Missionaries in Africa

Since 1979, GFA World has been faithfully serving “the least of these” in Asia. More recently, GFA was welcomed to begin ministry in Africa, steps have already been taken to be able to train missionaries in Africa to provide many of the same services to the impoverished—clean water, a child sponsorship program, community development and more. Missionary societies have served African nations for over a century.

Extreme poverty impacts many communities in Africa, and GFA aims to help families find hope as they break the cycle of poverty that has impacted them for generations. According to recent data, approximately 429 million people across the continent lived in extreme poverty in 2024. This represents roughly one-third of Africa’s population.

Africa has one-fifth of the world’s population at 1.2 billion people. There are 54 countries and a vast range of people groups, cultures and terrains.[1] It’s a beautiful continent. Missionaries, organizations and local pastors have been working diligently to meet the areas of concern and fight poverty, all done in the name of Christ. The diversity of African nations means that mission strategies must adapt to local contexts.

There are several common needs in Africa. Here are four primary ones:

Health – Africa has some geographical obstacles to health and medical care. For example, in 2015 alone approximately 1.6 million Africans died of preventable diseases.[2] Health is a common need in Africa and one that can be improved upon with the efforts of missionaries and organizations. Research indicates that half of the African population lacks access to essential medicines.
Water – Africa is often known as the dry continent and there is a severe water crisis in many areas. More than a quarter of Africa’s population has no access to safe drinking water.[3] Missionaries in Africa are working to help bring clean water to villages and communities. Clean water projects serve as tangible expressions of God’s love. They address immediate physical needs while opening doors for spiritual conversations.
Education – In sub-Saharan Africa, 32 million children do not go to school.[4] Poverty plays into this statistic because education is often exchanged for survival as families try to make ends meet. Christian missionaries in Africa are bringing solutions to the education crisis. Education empowers communities to break generational poverty cycles. It provides hope for a brighter future through knowledge and skills.
Spiritual – Less than 2 percent of North Africa’s population knows the Lord.[5] Missionaries are working diligently to equip and train young church leaders to reach their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The development of national churches with indigenous leadership strengthens the long-term impact of mission work. Local believers understand their own cultures and can communicate Christ’s love most effectively.

GFA is now another organization with missionary involvement in Africa, bringing effective strategies to each of these primary areas:

Health – GFA’s medical ministry has been effective in educating and treating health-related issues. By receiving vitamins and supplements, children are able to grow and develop into healthier kids. Prevention is an even better cure, so training is key. When treatment is needed, medical camps in remote areas bring skilled medical staff to those who might otherwise not be able to get medical care. These camps provide services that would otherwise require travel to distant cities. For rural families, this accessibility can mean the difference between life and death.

Water – Clean water is essential to life and can bring hope to a hurting community. GFA has begun with clean water projects in Rwanda. By working with local contractors, the wells are cost effective to install. A local church oversees maintenance of the well and making sure that everyone is welcome to the clean pure water. Each well serves as a gathering place for the community. Women and children who once walked miles daily for water now have access nearby.

Education – GFA is a frontrunner in poverty alleviation and one of our key strategies is keeping kids in school. Through a child sponsorship model, children receive helpful items like tuition assistance, school supplies and tutoring. They also receive nutritious food and hygiene supplies which relieve financial pressure from families. Children are more likely to stay in school when caring adults look out for them and remind them of the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty. Studies show that educated children are more likely to lift their entire families out of poverty. World Bank research confirms that education is one of the most effective poverty reduction tools.

Spiritual – GFA missionaries in Rwanda are working to open a ministry training center to train nationals to reach their own people. All the GFA initiatives in Africa seek to share the love and hope of God with the people. These national missionaries will be equipped to identify needs in their communities and determine the best solutions. Sometimes that solution will be a water well or an income-generating gift distribution. However, al this is done for the express purpose of being able to share the love of Christ with those who need Him. Training local leaders ensures sustainable, culturally appropriate ministry. National churches led by indigenous pastors are growing across the continent. These leaders understand local customs and can effectively communicate the Gospel within their own cultural contexts.

Our aim is to help those in desperate need by breaking the cycle of poverty and setting lives free through the transforming power of the Gospel.

To begin in Africa, GFA has launched in Rwanda, and there are goals to expand into other countries as well. For now, ministry has begun in Kilgali, the capital city of Rwanda. Around 38% of the population in Rwanda live below the poverty line, so there is a significant need for help.[6] The country is a great choice to begin our ministry in Africa. Rwanda’s recovery from past conflicts demonstrates resilience and hope. The nation welcomes partnerships that genuinely serve the poor with compassion and dignity.

Organizations like the White Fathers, founded in 1868, pioneered mission work across the continent. These early missionaries faced tremendous challenges establishing missions in remote regions. Their sacrificial service laid groundwork that benefits mission work today.

GFA World brings decades of experience serving impoverished communities in Asia to African nations.

Will you join our missionary work in Africa as we seek to bring the good news to people in need? You can support the ministry by sponsoring a child in Rwanda. Your help can bring hope to a difficult situation, giving kids love and a brighter future. You can also support a GFA missionary. Together we can help those living in poverty to find help and hope. Your partnership makes a tangible difference in the lives of children and families. Through sponsorship, you become part of a child’s journey toward a brighter future.

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[1] “World Population Prospects 2022: Summary of Results.” United Nations. https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/sites/www.un.org.development.desa.pd/files/wpp2022_summary_of_results.pdf. Accessed November 17, 2022.
[2] “Dying from lack of medicines.” United Nations. www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/december-2016-march-2017/dying-lack-medicines. March 2017.
[3] “Africa’s priorities for sustainable development.” United Nations. www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/april-2012/africa%E2%80%99s-priorities-sustainable-development. April 2012.
[4] “GFA World: Showing God’s Love in Africa.” GFA World. https://www.gfa.org/africa. Accessed November 17, 2022.
[5] “GFA World: Showing God’s Love in Africa.” GFA World. https://www.gfa.org/africa. Accessed November 17, 2022.
[6] “Examining Poverty in Rwanda.” The Borgen Project. https://borgenproject.org/poverty-in-rwanda. Accessed November 18, 2022.