A Theological Famine in Africa

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?  And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” Romans 10:14-15

My request:  I am seeking prayer and donations for books.  *Here's why:

Imagine being an indigenous pastor of a local church in Africa trying to shepherd a small congregation, with little to no access to formal education. Your understanding of the basic truths of the Bible is greatly lacking. You own only a few books and those are of questionable value. Internet access is not reliable. And yet, every week, you are responsible for feeding and leading your local church. You and your congregation are struggling to experience the life-changing power of the Gospel.

The Famine

This scenario describes millions in many countries. During the past century, the number of Christian believers worldwide has grown dramatically. You may not be aware that 75% of these now live on the continents of Africa, Asia, and South America. Over 500 million believers live on the continent of Africa alone. This is great cause to give thanks, but the growth of the church has outpaced the supply of pastors and elders who are equipped to shepherd these followers. An estimated 85% of the 2.2 million evangelical churches worldwide are led by pastors with little to no training.  

A Part of the Solution

I have been blessed with over 3 large bookshelves full of books; a computer with a Bible software program where I can look at scores of translations of the Bible and in the original languages and which supplies me with thousands of resources at the touch of a button; constant access to the internet through my hand-held smart phone and tablet; a bachelors degree and a masters degree plus many more hours of conferences and continuing education.  As a pastor living in America, I have access to knowledge and theological abundance!

This October 2014, I have the opportunity to share out of my theological wealth to see national preachers trained for the advancement of the gospel in their native countries. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to participate in gospel advancement in an exponential way. 

Through Gospelink Ministry, I will be traveling to Lusaka, Zambia where at the International Bible College of Zambia, I will be spending a total of 40 hours in the classroom with Theology students who are participating in a four year degree program.  These students are selected from the top of their class of the believers discovered in Zambian public schools.  After graduation, they will either go back into the public schools as teachers where the school system is open for reaching more for the gospel, or they will pastor churches or be part of a para-church organization.

You can take part too!
Through God's divine providence, all of my travel expenses and fees have been covered, however if you sense God moving you to participate, I need both your prayer and donations for student textbooks and supplies.  First of all, prayer for the preparation, delivery and application of the class materials and for the students who will be attending the class.  Additionally, I could use prayer support for physical protection and health for myself and for my family while I am gone, and for all the small details that go with international travel to be ironed out.

Financially, to cover the expense of the books and resources, $500 needs to be raised.  I have committed to providing a copy of a textbook for each student, plus bringing additional resources to have on hand and to donate to the college's library.  I am prayerfully trusting God to provide for all these needs.

FOR PRAYER: If you feel led to be a prayer supporter and receive updates prior to and during the trip, I would be so grateful.  You can drop me an email at pastorick@icloud.com or simply submit your email on the "Follow by email" field on the right.

FOR DONATIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OF BOOKS AND SUPPLIES: If you feel led to invest in this theological famine relief by donating funds which will help me purchase books and resources for these future pastors, you may send a tax-deductible donation to Living Grace Community Church, 1500 Silver Lake Rd., Cary, IL 60013.  *IMPORTANT: In order to process the donation correctly, please make sure to include a note with the check that states the following:  This donation is for Zambia October 2014 Y949.   In order to adequately prepare for this trip, these funds need to be received no later than September 19. 

For more information about Gospelink, you can find them at:  http://gospelink.org

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERFUL CONSIDERATION OF SUPPORTING 

THIS EQUIPPING MINISTRY!

[*A portion of this post is a modified repost from a Gospel Coalition blog:  http://thegospelcoalition.org/international/about)