Headlines are being monopolized by stories of extremist violence. We are still reeling with shock from the recent attacks in Paris. While terrorism and religious upheaval have been going on for decades, it has never been so quickly and sensationally widespread as it has been in our day and age.
In most of these volatile places, Christians and the message of hope are unwelcome. But there is one place where the doors are still open: The Sahel region of Africa.
Christianity is flourishing in Sub-Saharan Africa. As churches are planted and faith grows, the message of freedom and hope is rapidly moving northward.
At the same time, Islam is spreading down the continent. When the population expands, so does the religion that allows people to simply be born into it. Outside Muslim nations see the economic advantages to pumping petrol dollars into new mosques, healthcare and free universities across the continent so they can “attract” new followers.
These two religions are gaining momentum as they barrel toward each other preparing to clash in the heart of the African Sahel. The Sahel remains one of the last places where open evangelism efforts can legally—and for the most part—safely take place in the Islamic World.
While Islam offers an escape hatch from poverty, Christianity offers true freedom.
We have been blessed with amazing partners living and working in this region who have created a 5- year plan to advance the Kingdom through the Lumière Project. This digital ministry and church-planting initiative is audaciously taking a stand for the cause of Christ as it seeks to have at least 3,300 churches planted in francophone Africa in the next 5 years.
You can learn more about the Lumière Project here.
As we love our neighbors, even the Muslim ones, we need to make sure we are reaching out to young people to let them know they have a choice. We have an authentic and loving message to share—the message of true freedom in Christ.
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