Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Africa: Where the Decades Still Whisper by Robert Perry

Finally, I'm making the time to post about the book I shared a section from on Saturday from Ruthie's Bookworm tag. Ever since I was a young teen I’ve been challenged by the work of the Schmelzenbach family in Africa, so this book had special meaning to me. Recently in church we watched a DVD that shared more about this family and their work in Africa. They gave up so much for their love of God and their love of our brothers and sisters in Africa. What an inspiration!

Back of Book Says:

AFRICA. The word conjures up so many images. Tigers. Hot sunshine. Safaris. War. Drought.

Yet we mustn’t forget Africa is home to so much more – including thousands of people in desperate need of a Savior. Down through the decades, the Church of the Nazarene has valiantly taken the gospel to the far reaches of this vast continent. Weathering famine, death, persecution, and war, missionaries and national leaders alike have stayed true to God as He grew our church.

Read about the prayers of those desperate to bring the Church of the Nazarene to their home countries…the joy of a young witch doctor turning to Jesus… the triumph of knowing God’s leader for Africa’s first Nazarene university.

Africa. Over a center of Nazarene work has come and gone. Yet it’s still a place where the decades whisper the glory of God’s name.


If you are interested in reading this book or five others about other parts of the world where the Church of the Nazarene does mission work, contact NPH to purchase the book or a local Nazarene Church where the books can be borrowed free of church. The church also provides six books that are appropriate for children to read.

CALL TO ACTION - Page 89

After reading this book, consider doing one or more of the following:

1. Organize a
Work and Witness (short-term missions) team to take on a project in Africa. There is always a need. Contact Nazarene Headquarters (Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center 17001 Prairie Star Parkway Lenexa KS, 66220 Phone: 913.577.0500) and ask for the director of Work and Witness. They will provide you with information regarding needs and requirements.

2. Provide books for our Bible college libraries in Africa. For further information, contact Dr. Perry by E-mail at
MazSwiSA1@msn.com, or write him at 11807 12th Avenue East, Bradenton, FL, 34212.

3. Pray for the work of our church in creative access areas on the Africa Region. The pressure on Christians and church workers is very great in these countries.

4. Invite a missionary from Africa to speak in your church.

5. Help provide scholarship funds for students at our Bible colleges in Africa. Contact the Nazarene Missions International office in Lenexa, KS for further information.

6 comments:

Randi Jo :) said...

interesting u posted this. just yesterday my "aunt" which originally is from Ghana, Africa came to visit me down here in NC from where she lives in NJ. She is looking to move down here and came down to interview for a job, etc. we talked about Africa and some of the plight there of some of the people. I really believe God is going to send me to Ghana someday to spread the gospel (though the majority there are christians) and to help bring more awareness to the needs there....

Robin said...

Wow Randi! That would be terrific! Do you think you would be a long-term or short-term missionary? There are many opportunities in lots of churches. Praying God leads you into HIS perfect will.

Randi Jo :) said...

gosh I have no idea Robin. It's just right now a 'feeling' still a 'nudge' that He will call me there. but we'll see what He says/does :)

most of what fires me up and what seems to be my passion along with spreading The Message is to help those villages that don't have it -- to have fresh water. There is a great need there for basic needs like water especially in the northern part of Ghana where disease is spreading rapidly through contaminated water sources. Also to bring awareness to and to help the orphans there as well as the young children who are being sold into hard labor or the sex industry at very young ages. so much that needs attention --- not sure what God will do with that knowledge I've acquired from her --- or that passion He is stirring in me. we'll see

Robin said...

You are certainly mission minded Randi and that makes God smile, I'm sure - think Great Commission. I posted a while back about wells for Haiti and it came back to mind as I read about your wanting to provide water for people in Africa. In Haiti my church denomination is trying to have a well at all of the church sites so they can provide living water and physical water at the same time. There is much to be done!

Cathy Bryant said...

Hi Robin! Great post! I getting ready to leave in December for a trip to Asia. That's about all I can say at this point. Just wanted to let you know that you're the winner in my book giveaway of "Billy." If you'll send me your snail mail address, I'll get it to you.
Blessings!
Cathy

Robin said...

Hi Cathy,

So are you going on a mission trip to Asia - very cool if so. Our church has sent people out that way for short term missions (Work and Witness). I've always wanted to go on one, but will have to wait until the baby (not born yet) is older - due in 16 days.

I will pop over to your blog to look for an email address. If it's not posted can you leave a comment here with the email where I can reach you. I'm excited about the Billy Book! Thanks!