For twelve days in March 2011, North Georgia Administrative Bishop Michael Baker, State Missions Chairman Allen Mathura, and Coordinator of Missions Communications Grady Murphy traveled in Western and Eastern Africa on a fact-finding tour. The fast-paced trip enabled familiarization with a four-pronged State Missions Commitment to the continent of Africa.
As one of eight foundational legs of Church of God ministry in North Georgia, a unified missions outlook helps the churches and members to reach to “the uttermost.” This trip helped bring closer a vision of the very real ministry needs in Africa.
As a state, North Georgia is targeting four projects. In West Africa, the Pan African Theological College desperately needs to complete a library building, including obtaining additional books, to be accredited. Two projects are in the southern part of Africa: a multiplex of church, national offices, and convention center in Manzini, Swaziland, as well as, a church in northern Mozambique where the congregation, for more than three years now, meets under a tree. In Eastern Africa, Discipleship College serves as the training ground for pastors and leaders. To retain their accreditation, the school must replace asbestos roofs and upgrade its library.
Bishops Baker and Mathura were able to see the pressing needs and gain a sense of the dedication of leaders and workers in each place. Pertaining to each project, the people have done much with little. Their reaction to the visit was that of people who have called on God to send a miracle and now stand on its brink.
State Missions Chairman Allen Mathura said, “When we hear their stories, about how much they are already doing with what resources they have, the excitement and potential that is here, I am excited about what they can do with additional facilities to reach the community and bless the Church of God. If they can go this far with what they have, a little boost and encouragement will take them even farther.”
Administrative Bishop Dr. Michael Baker adds, “We’re going to see what God has in store for us as we reach beyond the borders of North Georgia and reach all the way into Africa with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Grady Murphy, Coordinator of Missions Communications
© 2011 Church of God World Missions