 2020. a Christ-centred church among an placements, inquire via our website, Freedom of movement is likely to unreached people. www.aimint.org/ap/go or email increase as vaccinations are rolled out in A Christian Educators Team in [email protected] or phone 02 Australia later this year. Opportunities Chad is seeking another seven members 4322 4777.

AFRICA news — February-May 2021 • 3 Informed Churches Informed2020 ChurchesFinancial Overview 2020 Financial Overview Twenty-one Asia-Pacific churches in Australia (4), Hong Twenty-oneAfrica Asia-Pacific Inland Mission churches Ltd. in inAustralia Australia (4), Hong Africa Inland Mission Ltd. in Australia Kong (16) and New Zealand (1) hosted AIM speakers in Kong (16) and(See New Audited Zealand Reports (1) hosted for Details) AIM speakers in (See Audited Reports for Details) 2020, with emphasis on joining in the Great Commission. 2020, with emphasis on joining in the Great Commission. This included online talks during COVID restrictions. A This included online talks during COVID restrictions. A range of other activities including meetings, mission trips, range of other activities including meetings, mission trips, mission course and expos were used, especially in Hong mission course and expos were used, especially in Hong Kong in 2019-20. More than 520 churches in Australia re- Kong in 2019-20. More than 520 churches in Australia re- ceive our Africa News and remain informed about the minis- ceive our Africa News and remain informed about the ministry of AIM, with 40 sent bulk copies. try of AIM, with 40 sent bulk copies. Informed Churches 2020 Financial Overview Church Membership of AIM Ltd. Twenty-oneChurch Asia-PacificMembership churches inof Australia AIM (4),Ltd. Hong Africa Inland Mission Ltd. in Australia Kong (16) and New Zealand (1) hosted AIM speakers in (See Audited Reports for Details) 2020, with emphasis on joining in the Great Commission. Australian churches can be involved by being a company ThisAustralian included churches online can talks be duringinvolved COVID by being restrictions. a company A range of other activities including meetings, mission trips, member. Glenorie Mission Church joined in 2019. We missionmember. course Glenorie and exposMission were Church used, especiallyjoined in 2019.in Hong We Kong in 2019-20. More than 520 churches in Australia re- hope more churches will become “owners” of AIM. We have ceivehope ourmore Africa churches News willand becomeremain informed“owners” aboutof AIM. the We minis- have 32 individual company members and welcome more. try32 ofindividual AIM, with company 40 sent members bulk copies. and welcome more. Church Membership of AIM Ltd. Australian churches can be involved by being a company People Praying member.People Glenorie Praying Mission Church joined in 2019. We Informed Churches hope more churches will become “owners” of AIM. We have More people received prayer material in 2020. Social media 32More individual2020 people receivedcompany Financial prayer members material and Overview welcomein 2020. more.Social media Twenty-one Asia-Pacific churches in Australia (4), Hong PeopleAfrica Praying Inland Mission Ltd. in Australia recipientsKong (16) increased and New from Zealand 2,052 (1) in hosted 2019 AIMto 2,133 speakers in 2020. in recipients increased(See Audited from 2,052 Reports in 2019 for Details) to 2,133 in 2020. 2020, with emphasis on joining in the Great Commission. More people received prayer material in 2020. Social media PeopleThis included receiving online prayer talks material during by COVIDemail increased restrictions. by 81, A recipientsPeople receiving increased prayer from material 2,052 in by 2019 email to increased 2,133 in by2020. 81, range of other activities including meetings, mission trips, People receiving prayer material by email increased by 81, mission course and expos were used, especially in Hong from 2052 in 2019 to 2133 in 2020. There have been more Godfrom 2052 in 2019 to 2133 Providedin 2020. There have been more onlinefrom 2052 prayer in events 2019 toinFinances 21332020. in 2020. There have been more in 2020 ANNUALKong in 2019-20. More than 520 churches in Australia re- REVIEW 2020 od continued to bless through Australian office. Other major sources of details of finances for 2019-2020 for onlineceive our prayer Africa events News in and 2020. remain informed about the minis- Generalonline prayer eventsSupport in 2020. of AIM try of AIM, withfinances 40 sent bulkin 2020. copies. More than Asia-Pacificincome are offices general and donationsAIM projects were($114,463) supported by 51 Africa Inland Mission Ltd in Australia Church Membership$618,000 was given of AIM to Africa Ltd. churchesand investment and AIM projects income in 2020, ($47,767). up on 47 in 2019. In and Africa Inland Mission International General Support of AIM Australia,General churches Support gave to projects of AIM (1) and general dona- InlandGAustralian Mission churches can Ltd be involvedin Australia by being to a company support This year COVID assistance from the New Zealand are available in our member. Glenorie Mission Church joined in 2019. We tions (7), giving $5,008. The number of individuals or non- workersAsia-Pacifichope more servingchurches offices will inand become AfricaAIM projects “owners” and were$98,921 of supportedAIM. We byhave 51 churchAustralianAsia-Pacific entities offices supportingGovernment and AIMAIM inprojects was the Asia-Pacific a were blessing supported decline byd 51 Annual Audited Report’s on www. was32 individual received company to support members projectsand welcome in more. Africa. infor the the past Australian-based three years but the total operations sum given increased. in aimint.org/ap/connect. Thank you to churchesPeople and Praying AIM projects in 2020, up on 47 in 2019. In Generalchurches donations and AIM to projects AIM Ltd. in 2020, was $48,463 up on 47 in in 2020. 