AEA Launches the Africa Resource Centre in Nairobi, Kenya
AEA officially launched its first research and resource centre in Nairobi Kenya. The centre presents AEA with a great opportunity to support innovative and groundbreaking research work in Africa. Housed on the 9th floor of the AEA Plaza in Valley Road, Nairobi, Kenya, the centre stands as a dedicated hub for resourcing, empowering, and engaging the African Church in its mission.
The ARC is home to a 100-capacity auditorium that is specifically designed for conferences, training sessions, and seminars, as well as a specialized library and a fully-equipped podcasting studio. This facility provides a space for AEA to fulfill its calling to “equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:11-12), enabling meaningful contributions to both spiritual and social development.
A picture of “Africa that rises to the fullness of its God-given potential,” as highlighted by Bishop Dr. Goodwill Shana, President of AEA. Dr. Shana, in his keynote address, emphasized the center as a place designed to not only resource the Church but to serve as a platform for Africans to share their stories and testimonies, amplifying African voices within the global Christian community.
(AEA, President, Dr. Goodwill Shana)
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Members of the AEA fraternity gathered for a formal dinner to commemorate the launch at AEA Plaza. With some light music and refreshments in the background, the evening began with a hearty welcome from the AEA team. Trinity Chapel set the tone for the evening with a praise and worship session, and Dr. Esther Obasi-ike led the assembly in an opening prayer.
Mr. Mugo wa Karanja, one of the AEA Trustees, provided a brief history of AEA, highlighting its growth and mission. Rev. Dr. Master Matlhaope, AEA Secretary General, expressed deep gratitude to the supporters and committees whose contributions have enabled ARC to flourish, specifically acknowledging the key partners in the project.
(AEA, Secretary General, Rev. Dr. Master Mathlaope)
Dr. Goodwill Shana gave the keynote speech, emphasizing the crucial part ARC plays in uniting and fortifying the African Church. He highlighted ARC’s goal of connecting academic research with real-world church needs in order to address urgent issues including church divides and the lack of skilled leaders.
Emphasizing the importance of these issues, Dr. Shana points out that about 95% of African pastors lack rigorous theological training, resulting in a gap in biblically sound preaching. He described ARC’s approach to address these problems by combining theological education with research into local churches’ everyday operations, therefore arming leaders with the means to negotiate modern problems and advance unity.
Rev. Nelly Sarune conducted a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony that brilliantly conveyed the evening’s shared excitement and dedication to ARC’s purpose. The room was full of laughter and cheers as attendees enjoyed this important event.
(Rev. Nelly Sarune, cake matron of the day)
Shortly after, Dr. Goodwill Shana and a select number of leaders took part in the ribbon-cutting event to unveil the ARC plaque. This was a monument to the collective effort that turned the center into a reality and marked the beginning of a daring project to equip the Church all around.
The evening concluded with motivational remarks from Rev. Dr. Mathlaope, who emphasized the importance of long-term partnerships with AEA to further its mission. Anticipating the transforming effect of ARC in the years to come, the event came to an end with great excitement.
(Africa Resource Centre Plaque)
