What Africa Can Teach Us AllSample
20/20: Progress & Challenges in Africa
In the 20 years since Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, there has been significant change across Africa. All over the world there is optimism about progress and new opportunity in Africa. At the same time there are still great challenges that must be addressed in the next 20 years. Explore this 20/20 view of Africa and the role the Church must take.
While there are many reasons for the changes in Africa over the past 20 years, the release of Nelson Mandela and the spotlight he brought to Africa is a significant milestone. As the world mourned his loss in 2013, there is value in looking back over the past 20 years since his release from prison and forward to the next 20 years and asking the question, “Given the amazing progress and significant changes, what is the role of the Church?” Today’s Missiographic strives to provide some insight into this question as it shows the growth in education, communication, freedom, economics, and Christianity across Africa.
Personal Reflection
Do you have 20/20 vision in your own life? Have you been able to clearly understand what has happened in your past and the implications on your future? It is a very hard thing to do. So as you look at this overview of the past 20 years in Africa and the challenges moving forward, what can you do about it? It can feel overwhelming. The exciting thing was that people like Nelson Mandela made huge contributions to the progress in the past, and new individuals will get that same chance in the future. What would it look like if you were one of those people who responded to Galatians 6:9 and continued doing good in many arenas of African life despite the odds? Is God calling you to invest your life in representing Him in Africa?
Prayer
Lord of the harvest, we pray, send more laborers into Africa! The possibilities are limited only by our faith in You and our response to the need. Activate Your church to respond to the billion people across Africa—to bring Your Word and Your hope to each one.
Click here to access this free Missiographic and sign up for future free Missiographics: http://www.gmi.org/services/missiographics/library/2014/20-20-progress-and-challenges-africa/
About this Plan
As a Christian, what do you think about when Africa comes up in conversation? Africa is a diverse continent with amazing people, cultures, and natural resources. It is also a continent that has struggled through famine, wars, disease, and instability. The good and bad have much to teach us. So let’s learn from our African brothers and sisters in Christ. Here are some examples: Can you quote any African proverbs? Do you know what African Christians are reading? How long has it been since you thought about AIDS or Ebola? Have you prayed for the leadership of Africa? Adventure into Africa the next 7 days with your eyes and heart open, ready to consider the challenges and opportunities that God might place before you.
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We would like to thank GMI for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.gmi.org