2019. AIM In Informed Churches A Home2020 Administration Financial contributionOverview of Ltd.difficult is also supported times. by a 10% home-admin. charge from all the churches and individual partners More people received prayer material in 2020. Social media Twenty-one Asia-Pacific churches in Australia (4), Hong 10%Australia, isAfrica deductedchurches Inland gave Missionfrom to projects support Ltd. (1) in andAustralia and general up dona- to workerAustralia,The support churches graphs donations. gave below to This projects showwas (1)$91,553 anda simple general in 2020. dona- throughout the Asia-Pacific for your recipients increased from 2,052 in 2019 to 2,133 in 2020. Kong (16) and New Zealand (1) hosted AIM speakers in (See Audited Reports for Details) 10%People fromreceiving project prayer material gifts toby emailhelp increased support by the81, Variouspictorial Government view of COVID-relief finances grantsin 2020. were a Fullblessing financial and prayer support. 2020, with emphasis on joining in the Great Commission. tions (7), giving $5,008. The number of individuals or non- tions (7), giving $5,008. The number of individuals or non- from 2052 in 2019 to 2133 in 2020. There have been more received in Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand. This included online talks during COVID restrictions. A online prayer events in 2020. range of other activities including meetings, mission trips, church entities supporting AIM in the Asia-Pacific declined Projectschurch entities Supported supporting AIM in the Asia-Pacific declined mission course and expos were used, especially in Hong General Support of AIM Donors to AIM projects dropped from 48 in 2019 to 28 in Kong in 2019-20. More than 520 churches in Australia re- Asia-Pacificin the past three offices years butand theAIM total projects sum givenwere supportedincreased. by 51 2020,in the butpast the three sum years given but increased the total from sum $14,459given increased. in 2019 to ceive our Africa News and remain informed about the minis- churches and AIM projects in 2020, up on 47 in 2019. In $94,821 in 2020. Donors gave to 14 projects including Re- try of AIM, with 40 sent bulk copies. Australia,General donations churches togave AIM to Ltd.projects was (1)$48,463 and general in 2020. dona- AIM storeGeneral Counselling donations (ABS-120-U) to AIM Ltd. $12,620; was $48,463 Crises in and 2020. Famine AIM Church Membership of AIM Ltd. tions (7), giving $5,008. The number of individuals or non- Relief IO-130 $6,406; East Africa Famine Relief ER 002-R $6,243. A donation of $61,346 was used to establish an Aus- Australian churches can be involved by being a company churchLtd. is alsoentities supported supporting by a 10%AIM home-admin.in the Asia-Pacific charge decline fromd Ltd. is also supported by a 10% home-admin. charge from tralian Worker Support Project. This sum is invested and will member. Glenorie Mission Church joined in 2019. We in the past three years but the total sum given increased. be used to assist workers taking the Gospel to UPGs. hope more churches will become “owners” of AIM. We have workerGeneral support donations donations. to AIM ThisLtd. waswas $48,463$91,553 inin 2020.2020. AIM worker support donations. This was $91,553 in 2020. AUD$55,000 was given to tax-deductible projects via part- 32 individual company members and welcome more. Ltd. is also supported by a 10% home-admin. charge from ners Global Development Group. Equipping African Church worker support donations. This was $91,553 in 2020. People Praying Various Government COVID-relief grants were a blessing LeadersVarious J1061N Government received COVID-relief $50,000 and grants African were Crises a blessing Relief Various Government COVID-relief grants were a blessing More people received prayer material in 2020. Social media J1076N received about $5,000 from 17 donors. AIM Ltd. received in Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand. Note: Total Liabilies in 2020 were $842,305 recipients increased from 2,052 in 2019 to 2,133 in 2020. received in Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand. receivedreceived 5%in Australia, home admin. Hong for Kong J1061N and Newand 10% Zealand. for J1076N. People receiving prayer material by email increased by 81, Projects Supported 3 from 2052 in 2019 to 2133 in 2020. There have been more Donors to AIM projects dropped from 48 in 2019 to 28 in online prayer events in 2020. 