Individuals and teams across the continent of Africa are working continuously to make Derek Prince’s teachings available. Discipleship materials are being provided to churches, Bible schools, and individuals. These efforts bring new life and fruitfulness to many nations: from Nigeria and Ghana in the west to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and the island of Madagascar in the east, and from South Africa up to Egypt in the north.
A Multinational Mission
There is a part of Africa where a physical phenomenon is taking place that reflects what God is doing in the supernatural. The Great Green Wall that was started in 2007 by the African Union is now spearheaded by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
The vision is to create an 8,000-kilometer (5,000-mile) living structure across the breadth of North Africa, restoring 100 million hectares of degraded land and providing a barrier against the expanding Sahara Desert. The UNCCD hopes to sequester 250 million tons of carbon and create 10 million green jobs by 2030. Those are some tremendous statistics. As I see it, the way that story is unfolding has parallels with the work of Derek Prince Ministries in Africa.
The first supernatural parallel is an expansive vision. We have a multinational mission to co-labor with the Lord and with other partners to see the expansion of Christ’s Kingdom—not just from west to east but also from south to north. No country can plant the wall alone, and so too do our outreach teams work interdependently, providing each other with prayer support, shared resources, wisdom, and encouragement.
Secondly, while there are multiple layers of support and encouragement, it is the individuals on the ground who effect the change. Just as the people planting trees use the tools supplied, Derek Prince’s teaching tools are being supplied widely in vast amounts to equip believers in many nations to grow into a Kingdom ecosystem that brings life. It benefits individuals, communities, villages, towns, and cities, preparing the way for future generations.
Halfmoons and Deep Roots
To continue the analogy of how the creation of the Great Green Wall parallels the activity of DPM-Africa (our work on the ground), one main strategy being employed for the wall is an ancient water-harvesting technique of halfmoon-shaped berms. Pits (known as zai pits) are dug on the inside and outside of the berm. Rows of halfmoons are offset along the earth’s contours so water that passes by two halfmoons in one row will be caught in the next row. The pits collect water that both supports trees and shrubs and soaks down to reestablish the underground aquifers—and also sustains the people during dry spells.
These halfmoons are akin to our Bible schools, prayer gatherings, and group study courses. They slow the runoff while supporting the absorption of truth and spiritual growth. The result is Christians who are deeply rooted, fostering sustainability through the dry seasons of life.
Encouraging Results
The people we work with often begin as very dry, degraded ground. One Bible school student in Kenya wrote this:
Before I joined the Derek Prince Ministries Bible school, I lacked confidence and direction in my life. I often doubted myself and struggled to stay focused, and I did not have a strong relationship with God. I was easily discouraged by challenges and uncertain about my future.
Through the Bible school, my life has changed in many ways. I have grown spiritually and learned the importance of prayer, discipline, and studying God's Word. Through the book Foundational Truths for Christian Living, I now have greater confidence, a clearer sense of purpose, and a stronger faith in God. I have also learned to be humble, serve others with love and humility, and trust God even during difficult times.
Another testimony came from one of our teachers:
A man in his forties, Mr. Simon (not his real name) had been in my class for almost seven months. When we were going through the book Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting, he started shedding tears while lifting his hand and shouting, "I need Jesus to shape my history and give me a new start!"
Because our director, Geoffrey, was away on a field trip, I had to bring the entire class of 42 people into prayer for Simon, because his tears were uncontrollable.
After an hour or so, he cooled down and started confessing how he was being used by businessmen to kill their business opponents. He was leading a gang hired for assassinations.
Mr. Simon's story is one of those ugly and interesting testimonies we receive from our students. We thank God that our director, Geoffrey, has trained a group of teachers who have grace for deliverance to bring the students into true freedom.
Faithfulness
Slowly but surely, the Lord is using people in different countries to do the task of discipling the nations. Right now, that seems somewhat impossible. Yet one day, we believe we will marvel at how He has worked everything to His glory as He transforms one life at a time through His Word and His Spirit.
However we look at it, the results are tremendous, and there is still so much more to come. We recognize the wonderful faithfulness of the Lord who directs our steps, our co-workers in Africa who are steadfast in their callings, and you who support us financially and in prayer.
Please pray for our workers and for this important work. Will you also consider supporting us financially to continue building a defense against desolation? Thank you for all your help as we continue to release life into the nations of Africa.
