Apr 23

Written by: Michael A. Milton
4/23/2008 3:39 PM

A Surprise for the Church of Jesus Christ in America

One of the most amazing movements in the Church of Jesus Christ in North America today has to do with Africa.

Let me explain. 

The Episcopal Church USA continues to splinter because of its failure to stand with historic, Biblical Christianity. Congregations are leaving that increasingly heterodox denomination for more scripturally (and Anglican) faithful associations. Most of these new associations are with African Anglican dioceses (administrative areas of oversight for you non-Anglicans, similar to presbyteries) and God-honoring, Bible-believing, missions-minded bishops who are leading them.

The Anglican Church of Uganda is led by Archbishops Henry Luke Orombi and Emmanuel Kolini. Archbishop Peter Akinola presides over the churches in Nigeria. Who ever imagined that African Anglicans would be used by God to bring about revival, renewal, and missionary activity in America? All praises be to God! No one could have seen this surprise coming. Many stories are being told of how God's people are being used in Africa to spread the honor and glory of Jesus Christ. We need to pay attention. 
The magazine of the Anglican Mission in the Americas, The Wave, had a story that touched my heart: 

Jeanette Gisa, the widow of this Rwandan general, an outspoken Christian, reflects with this: 

"Although I am sad to have lost my husband, I thank God that what he died for enabled us all to return to Rwanda...What we die doing is what is most important in life." 

 Her husband died to get his exiled people home. How familiar a story does that sound to those who follow Jesus?  

Now his widow shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ with hopeless people so that they can get home to heaven. She recently spoke to Christian Hope Village, a community of child-headed households. She shared the hope that Jesus gives and told the children that despite their loss they can move beyond victimization to victory.  

In America we need to see that there are believers who are willing to give their very lives for Christ. They also show us how, through the victory of Jesus over death, nothing can stop our optimistic view of the future. As a result of their focus on heaven, they are making a better life on earth.   I thank God that He is surprising us by raising up Africans to come here and tell their stories of God's love. They speak with uncompromising voices the truth of the Word of God and of the old, old story of Jesus and His love. Through their presence they are leading many of us home.

Praise be to Christ!

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