2020,Projects but the sumSupported given increased from $14,459 in 2019 to Projects Supported General Support of AIM $94,821 in 2020. Donors gave to 14 projects including Re- Asia-Pacific offices and AIM projects were supported by 51 Donorsstore Counselling to AIM projects(ABS-120-U) dropped $12,620; from 48 Crises in 2019 and Famineto 28 in Donors to AIM projects dropped from 48 in 2019 to 28 in Asia-PacificRelief IO-130 $6,406; East Africa Famine Relief ER 002-R Connecting with churches and AIM projects in 2020, up on 47 in 2019. In Australia, churches gave to projects (1) and general dona- 2020,$6,243. but A the donation sum given of $61,346 increased was from used $14,459 to establish in 2019 an Aus- to 2020, but the sum given increased from $14,459 in 2019 to tions (7), giving $5,008. The number of individuals or non- tralian Worker Support Project. This sum is invested and will $94,821be used to in assist 2020. workers Donors taking gave theto 14 Gospel projects to UPGs.including Re- $94,821 in 2020. Donors gave to 14 projects including Re- church entities supporting AIM in the Asia-Pacific declined Africa in 2020 in the past three years but the total sum given increased. AUD$55,000 was given to tax-deductible projects via part- storeners GlobalCounselling Developmenthe year(ABS-120-U) of Group. 2020 $12,620; Equipping is one Crises Africanmany and Famine Church gospelstore Counselling and making (ABS-120-U) disciples, $12,620; Crises especially and Famine (2); or provided support services (6). General donations to AIM Ltd. was $48,463 in 2020. AIM Leaders J1061N received $50,000 and African Crises Relief Ltd. is also supported by a 10% home-admin. charge from may love to forget. However, among Africa’s unreached peoples. The In 2020, 19 short-termers served (up ReliefJ1076N IO-130 received $6,406; about East $5,000 Africa from Famine 17 donors. Relief ER AIM 002-R Ltd. Relief IO-130 $6,406; East Africa Famine Relief ER 002-R worker support donations. This was $91,553 in 2020. received 5% AIMhome admin. continues for J1061N to andbe 10%active for J1076N. desireNote: Total is Christ-centred Liabilies in 2020 churches were $842,305 among to 12 months), compared to 20 in Various Government COVID-relief grants were a blessing Tin$6,243. the Asia-PacificA donation of $61,346 and wasAfrica. used to The establish an Aus- 3 all$6,243. African A donation peoples. of $61,346 was used to establish an Aus- 2019. Asia-Pacific workers help form a received in Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand. Council of Africa Inland Mission Ltd. team of about 680 AIM International Projects Supported tralian Worker Support Project. This sum is invested and will Partneringtralian Worker Support Project. with This sum is invested and will in Australia (AIM Ltd), oversees AIM workers serving in Africa and diaspora Donors to AIM projects dropped from 48 in 2019 to 28 in be used to assist workers taking the Gospel to UPGs. Australianbe used to assist workers takingand the GospelAsia- to UPGs. 2020, but the sum given increased from $14,459 in 2019 to in the Asia-Pacific including separate ministries. $94,821 in 2020. Donors gave to 14 projects including Re- legalAUD$55,000 entities was ingiven Hong to tax-deductible Kong and projects New via part- PacificAUD$55,000 was Churches given to tax-deductible in projects 2020 via part- store Counselling (ABS-120-U) $12,620; Crises and Famine Churches and the Christian Relief IO-130 $6,406; East Africa Famine Relief ER 002-R Zealand. Asia-Pacific Churches Send ners Global Development Group. Equipping African Church ners Global Development Group. Equipping African Church Community Financially Support $6,243. A donation of $61,346 was used to establish an Aus- This report refers to July 2019 to Workers tralian Worker Support Project. This sum is invested and will Workers JuneLeaders 2020. J1061N receivedCouncil’s $50,000 goals and Africanor targets Crises Relief LeadersIn J1061N 2020 received there $50,000were 27 and peopleAfrican Crises serving Relief be used to assist workers taking the Gospel to UPGs. Workers were financially supported AUD$55,000 was given to tax-deductible projects via part- focus on AIM connecting with the full-term in Africa (i.e., more than 2 J1076N received about $5,000 from 17 donors. AIM Ltd. J1076N received about $5,000 from 17 donors. AIM Ltd. by 116 churches in the Asia Pacific in ners Global Development Group. Equipping African Church Christian Community in Australia and years), all sent by Asia-Pacific churches. Leaders J1061N received $50,000 and African Crises Relief received 5% home admin. for J1061N and 10% for J1076N. receivedNote: Total 5% home Liabilies admin. in for 2020 J1061N were and $842,305 10% for J1076N. 2020.Note: Total This Liabilies included in 2020 46 in were Australia; $842,305 57 J1076N received about $5,000 from 17 donors. AIM Ltd. the Asia-Pacific. A driving purpose is This included 15 from Australia, nine Note: Total Liabilies in 2020 were $842,305 in Hong Kong and 13 in New Zealand. received 5% home admin. for J1061N and 10% for J1076N. to help churches in Australia and the 3 from Hong Kong and three from New 3 3 While the number of churches was Asia-Pacific be involved in Jesus’ Great Zealand. About 70% of our Asia-Pacific slightly down on 2019, the amount given Commission, among Africans. workers served among unreached increased. AIM Ltd. and Asia-Pacific partners African people groups (UPGs). Others also assist AIM International achieve trained African church leaders (5) Visiting and Informing Churches its goals. These include proclaiming the or mobilised Africans into mission About 21 Asia-Pacific churches in

