“Broken Walls” of the Africa Evangelical Centre
The headline is alluding to Nehemiah’s effort to restore the pride and protection of the city of God’s people. The situation in Africa mirrors this kind of national concern. Our walls need rebuilding and reconstruction, and especially the walls of the Church of Jesus Christ in Africa (both the spiritual and physical sense). The construction of the Evangelical Centre is conceived in that spirit, driven by our desire for effectiveness in the mission of the Church, with joy and honour. This is yet another call and as the call gets louder and louder, please do not look over your shoulder—the call is for you; yes, you!
In our last update, we stated that we had got a bank loan approved for 2.5 million dollars (Kenya Shillings 250,000,000) to complete the construction (see the current state of the building under construction in photo). However, we face a daunting challenge to meet the preconditions for a draw down of the loan. Humanly speaking, we are at our dead end. But for our abiding trust in our God, who gives life to the dead and equips us with all good things for His will (Heb. 13:21). Like the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, God used his people to accomplish the task of construction. The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem was an audacious undertaking by a refugee, who dared to breakdown all the shackles of human and worldly limitations to call on his compatriots to accomplish the task of reconstruction to restore the city. The secret was his reliance on God. God commanded Moses to ask the people to give towards God’s Sanctuary or Tabernacle (Exod. 25-1-8). The people responded above Moses’ expectation and actually had to stop them (Exod. 36:4-8). David led by example in giving, and he mobilized the leaders of Israel in building the Temple of God in collaboration with his son, Solomon (1Chron. 29:1-9)- they gave willingly and warmed the hearts of the people in praise and worship. Paul’s instructions about giving in the church (1Cor. 16:1-4) was also the way the NT Church accomplished its mission. Our Lord Jesus had his needs met by others (Luke 8:1-3; Mark 11:1-6; 23:50-53). We have a God who never changes; He is the same God then, now and forever. God may well meet this need using you. Nehemiah’s hopeless situation as a refugee could not be more pertinent to our situation in AEA, with hapless team, entrusted with this vision, so that God will honour Himself, and share His glory with none whatsoever. Aiah Foday-Khabenje |