Page 255 - LD215 History of the Church in Africa A4 final

The Twentieth Century and Beyond

consider the focus and meaning of history. Briefly, I have followed the
ebb and flow of the river of God through the centuries, and I have tried to
challenge you to learn lessons and make applications. I sincerely hope that
you have been able to discern the reasons for success as well as failure.

As this mighty Pentecostal river flows with great purpose on the
continent of Africa, I must ask a serious question. Donald Corbin
concluded his final report to the Assemblies of God World Missions Board
by making a statement and asking some insightful questions about the
future of the church in Africa:

Growth does give the church four vital advantages: (1) visibility, (2)
credibility, (3) momentum, and (4) position for greater expansion.
These seem to be in place in the Assemblies of God of Africa to
soar into unprecedented multiplication! Thus we ask prayerfully:

• To what priorities will Africa’s rising Assemblies of God
churches give their energy?
• How will these churches respond to the awesome
possibilities of exponential harvest?
• In what ways will the churches conserve the unprecedented
ingathering?
• How will multiplication be inculcated into the mentality of
coming generations?
• By what means will Pentecostal doctrine, fervor, and
balance be maintained?
• How will the churches cope with the upward academic
pressures in pastoral training?
• In what dimensions will Africa’s growing missionary vision
be implemented? (7)

Hopefully, every student who studies this textbook will respond to
Corbin’s questions with biblical answers. What does the Bible teach us
about where we are presently in God’s eternal calendar?

Conclusion

My brothers and sisters in the Swahili world have given me a
nickname. They call me Mjomba, which means “uncle.” Please allow

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