4 • Africa Inland Mission — www.aimint.org/ap Projects and General Support of AIM The number of churches supporting our Asia-Pacific offices and AIM projects increased slightly. The number of people giving to AIM projects Australia (4), Hong Kong (16) and New went from 48 in 2019 to 28 in 2020. Africa News Oct-Jan 20 Zealand (1) hosted AIM speakers in However, the sum given increased from ANNUAL REVIEW 20202020. Emphasis is on participation in $14,459 in 2019 to $94,821 in 2020. the Great Commission motivation. This AIM is also supported by a 10% home included online talks during COVID administration contribution from worker restrictions. Invitations for speakers are support donations. always welcomed. In addition to donations through Church Membership of AIM Ltd. AIM, in 2019-20, about AUD$55,000 Church membership is one way we has been given to tax-deductible projects through partners Global Development are seeking to build connection with Group. Equipping Leaders: Kenya Africa News Oct-Jan 20 Australian churches. In late 2019 the J1061N received $50,000 in September Glenorie Mission Church, became the 2019 and J1076N African Crises Relief inaugural legal member of AIM Ltd. We received about $5,000. Government hope many more churches will take the financial support was valued in the opportunity to become “owners” of AIM, pandemic in Australia, Hong Kong and as now allowed by our constitution. New Zealand. People Praying An 8-page 2020 Annual Report Africa News Feb-May 2020 The number of people receiving and audited prayer material increased slightly in financial reports 2020. Social media recipients increased are available: from 2052 in 2019 to 2133 in 2020. www.aimint.org/ This year of 2020 is one which is seeing ap/connect the advent of some online prayer events. These are still emerging in AIM.

