Thirty-one years ago I took a risk. A friend challenged me to go on a short-term mission trip and it changed my life forever. Early that first morning in Tenwek, Kenya, I was walking alone up a dirt road and met a young boy going to work in his father’s farm. I spoke the one word I knew of his language and he responded. Then, we just stared at each other in stark silence. It so marked me that since that one encounter, I have been passionate about learning some of the heart language of people that I’m called to minister with. It is called “HEART” language for a reason. When I speak just one word of “heart” language, there is instant connection with total strangers in an amazing way.
Now I spend my time linking hearts with key African Christian leaders because I believe they will transform the world. Many have asked me, “Michael, why do you do what you do?” “What do you want to accomplish by linking hearts with these leaders?” 2 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses ENTRUST to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” And Romans 1: 11-12 states, “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be MUTUALLY ENCOURAGED by each other’s faith.” If Catalyst for Africasucceeds, it will be in the fulfillment of these two passages. Why do I do what I do? Because I believe that relationships matter, discipleship matters, and mentoring matters. If we do what we say, then lives and communities will be transformed.
Catalyst for Africa has made a difference in the lives of men like Valentin in Senegal, Christophe in Mali, Benjamin in Cote d’Ivoire, Eddie in Ghana, David in Kenya, and Timothy in Nigeria. As these men are encouraged and strengthened, they are in turn reaching their communities with the Gospel and transforming Africa for Jesus Christ. We walk hand in hand and share in the work God has called us to do, mutually encouraging one another. The time is now. Will you join us as we together transform the world in Jesus’ name?
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