Go North! Difficult does not mean impossible

We may face danger when we choose to serve God. But someone will have to take a risk in order to bring the gospel to North Africa (NA). Salvation is free, and yet Jesus paid a high price to redeem us. Are we going to remain spectators? The time has come for the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) Church to send workers to minister here. Many are praying that they will see the Great Commission fulfilled in NA, especially through the South to North Africa Movement. I strongly believe that God will  send those who are willing to obey from the South, to share the good news with one of the most desperate parts of the continent.

As Paul says in Romans 10:14-15, how can:

• they call on the one in whom they have not believed?
• they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?
• they hear without someone preaching to them?
• anyone preach unless they are sent?

Every day SSA students spend time with NA students. They have fun together and discuss a variety of topics, including religion. Every year a number of SSA students repent and accept the Lord Jesus, after hearing the testimonies of other students. So it’s possible to see more and more of this happening among students from a Muslim background. Unfortunately, some students who declare themselves as Christians do not live out an authentic Christian testimony while they are here! Instead, they wait until they leave the country before sharing what Jesus did in their lives.

Most SSA students realize after about three years that they can bless others through their testimony. And that is exactly when they are preparing to return to their home countries. But it’s possible to train and prepare SSA Christian students to serve God! Currently, very few workers serve among our university students. So it’s not surprising that we see very few conversions.  SSA students can change this.

Let’s highlight the fact that SSA students have easy access to NA. The low cost for university studies is attracting more and more students, including those in private schools and vocational training. Obtaining a visa can be difficult for many, but not for SSA students. It’s an open door for university students who have a valid reason for being here and can “fly under the radar”.  In addition, SSA students connect well with other students, regardless of the culture.

Of course, there are obstacles too, both culturally (racism) and theologically (comparing Christianity to Islam). And it will always be a challenge to learn Arabic. Finances present a great challenge.

Focusing on youth means preparing a generation of future leaders for churches, the private sector, and some public or governmental institutions. By investing our time, energy and resources, we anticipate a positive impact on the local churches and the nations in NA. And of course, at the end of the journey, SSA students are likely to return to their home countries with renewed concern for the lost.

It’s time for a movement from South to North! Let’s work hand in hand, trusting that God will bless our efforts. We now see that it’s possible for SSA Christian students to go to NA, share the gospel and lead other students to Jesus. But the most important thing is not what we know, but what we do with what we know! Here’s how you can join in this faith adventure:

• Pray for the Go North vision.
• Pray that God will provide Christians who can train and mentor SSA students in North Africa in sharing their faith.
• Get involved in mobilizing SSA churches to pray, send and give or support the Church in NA.
• Join S2NAP (South to North Africa Partnership) in leading, training and equipping SSA students in NA.
• Encourage and support those who go, if you cannot go.
• Fund or help raise funds for SSA Christian students’ scholarships in your partnership with S2NAP.

Remember that difficult does not mean impossible! Everything is possible for the one who believes. Will you remain a spectator?

photo at top:  Students from Sub-Saharan Africa can lead their fellow students to Jesus.