The Mission of Africa Inland Mission Ltd: Who we are: We are an Australian-based Christian mission working with sister organisations in the Asia-Pacific, Africa and Africa News Feb-May 20 worldwide.

What we do: We are focused on engaging the Australian and Asia- Pacific Christian community in the work of establishing Christ-centered churches among all African peoples.

Why we do it: We are compelled by the Great Commission from Jesus in the Bible, to go, make disciples of all nations, teaching them all Christ taught his disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20; and John 3:16-18).

Africa News Feb-May 20

Africa News Jun-Sep 20 Africa News Oct 20-Jan 21 Africa News Oct 20-JanAFRICA 21 news — February-MayAfrica News 2021 Oct 19-Jan • 5 20 Did You Bring a Story Today? Story by Rebekah Saylor | Photos by Jordan Andre and Mark Eekhoff | AIM Stories.com

Serving as part of AIM’s Training in to put the pieces of the puzzle together Ministry Outreach (TIMO) team among as I try to fill in the gaps that I don’t the Zigua people of Tanzania, Rebekah understand, other times I find myself Saylor is working to translate a series of hardly able to contain my laughter Scripture-based stories into the Zigua because most Zigua have an incredible language to be shared throughout the sense of humour, other times the stories community. are sad and full of grief, and other times ducked my head and made my way I just flat out don’t understand any of into the small, smoky house. I greeted the story. the Bibi (grandmother) and Babu I(grandfather) as they fluttered about so happy that I had come. Regardless, It had been a week or two since I had stopped by to visit. “Rebekah! You came! stories are a big We’ve missed you so much and I was just wondering yesterday when you’d come thing here. by again. I’m so glad you’ve come!” The Zigua number about 630,000 This is the response I get every time and live in rural communities near I stop by this little house, whether it’s coastal Tanzania. Most Zigua claim been a month, or two weeks or even just to be Muslims. Many Zigua farm sisal one day since I last visited. Once the plants which are used to make mats, greetings were complete I sat down and baskets and rope. settled in for the visit. Shortly after, the Part of my work here in Tanzania Bibi asked, “So, did you bring a story has been the development of a story set today?” spanning Creation to Christ, giving our Stories are such an important part of team the ability to share God’s story this culture. beginning at Creation through Jesus’ life Whether it’s retelling an event from and ministry. This is such a natural way earlier in the day or telling an old folk to share the gospel with people that are tale, these people take their stories so used to using stories as a regular form seriously and it’s such a fun thing to be of communication. a part of. The set is made up of 37 stories that I love listening to people tell are already translated into Swahili, so my stories…sometimes it’s a fun challenge work is to translate them from Swahili

into Zigua. From there, I take the Zigua stories to my language teacher who helps correct my Zigua grammar (which is sometimes still a mystery to me!) and together we complete the story. The hope is that these stories will be shared in groups of five to 10 people and that as people hear the stories we share together, they will go and share them with others in their community, even before they have come to faith in Christ. It’s often a temptation to just start

