The New Africa

It’s been a number of years since I had been in Africa. While some
things remain unchanged, the advancement of technology has certainly
transformed the Africa I once knew. I remember the days when the
street vendors hustled to sell you a newspaper or candy. Now, the most
common item sold on the streets are SIM cards and a selection of cell
phones, blackberry’s and other related accessories.

The reality of how far technology has spread jolted me when I was in a
rural church during my last trip. We seemed to be in such a remote
area, isolated from every form of convenience that urban life
provides, when the sound of a modern day rock band broke the silence.
Someone’s phone started to ring!

I couldn’t help but notice and smile at what I saw in one of the
churches we visited and had to get a picture of it. The service now
provided an opportunity for many of the people attending to charge
their phones, allowing them to be accessible in the remote, tranquil
life they had made for themselves in such a remote setting.

I had to adjust to a new Africa. This Africa provided the convenience
of being in contact with the outside world despite feeling like you
were totally isolated.

Prayer Protection

After a very successful trip, I arrived back in Hampton last weekend,
exhausted from my travels but fired up from all that took place in
Africa. I heard some incredible stories of what God is doing through
the amazing partnerships we serve and will continue to share those
through my blog. 

I am very thankful for the continued prayer over my safety and
protection especially during one of our road trips. Sitting in the
front seat of the SUV we were using to go to a building site, I got that
slow motion visual of the inevitable collision between our vehicle and
a cow. 

Amazingly, after the cow was pushed clear across the road by the
impact, it turned around and gave us a look as if to ask what we
thought we were doing. It then staggering back up on to its feet and
walked away no doubt well tenderized from the incident. With that kind
of impact though, it could have been quite serious had it rolled up
onto the hood. As it was, the front end damage was enough to halt our
journey. 

Thanks to all those who prayed over this trip! 

In His service, 

Andy Scott
Director Partner Review – Africa

The power of persistent prayer

As you enter the village it is much the same as most in Africa. The
ground dry and hard, a few trees scattered around to provide shade and
relief from the immense heat of the day. There is one tree however
that is central to the village and is a stands out as a memorial of
the radical transformation that took place.

The village was steeped in witchcraft and idol worship was prevalent.
They had built a shrine and according to the witch doctor, there was
no way a Church ever going to be built on this land. The land and the
village were under his control and he had a stronghold over
everything, including the people.

Within the village, an old man, now well into his 90’s had been
praying for over fifty years for a Church to be built. It was by that
very tree that he cried out to God for all those years believing for
something that just seemed so unobtainable.

That is until a young man approached GSMI, one of our valued Partners
in Ghana. He had been evangelized by the old man and was now pleading
the case for a Church to be planted. Amid the immense persecution and
threatening of his life from the witch doctor and villagers, Rev. Sam
Dunya faithfully poured himself into the village and gradually a
Church grew.

That day we visited, the Village Chief welcomed us as we sat in close
proximity to the tree. We prayed with him as we sat outside his home.
Not far from our gathering was the new Church that had been
constructed in an answer to over fifty years of intercession. We had
worshiped at the Church that morning that was the answer to prayer. We
witnessed and experienced the joy and celebration that the people now
had. This was a village entrenched in idolatry and witchcraft that was
now praising the living God.

As for the witch doctor: he was in a trans one day while praying to
his idols. The next thing he knew he was in the midst of the Church
during a service. Despite the fear that gripped some of the people,
the Pastor confronted the witch doctor. He fled and to this day has
never been seen again.

Andy Scott
Director of Partnership Review – Africa

 

On African Soil

It’s been over 10 years since I last set foot on African soil, so
stepping off our Delta flight from Virginia into the immense heat and
humidity of Liberia brought back a flood of memories. After claiming
our luggage and being greeted by our Partner, we started our one hour
drive to Monrovia.

While Liberia was vastly different to Zimbabwe, the African lifestyle
and landscape was very familiar. Small communities lined the road,
families tended to their various chores while the children played
outdoors amusing themselves with the simplest of games.

