What Does Christian Missionary Work in Africa Look Like?
There is a long history of Christian missionary work in Africa that has had a significant impact on the continent in many positive ways. The legacy of Christian missionaries in Africa includes the establishment of vital institutions like schools and hospitals. Their involvement in social and humanitarian work, notably in opposing slavery and increasing understanding of HIV/AIDS, is also significant.[1] This work resulted in a broader spread of literacy, equipping people with necessary skills, and improved medical care. Christian Educators Academy[2] further highlights the long-term impact of missionaries in empowering local communities through the training of African teachers and healthcare workers, thereby fostering the growth of African-operated organizations.
There are several challenges that foreign missionaries face in Africa. It is difficult to effectively communicate the Good News of God’s love due to differences in language, customs and values.[3] Disease and anti-western bias also pose obstacles to foreign Christian missionaries. GFA World’s national missionaries are uniquely positioned to overcome these challenges. They understand the culture instinctively, eat the same food, wear the same clothes and speak the same language, so they know how to communicate in a way their countrymen will understand. Living among the people, these workers see first-hand which needs they can meet, whether that’s through providing clean water or income-generating gifts. National workers are also able to minister in countries where instability restricts outsiders from working.[4]
The work of GFA World’s national missionaries in Africa takes on many shapes. Our clean water projects help alleviate the African water crisis. We have installed Jesus Wells, which can serve an average of three hundred people each day and last for up to twenty years. By establishing branches of our Child Sponsorship Program, which provides children with things like school supplies, clean water, tutoring help, food and more, we work to remove roadblocks to children’s education and open doors for them to succeed in education and have a better future. We also have medical missions in Africa, holding medical camps where we bring health care to people who do not have access to it and distribute vitamins and supplements to children.[5] In addition, GFA World is building a medical college hospital in Rwanda, which will be a base for medical professionals to serve Rwanda and surrounding countries.[6]
Consider helping GFA World’s Christian missionary work overseas by sponsoring a national missionary. It just takes $45 a month to help them serve full time and share God’s love with the people of Africa.[7]
Discover how to support GFA World’s Christian missionary work overseas[1] Klein, Camilla. “Discover the surprising number of Christian missionaries in Africa today.”Christian Educators Academy. July 23, 2024. https://christianeducatorsacademy.com/discover-the-surprising-number-of-christian-missionaries-in-africa-today.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] “National Missionaries: About National Missionaries.” GFA World. Accessed December 9, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor/why-national-missionaries.
[5] “GFA World Expands Ministry to Africa.” GFA World. Accessed December 9, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/africa/.
[6] “Monthly Prayer Focus: Pray for the Rwanda Hospital.” GFA World. Accessed December 9, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/pray/rwanda-hospital.
[7] “National Missionaries: Sponsor a National Missionary.” GFA World. Accessed December 9, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor.