The Call to North Africa
5. A Call for Business Development
Unemployment in much of North Africa is reaching record levels. Christians can meet real
needs in the region by emphasizing economic and business development. God has called some
people to do business, be consultants, and start companies. That is exactly what the
governments of many countries are asking for.
Like any other ministry, the entrepreneur needs to be linked to other gifts and ministries
in order to have maximum impact. The Business and Professional Network (see
"What You Can Do") has been established especially to assist with<>
this vision. In another region of the world they have helped train and empower
entrepreneurs to begin 180 different companies, almost all of which are still operating.
6. A Call to Observe the Secrets of the Early Christian's Success in North Africa
In it's first few centuries the church experienced astounding success in evangelizing
North Africa. We need to relearn the principles of their success:
- They proclaimed a practical gospel that spoke to the educated and
uneducated alike. It was offered as good news to be received rather than a rival
philosophy to be debated. Moral reformation was a major theme, accompanied by affirmation
of the great eternal certanties of the gospel.
- They developed a supportive Christian community built on the principles of
love, trust and honesty. They devoted themselves to personal worship, paryer, mutual
exortation and encouragement. The world could see the difference that the gospel made
in the character of the believers.
- They sought to be light and salt in their street or village, helping
their neighbors at every opportunity in the name of Christ.
- They accepted persecution as an opportunity for public witness and for
eternal reward. They held prayer meetings in prison and preached with great boldness
to the assembled crowds even while they awaited execution. These were the most
effective open-air meetings North Africa has ever seen. They had a simple yet effective
organizational structure. During the first two centuries the senior men, or elders,
shared leadership of each independant local group, all contributing according to
their diverse spiritual gifts.
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11/18/99
