Page 44 - LD215 History of the Church in Africa A4 final

A History of the Church in Africa

Research indicates that the term Cush refers to a large area along the
Nile River and may include territory that stretches for thousands of
kilometers through parts of modern Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. In a
recent book entitled The Blessing
of Africa, Keith Burton argues for
a much wider definition of Cush.
Africa was in the heart He asserts that it should also

of God before the birth include lands to the East of the
continent of Africa. He points
of Jesus Christ and the out that “although ‘Cush’ is the

beginning of the church. name associated with a specific
kingdom, it can also be used to
describe a family of nations.…
The decision has been made to
refer to the kingdom of Cush as ‘Ethiopia’ and the broader geographical
territory as ‘Cush’” (31).

For those of us who have been involved in declaring the Good News
about Christ in Africa, it is very encouraging to witness Africa (Cush)
submit herself to God and to His divine purposes.

Some scholars, such as Cornuke, believe the ark of the covenant was
carried to Axum in present day Ethiopia during Old Testament times.
They believe that it is being kept in secrecy and isolation until it will be
returned to Israel during God’s appointed end-time events.

When I taught a course on church history in Ethiopia, the students
were convinced that the original ark of the covenant is located in Axum
at St. Mary of Zion Church and is guarded by a man referred to as “the
guardian of the ark of the covenant.” However, even if the ark still
existed, the literal presence of the ark of the covenant would be far less
important than the presence of God’s new covenant church.

Of course, the role of Egypt in the larger scheme of things is better
known. When Joseph was sold into slavery and in the providential care
of God became an Egyptian official, he stated a profound truth: “Don’t
be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God
intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving
of many lives” Genesis 50:19–20). This is the missio Dei (mission of God)

::: 34 :::