Hope for Africa
By Derek Morris
I was truly blessed to see what the LORD accomplished through the Hope For Africa evangelistic meetings that took place September 2-16, 2023, at the Newlife SDA Church in Nairobi, Kenya. This life-changing series of Bible-based sermons, inspiring health presentations, practical family life talks, and beautiful music, was broadcast to more than 10,000 downlink locations in 11 countries across the African continent. All presentations were translated into seven languages: Kiswahili, Luganda, Kinyarwanda, Amharic, Arabic, French, and sign language. At the time of writing, more than 194,000 precious souls have been baptized and thousands more are preparing for baptism. We recognize that the results of the Hope For Africa evangelistic series were a direct blessing from God, but we also recognize that He used people to accomplish His mission of transforming lives.
What impressed me the most during the Hope For Africa meetings was the close collaboration between Hope Channel Kenya, the ECD Media team, Newlife SDA Church, Hope Channels across ECD, local churches, pastors, and lay members. Everyone worked together as one body in Christ. The result was truly amazing. On the final Sabbath, the response to Pastor Mark Finley’s closing appeal was overwhelming. The Spirit of God moved like a mighty rushing wind and hundreds of precious souls swarmed into Newlife SDA Church and pressed toward the platform. As I sat on the front row and witnessed the moving scene, I was reminded that everyone is precious to God. The Son of God left heaven at an infinite cost to redeem all who would accept His sacrifice on their behalf. I also realized that thousands more were responding to this same appeal at approximately 10,000 downlink locations across the continent of Africa and around the world. We were seeing the prophecy of Jesus fulfilled before our eyes: The harvest truly is great! (Luke 10:2)
What was the most important element that made the Hope For Africa meetings such a resounding success? The anointed preaching by Pastor Mark Finley? The outstanding health presentations by Dr. Chidi and Teenie Finley? The practical family life talks by Pastor David Mmbaga? The melodious choirs? The excellent organization by the media team? The answer is “all of the above.” Working together under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we witnessed a great miracle of God.
This collaborative spirit will be an inspiration to Hope Channel teams, church leaders, and church members around the world. Can you imagine the day when Hope For Africa is replicated on every inhabited continent with similar or greater results? We are told the final movements will be rapid ones. I say, “Hallelujah!”
Hope For Africa is not the end of our missionary activity, but it is a vivid reminder that we serve a prayer-answering, miracle-working God. Like the Good Shepherd, He is searching for all His lost sheep. Like the woman in the parable, He is cleaning the house, looking for His lost coin. Like the loving father of the Prodigal son, He is looking into the distance, longing for His lost son to return home. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance and accept His gracious gift of salvation from the penalty and power of sin. Jesus is coming back soon to gather the redeemed of all ages but until that day we still have work to do. This everlasting Gospel must be preached in all the world as a witness to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Then, as Jesus promised, the end will come. He will return in glory and receive us to Himself, and we will live with Him for all eternity. He will create a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells. This is our hope, Hope For Africa, and hope for all who will believe. Hallelujah. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Derek Morris has recently retired as President of Hope Channel International. He is currently serving as a Field Representative for Hope Channel International. He and his wife now make their home in Tennessee.
World Church Prayer Requests
December 15 - 21, 2023
- Pray for those who were baptized as a result of the Hope For Africa campaign. Pray for the follow-up that is still going on, and that even more will make decisions for Christ.
- Keep praying for the 10 Days of Prayer that will be running January 10-20, 2024, focused on the “Priorities of Faith.” Pray that many churches and groups around the world will take part.
- Keep praying for the Generation. Youth. Christ. event that will take place in Portland Dec. 27th-31st. Pray for the Holy Spirit to be poured out in the meetings and on the attendees.
- Pray for those working in the Middle East and North Africa Union (MENA). Pray that the work will continue to go forward despite the conflicts in Israel and the Middle East.
- Pray for those students in South Korea having issues taking national exams that are on Sabbath. Remember Public Affairs/Religious Liberty as they work to help them.