As we anticipate our continental gathering, it’s good to remember how the Lord has grown our movement across Africa. In Zambia, for example, the work began as early as 1898. Today, by God’s grace, there are over 1,200 assemblies. This pattern of growth, from small seeds planted by faithful missionaries to thriving indigenous movements, has been repeated in many of our nations.

Yet, with growth comes new challenges. We face the need for deeper discipleship, the struggle of supporting our own full-time workers, the difficulty of getting sound Christian literature into the hands of our people, and the ever-present challenge of working together in unity. Organizations like the Brethren Missionary Trust of Zambia (BMTZ) have emerged to serve as bridges helping to connect workers, share news, and channel support.

Our upcoming conference is a continuation of this journey. It is an opportunity to learn from the experiences of brothers and sisters in other parts of the continent, to become aware of needs in other countries, and to develop greater unity through understanding our diversity. Together, we are striving to serve the Lord in the great commission, building on the foundation of the past to face the opportunities of the future.