Sabbath, March 25, 2006

“Every human being, created in the image of God, is endowed with a power akin to that of the Creator– individuality, power to think and to do. The men in whom this power is developed are the men who bear responsibilities, who are leaders in enterprise, and who influence character. It is the work of true education to develop this power, to train the youth to be thinkers, and not mere reflectors of other men’s thought. Instead of confining their study to that which men have said or written, let students be directed to the sources of truth, to the vast fields opened for research in nature and revelation. Let them contemplate the great facts of duty and destiny, and the mind will expand and strengthen. Instead of educated weaklings, institutions of learning may send forth men strong to think and to act, men who are masters and not slaves of circumstances, men who possess breadth of mind, clearness of thought, and the courage of their convictions.” –Education, pp. 17, 18.

The African continent has about 58 sovereign states and the equator divides the continent in half. Moslems dominate the territory towards the north by over 80 percent, while those of the Christian faith dominate the area south of the equator by nearly the same percentage. The Adventist message reached Africa at the very beginning of the 20th century. The Reform Movement message arrived as early as the 1920s, beginning in Southern Africa, and then spreading northward towards Eastern and Western Africa. Today, nearly all of the countries south of the equator have come in contact with the Reformation message, while approximately 35 countries north of the equator have yet to be reached.

In Africa, there are five unions and fifteen mission fields under the General Conference. At the present moment, the doors for missionary work in this continent are still open. Many souls could be won to the present truth if we were well-organized in recruiting and training young missionaries who could reach out to new fields like marching armies. However, our message is spreading at a very slow pace, and, in some places, we are experiencing a serious setback due to a lack of qualified and trained missionaries. The work is either stagnant or dying in certain countries where the truth was received a long time ago, and all this occurs because there is a lack of messengers and advocates of the truth. Unless a serious and determined effort is undertaken to train young missionaries, who will lead the ministry in Africa once the few self-trained standard bearers pass away in the near future, the standard will be lowered and, eventually, the identity of

For this reason, there is a cry for a missionary school where our youth may be prepared for missionary activities and leadership responsibilities. Unions and fields of this region have committed themselves to contribute the little they can to make our dream of establishing a missionary school a reality. We would also like to thank the General Conference for showing awareness and interest by supporting this effort. In addition, we thank all of the individuals who have given recommendations and contributed with material help in the overall planning of the school.

In Nairobi, Kenya, at the Kenyan Union headquarters, we have secured permission from the leadership to use part of the building for missionary school classes and dormitories. Major renovations have to be done to make it usable. In addition, we have to guarantee the safety of the school’s instructors, along with acquiring and developing teaching materials, equipment, and facilities. That is why a substantial amount of initial capital is needed.

Dear brothers and sisters around the world, and anyone who would be a willing donor, we implore you to please extend your hand to bless and support our effort. Our gracious God, who knows the motives of your hearts, will bless you abundantly. In Matthew 6:20, 21, we read: “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal: for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
“I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how ”Acts 20:35.

The resources you invest in this institution, which is intended for preparing missionaries to evangelize Africa and other missions abroad, will bear a credit for you in heaven and, one day, you will meet a soul who was won through your donation. “Christ entreats, ‘Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.’ This work of transferring your possessions to the world above, is worthy of all your best energies. It is of the highest importance, and involves your eternal interests. That which you bestow in the cause of God is not lost. All that is given for the salvation of souls and the glory of God, is invested in the most successful enterprise in this life and in the life to come.” –Counsels on Stewardship, p. 342.

– P. N. Shirima
Regional Representative

The Special Sabbath School Offering is dedicated to
MISSIONARY SCHOOL FOR AFRICA
Remember to give your offering as an expression of love and gratitude