Web Update - Leaders Prayer for Africa:

Arise, oh Africa, to your destiny in the Lord.

Faith and hope were key words arising from the prayer time of the Africa leaders.

On the final day of their annual meetings the leadership team for YWAM Africa had set aside time to pray for the continent. As they met together the leaders' desire was to understand more fully God's purposes for YWAM in Africa, to align themselves with His perspective.

Having spent much of the previous 5 days discussing the challenges facing us as a mission, the leaders now encouraged one another: God can do amazing things - we are overwhelmed by Him and His power, not overwhelmed by the challenges. God Himself is overpowering the challenges.

Faith rose as together the leaders sought God. They were reminded of God' s word through Isaiah (chapter 62, 1-5):

'I will not keep silent' I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord' s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate' but the Lord will take delight in you.'

In response to this scripture the leaders together took a stand against the shameful, negative view of Africa as portrayed in the media, declaring instead that the purposes of God for this land are good. They recognized that our temptation is to rewrite the history of shame over this so-called 'dark continent', to seek to bring honor by finding pride in our own ' name' . our own glory. But our hope is not in this vain glory, rather it is in the honor of Son-ship that comes as we seek forgiveness and redemption; then we shall be given the new name promised by God in His word. In this is our hope, and that of our children: God's control over the future of our beloved Africa . ' Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.' (Isaiah 60, 1)

So, as we place our hope in God, let us remind ourselves of His goodness. We see His generosity in the rich natural resources found in our land, in the beauty of the landscape and the variety of peoples. God's love and commitment is turned towards us, His people! Our hope is not to be placed in our successes - growth, numbers, or reputation - but in His unfailing goodness and in the reality that we may know Him.

Our knowing God must give rise to changes in the way we live and work, as we align ourselves with His ways. As they considered this, and in the spirit of bearing one another's burdens, the leaders discussed those changes that were impressed on their own hearts:

Financial Support

This was recognized as one of the greatest challenges to staff working in Africa.

The leaders discussed the inequalities of some experiencing plenty whilst others lack. They expressed the desire that all develop dignity, a means of combating the Spirit of Poverty, and they emphasized that although this is often experienced as a personal problem, they see it as a stronghold over Africa which prevents missionaries from being released.

Further specific issues were raised, namely churches' misunderstanding of missions and the need for teaching; the need for generosity amongst us as the YWAM family; the value of provision through relationships; the issue of shame with regards financial interdependence; the need for training in budgeting; and more.

In response to all this the leaders appointed Jon Armstrong and Jean- Patrick Perrin to form a Working Group to investigate possible models of support-raising that may be helpful to YWAM staff in Africa.

Marriage

Grave concern was expressed by the leaders at the need to strengthen marriages within the mission.

The ALT recognized that a life in missions may exert great pressure on marriages; many couples struggle to the point of separation. They prayed for all those marriage covenants that have been made between husbands and wives, together with God. In particular they prayed for protection from the effects of words of accusation.

The hope was communicated that the strengthening of Member Care across Africa will provide the help needed by struggling couples. Refer to Anke Tissingh for guidance in this area.

Leadership

The leaders voiced the need for us to respond to what could be termed a 'leadership famine'. The prayed both for people to rise up of the necessary character and anointing to lead, and for those with the wisdom and maturity to mentor these upcoming leaders, providing a spiritual impartation as well as excellent training.

Several training opportunities were highlighted, in particular the international Leadership Training Course (6 week version of the LTS) to be hosted in Port Harcourt, Nigeria from 02 April 2008.

Garry Tissingh was appointed to drive forward the ALT response to the need for leadership development across the continent.

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