6 • Africa Inland Mission — www.aimint.org/ap with the New Testament and share about Jesus’ life and work on the cross when sharing the gospel (and sometimes that’s necessary), but for people who have never considered the idea of a Saviour, the concept can be confusing. When we start at the beginning, we have the opportunity to lay the foundation and share how each story points to a promised Saviour and that God had a plan of redemption from the very beginning. Once Jesus appears in the stories, they have already understood how this was something that had been anticipated for years and years. It’s a really exciting prospect of what could come with these stories. Back to the Bibi’s question. “So, did you bring a story today?” Well, little did she know that I did, indeed, bring a story – and that story was the very first story in this set that had never been shared with anyone. Little did she know that as I was seeking God’s guidance on this project, he brought her to mind as the first person to share these stories with. Little did she know, that just a few minutes before, as I approached her house, I asked God for strength and for an open opportunity to share this story with her as I wasn’t sure how I was going to lead into it and I was nervous about starting this big project. Little did she know that those very words out of her mouth were the answer to so many prayers. And little does she know that these stories have the power to change her whole world, if only she will believe. I returned the next week with the next story, ready to share if she would let me. As soon as I sat down, those same words returned, “So, did you bring a story today?”

AFRICA news — February-May 2021 • 7 Start 2021 in PRAYER with AIM 19 s we turn our back on 2020, been given to me. Therefore go and make The words of Jesus 2,000 years ago you are invited to join AIM in disciples of all nations, baptising them in seem as true today: prayer to start 2021. the name of the Father and of the Son and “2He (Jesus) told them, “The harvest is A of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to March 21 PRAYER Week plentiful, but the workers are few. obey everything I have commanded you. March 21 to 27 is AIM’s PRAYER Ask the LORD of the harvest, And surely I am with you always, to the Week in Australia and the Asia Pacific. therefore, to send out workers into his very end of the age.” NIV Join with the Australian office harvest field.” NIV • Pray Churches will be challenged to team on Wednesday 24 March for a consider what this Great Commission prayer day from 2 pm to 4 pm, in the means to them today. Pray God will Gosford office. This will be subject to freshen their vision as they emerge COVID-19 restrictions in place at the from the pandemic. time and there may be limited numbers • Pray Africa Inland Mission will know allowed. Phone ahead for the latest, on how best to serve our Australian and 02 4322 4777. Asia-Pacific churches, to help them Online Hour of PRAYER fulfill this Great Commission. Join our Online Hour of PRAYER • Pray God will burden the hearts of on Saturday 27 March, 7pm to many to take the Gospel and make 8pm Sydney time. Videos and live disciples among the almost 1,000 connections with workers in Africa will unreached peoples of Africa. Pray help make this an encouraging time. especially for 600 unreached people Watch for further details including the groups of North Africa. video conferencing link in the March • Pray God will continue to raise up 2021 Intercessor Guides. Africans to take the Gospel to all nations. Our 2021 Prayer Focus A special focus on prayer is for churches in Australia and the Asia- Pacific to be blessed with a renewed and Bible-based vision of mission. In the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus encouraged and commanded His disciples: 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has

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 On-line Donation: africancrises relief- and are used in New Zealand. If a project is gdg-j1076n.raisely.com/ oversubscribed, your gift may be allocated to a similar project, or project in the same region. Donors in New Zealand Thank you for your support. Credit Card/PayPal: www.gdg.org.nz/GiveToJ1076N , My Address and complete details. Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Dr/Rev Direct Deposit: www.gdg.org.nz/DD, Family Name and follow instructions on the page. First Name Cheque: Payable to: Global Development Address Group Ltd. Include a note with the donation details* and Post to: Global Development Postcode Group NZ, PO Box 10076, Bayfair, Email Tauranga 3152.

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