Missions: Followup

James Bancha, PhD Student and Prof Josephine Mutuku pray over a new believer.

From April 25 through May 6, 33 students and faculty from the four schools of Africa International University (Business, Computer Science, Education, and Theology (NEGST)) traveled to the Shashamane region of Ethiopia.  Led by Professor Josephine Mutuku and James Bancha, an Ethiopian PhD student at NEGST, the team ministered in villages, marketplaces, school yards, and larger towns in collaboration with and supported by a local church.  Nearly 4,200 people heard the Gospel and there were 461 individuals who explicitly chose to follow Jesus as a result of these presentations.  As Dr. Mutuku explained, “The progression of our work followed a clear biblical pattern: Evangelism → Discipleship → Leadership Training → Church Fellowship.” 

As mentioned previously, this area is home to radical Islam and is quite hostile to Christianity.

Hearing the Word of God.

Three missionaries were killed in the region just a few years ago. After one set of open air meetings, four Sheiks (local Islamic Mosque leaders) confronted the local church pastor to find out what excited the village members. He explained that it was the love of Jesus for the people of the village that brought people from other countries to share the Gospel.  It was His love that motivated the team to come and share.  A bit later, one of the Sheiks returned to ask more about the love of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit worked in this Sheik’s heart to cause him to accept Christ.  He is now being discipled by that local pastor.

As you can see, AIU / NEGST is not just about academic progression and head knowledge.  Students and faculty continue to translate their learning into practice and the University provides ongoing mechanisms for all of them to do so.  Please consider making a generous gift to Christian Leaders for Africa, Inc. which will support students and faculty at NEGST to teach, preach, and practice evangelism in Ethiopia, Kenya, Africa, and the world.