As we reflect on another year of evangelism across the cities of Africa, we are grateful for the fruit of 2019. During the past year, approximately 1.1 million people in Africa were reached with the message of the Gospel, and over 120,000 made decisions for Christ.
During 2019, we were able to update our AE theological and evangelism training materials, which are used across Africa. Of great importance, is the fact that we were able to translate these materials into French. This will enable greater reach to the Francophone countries of West and North Africa, many of which are currently dominated by traditional animistic beliefs and Islam.
In addition, during 2019, we were able to launch a new office in Zambia. Zambia, together with our Malawi and Zimbabwe offices, aims to reach over a million people in our “Southern outreach” region over the next three years.
Another highlight of 2019, was the triannual AE International Council, which met in Kigali, Rwanda. The outcome of the Council was a renewed focus on our vision “to be the most faithful and effective catalyst for holistic urban evangelism in Africa”, with a particular emphasis on assisting churches in the discipleship of new believers.
Throughout 2019, we have endeavoured to share the Gospel in both word and deed, and our social action programs have continued to empower communities to address poverty via self-help groups, vocational training and the promotion of health.
This has all been made possible by the partnership of faithful supporters like you, as well as the tireless work of our teams in Africa. Michael Cassidy, who founded African Enterprise 58 years ago, recently expressed his gratitude to AE Australia, and acknowledged in particular, the distinguished leadership of our Australian Board. In reflecting on 2019, we would thus like to thank AE Australia’s outgoing chair, Mr Steven Mackay.
We are also delighted to announce our new chair of the Board, Mr David Ralph. Mr Ralph has been a member of the Board of AE Australia for the past year, where he has offered his expertise on the Board’s finance committee, as well as being actively involved with our supporters. Mr Ralph has many years of both domestic and international business experience, and is currently CEO of a Christian social enterprise organisation. Married to Margaret, with three adult children, David is actively engaged in leadership roles in his local church.
David would like to share a few introductory words:
“The AE community is a warm and welcoming one, demonstrating active support for mission in Africa. I would like to thank you for your welcome as I look forward to working with my fellow Australia directors and with the International Board and National teams to further the great commission in Africa. Supporting home-based evangelism and Covid-19 responses across 12 countries in Africa provides a practical demonstration of God’s love. Together with my wife Margaret, I am looking forward to serving our Lord through the ministry of AE.”
In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 has already proven challenging for all of us. As David mentioned, our focus for this year has shifted primarily to that of Home based evangelism, as well as social action responses to the effects of the pandemic. Africa is particularly vulnerable to the pandemic’s devastating health, economic and political consequences, and our social action responses have been tailored to the individual countries in which we work. These include food aid for vulnerable persons, COVID-19 education, manufacturing and distribution of reusable face masks and the distribution of hygiene and sanitation products. Furthermore, our Home Based Evangelism model is evidence that the greatest message of all, the Gospel of Christ, will not be silenced. African Enterprise remains committed to faithful, holistic evangelism for the continent of Africa.
You can read our Annual Report here.