“The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.” –Psalm 37: 30-31 (ESV)
Wisdom is an important aspect of biblical leadership. Aligning our hearts and lives with Christ comes through reading and studying His Word, and spending time with our Savior through prayer and praise. We are blessed to live in a country where we can do this freely and have ample resources at our disposal to assist with the learning process. This is not so in many areas of the world, and the resources that are available are not always grounded in the truth.
First Church partners with several mission organizations that provide theological training to combat the various forms of indigenous teachings, including witchcraft and idol worship, that are often combined with teaching from God’s Word. Africa International University (AIU), founded in 1983, has over 2,500 graduates who have received the foundations of biblical truth and leadership through their studies at AIU and its partner Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST). These students came from 36 African countries, as well as the United States, Great Britain, Australia, China, and Canada. Upon returning to their home countries or to other areas to which God has called them, they have become the next generation of biblical leaders working for His Kingdom as teachers, preachers, evangelists, church planters, Bible translators, and missionaries. How important is it that they are taught the truth? AIU is the only accredited theological school in Africa offering programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Christian Leaders for Africa (CLA), based in the U.S., provides financial assistance for scholarships, faculty support, books, and It support for AIU and NEGST. Jim Rogers, the President of CLA, states why it is so important for the students to have a solid biblical foundation:
“Many of our graduates are working hard to reach areas with indigenous people [who are] unaccustomed to working with anyone they do not know. India and China readily accept our missionaries and many graduates are now viewing the U.S. as a potential mission field. Several missionaries are church planting within Islamic communities throughout Africa and many mainline churches have our graduates as their lead pastor. Major African Christian non-profits are headed by our graduates as well.”
The scope of hearts touched by these graduates alone emphasizes the importance of God’s wisdom and truth being imparted to their hearts. Please pray for CLA and their partner schools as they are laying down a biblical foundation of leadership that will truly have a global impact.
by Trusha Barner, Director of Missions