Liberia is celebrating peace after years of war and hope filled the
air. The gospel was welcomed, evidenced by the many Biblical quotes
painted on taxis, buildings and signs.

Despite all the hope and optimism, it was evident life was still a
struggle for our Partners. As we drove our rented SUV into the regions
where Churches were being constructed, we encountered an overheating
problem. Our drive now consisted of stops every 15 – 20 minutes to
replenish the water.

Undeterred we pressed on and got the job done, thankful that we
persisted so we could meet the people that had gathered to welcome us.
People filled not only with hope from peace Liberia now celebrated,
but hope, excitement and anticipation for their new Church building
that will soon be completed.

I experienced a day in the life of our Partner and recognized just how
much adversity they have to work through on many different levels. But
they are undeterred, filled with love and gratitude, they work to
plant and build Churches throughout the Nation. We were honored and
made to feel welcome.

We left excited that through our donor’s generosity to build a church,
we were able to be a small part of proclaiming God’s Kingdom in
Liberia.

Taking Off

On Tuesday January 10th, Andy and Brad will be taking off for the
first of two trips into Africa that will formalize Andy’s transition
with the African Partners. This will be Andy’s first chance to
personally meet the partners in West Africa and the trip will include
the following countries within a 30 day period:
Liberia                       Mali
Ghana                         Niger
Burkina Faso           Benin
Democratic Republic of Congo

 

Please pray for safe travel, health and favor as we embark on a very
busy schedule. One particular country is currently experiencing
political unrest and instability so we ask that you pray for the
situation to change enough to allow us safe passage in to meet our
partner.

 

So far the transition has gone extremely well and the African Partners
have been so welcoming and accommodating to the change. We pray that
the remainder of the transition would be a seamless. I would also ask
that you pray for Brad as he starts focusing on his new role in
Eurasia.

 

We praise God for all that He accomplished in 2011 and look forward
with great anticipation, to all that He will do in 2012!

 

By His amazing grace,

 

Andy Scott
Director of Partner Review – Africa

Celebrating 1000!

Africa passed the 1,000th project that is either completed or under
construction with a major leap this week. Thanks to our many valued
donors, we activated 15 projects within Africa. From these 1,000
churches, thousands of daughter churches will be planted as leaders
are trained through the Mini Bible College.

I am filled with immense gratitude towards our Africa partners who
have the vision and determination to see God’s Kingdom extended
throughout their nation, and for the many donors who sacrificially
release the resources required to accomplish this through the
construction of local churches.

It is only through our partners and donors that we are able to witness
the miraculous way God is helping us to fulfill our vision of
“nurturing believers and assisting Church growth worldwide”.

To God be all the glory!

Andy Scott
Director of Partnership Review – Africa

Church Builders Africa Approaches a Major Milestone

For the past while, Africa has been sitting at 999 projects that have
either been completed or are work in process. Those projects represent
churches that have been built within 23 countries across Africa and
God is not done!

We are in the process of speaking with potential partners in nations
that we have not yet had access to and ask that you would pray for God
to open those doors on our behalf. These partnerships will provide us
the opportunity to serve God’s people where the need is so desperate.

Lastly, I would ask that you pray for our 1000th project in the great
continent of Africa!

In His service,

Andy Scott
Director of Partnership Review – Africa

Wind of Change

Change always brings mixed emotions. There is often a grieving over what was and an excitement over what will be. I know from the reaction of our many wonderful partners in Africa, that the news of Brad’s move into his new role in Europe and Asia brings a sense of great loss. For the past 5 years Brad has served our Ministry Partners as an effective Director, father figure and friend. During the communication of our transition, I have heard the same theme repeatedly – Brad will be missed in Africa.

 

What has been amazing though is the overwhelming support I have received as I have assumed the role as Director of Partnership Review – Africa. The welcome has been heartfelt and sincere, and I feel like I have been embraced by the Partners as their new Director. 

 

As Brad and I look ahead, we both have such a sense of excitement and expectation for what God has for each of us, knowing He who began this good work, will bring it to completion.  

