Several initiatives are now focusing on the development of Africa - The African Union, The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and lately the Commission for Africa led by government of the United Kingdom. All these could be stillborn unless the worldview of Africans is identified, acknowledged and addressed. Several books in the past past have served to provoke the Church to play its role. I recall Professor Kinoti's "Hope for Africa: And What the Christian Can Do" and Dr. Adeyemo's "Is Africa Cursed?" There is need to go beyond diagnosis and move towards prognosis. A vital worldview change must lay the foundation of any lasting political and economic solutions.

Most of the world is acquainted with only bad news coming from Africa. Others have given up hope for the continent. This book demonstrates how, beginning in small ways, change is happening. Transformation is taking root and spreading throughout the continent. This change is from the inside-out, and from the grass-roots up. Though external factors such as colonialism, the slave trade and now global trade imbalances have taken their toll on Africa, the biggest obstacles to Africa are internal.

When I first encountered this message it resonated with me as a message whose time has come, Having been involved in a discipleship movement for about 20 years I was convinced that there must be more to being a Christian than waiting to go to heaven. The good news of the Gospel must begin with personal in response to Jesus Christ as Lord of one's life. But Jesus Christ is more than that, he is not just Lord of our lives but Lord of the universe. It is imperative, therefore, that those who belong to Him should live as He did - seeking to advance the Kingdom of God, which is His rule and authority in every sphere of personal and public life. This is Good News for Africa.

In the many years that the Church has been present in Africa, personal piety has often been valued over social responsibility. Discipleship and development have often been divorced or compartmentalized - often with polarization to one extreme or the other. Development projects are not easily identified with spiritual impact. The goal of the Great Commission is to disciple the nations. The key to this happening is people who are obedient to God - true disciples. The focus of the goal remains on the nations and communities that reflect the glory of God in every area. The presence of Christians in any community should have the effect of salt and light, a blessing to the nations.

Several of us have recognized that alone, we don't have the ability to saturate Africa with this vital message, but together we can achieve more. The "Africa Working Group" was born as a team of trainers envisioning political, business and Church leaders. Today, over 300 churches in 15 countries and over 3000 church leaders have witnessed the beginning of transformation of their communities. As we go into new countries, we meet more people resonating with this message. Against all hope, there is hope for Africa. I invite you to join us in this refreshing work that God is doing among His people.

Dennis Tongoi
Coordinator
African Working Group/Samaritan Strategy