 

Andy’s Background

 

I have the wonderful privilege of stepping onto African soil again having been born and raised in Zimbabwe. For the past 12 years I lived in Canada with my beautiful wife Claire and two children – Anthony and Hannah. Having served in many key roles in the Church, including itinerant preaching and pioneering and Pastoring a Church plant in Ottawa, I have always had a tough time discerning my fit in ministry.

 

I could not have scripted my role at ICM any better. It encompasses so much of what I have wanted to do and I stand amazed that God opened this door for me to fulfill my dreams and passions. This would not have been possible had it not been for the support of each family member who willfully released me to travel throughout Africa. I am blessed to have that support and I thank God for the wonderful gift of an empowering family.

 

The Journey Ahead

Brad has laid a solid foundation in Africa and I am grateful for the countless hours he has poured into me with the intent of ensuring my success. We plan two trips in early 2012 so we can meet with each of our valued ministry partners during the transition. This time will be bitter sweet! A time of grieving over what was, and the excitement for what will be.

 

We sense the hand of God at work and are thankful for the new chapter that is about to unfold in each of our lives and in the work of ICM across the World.

 

 

 

Andy Scott

Director of Partner Review – Africa

ICM

West Africa Gains Stafford Christian Training Center

The Stafford Christian Training Center, a philanthropic vision and creative brainchild of ICM Friend and Donor Partner, Mr. Earl Stafford, is nearly complete.

 

The ten acre, six building complex located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso is designed to house, care and educate 100 of the country’s most vulnerable orphans, educate children from surrounding areas, nurture young men entering the ministry with ICM’s Mini Bible College curriculum and teach and develop vocational skills to struggling adults. Under construction the past two years, the finishing touches are now being added to each and every building on the campus including the 2000 square foot church. Other structures include two orphanages, a primary school for children, a conference center and a two-story adult education center complete with full service dormitories. Best of all, due to Burkina Faso’s strategic location, 14 other West African nations will be invited to utilize the programs available here including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Togo, Niger, Liberia, Sierra Leoneand others, Truly, the Stafford Christian Training Center promises to be a “gignormous” blessing to thousands of West Africans in the years to come, all because of the inspiration of one Christian Businessman. Mr. Stafford, a weathy African-American who’s late Father was a pastor, wanted to impact Africa in a meaningful and substantial way while bringing glory to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. ICM is humbled to be in partnership with Mr. Stafford, as well as our Burkina Faso Ministry Partner Rev. Dr. Philippe Ouedraogo, who will oversee and direct the Stafford Center. If you would like to bless this project in any way or contribute to its curriculum and programs, please do not hesitate to contact ICM.

 

 

Thank you for reading!

 

Brad Orchard
ICM Director – Africa

Ugandan Church Orphanage Glorifies God

This beautiful new Church Orphanage situated high atop a hill not far from the Ugandan Capitol is nearly complete. Within the next 30 to 45 days of this writing, the second floor will be teeming with orphans. The first floor will serve as a worship sanctuary for the congregation of 200. ICM Partner, Rev. John Kamanzi reports the surrounding community is already buzzing about the new facility and is chomping at the bit for its completion. Typically, when an ICM Partnered Church or Church Orphanage is finished, a dedication service is organized and nearby curiousity-ridden villagers, attend the ceremony in droves. Often, non-believers come to Christ and the Church congregation grows. Upstairs, under the loving supervision of caretakers, who report to the local pastor, 50 resident children who have lost their parents to AIDS, begin a new life of healthy living, cleanliness, order, discipline and loving spiritual nurturing that promises to produce Godly adults who will one day lead Uganda with wisdom. This is how ICM reaches nations for Christ. And this is how God is glorified by the combined efforts of the indigenous Ministry, U.S. Donor Partners and ICM. One can easily see how beautiful this structure is and will be and what a positive force its presence will be in the local Ugandan community. But what is about to happen inside this building, throughout the years to follow, is what is the most beautiful thing of all!

Thanks for reading!

Brad Orchard
ICM Director – Africa