IT IS an accepted fact that the Holy Scriptures belong to the whole of the human family. But does each tribe, nation, and continent cherish a sense of belonging to the Word of God? Africans came in direct contact with the Bible in the days of colonization, when Western powers imported the Sacred Book to their lands as a stabilizing factor. It should not therefore surprise any Westerner to meet honest persons in this vast continent who, in their subconscious, regard the Bible as the Book of the white man. Such an attitude may create mental barriers to the reception of vital truths of the Word of God. Therefore, establishing a sense of pride and belonging to the Bible is most important in leading honest souls in Africa, as well as in other lands, to appreciate and accept God's plan for their salvation.
How can this be accomplished? From August 11 to September 15, 1968, I was asked to conduct a series of fifteen meetings in the capital city of Addis Ababa in our beautiful new church, which seats about five hundred. I determined, by God's grace, first, to challenge the audience to a sense of pride in the fact that Africa occupies a significant place in the Bible, as it was in this continent that God early endeavored to establish a knowledge of Him self through Abraham, Joseph, Jacob, Moses, the Israelites, and through a visit by Christ Himself. Christianity spread during the time of the apostles first to Egypt and then from Egypt down into Ethiopia, where the oldest Christian African church was established.
One thousand years before the Bible was translated into English, it was translated into several African dialects such as Sahidic, Boharic, and the old Ethiopian dialect, Gehez. The Bible therefore is not some thing foreign to Africa, introduced by foreigners in modern times. On the contrary, it has an honorable history in this continent. Still more important, a number of countries of Africa have played a significant role in the history of salvation.
Second, I attempted to present some of the vital teachings of the Word of God, which we as Seventh-day Adventists hold distinctive, in the light of national goals and aspirations as well as present developments in Africa today. It is most thrilling to present the signs of Christ's coming as described in Matthew 24, in the light of the awakening in the political, social, physical, and religious world, which have taken place in Africa within our lifetime. Some one remarked at the end of the presentation, "Why, Africa is changing quickly. I never expected the Bible to predict and describe the increase in education and communication that has taken place in Ethiopia!" The prophecy of Daniel 12:4 has been in the Bible for more than 2,500 years, but he had never heard it read in the context of African developments.
The following is a brief resume on some of the lectures given during the crusade.
Africa in the Bible—This was the opening lecture, which surveyed three African countries, namely, Egypt, Lybia, and Ethiopia. Emphasis was placed on the part that Africa had played in Bible times and on God's concern for this continent.
When Christ Returns to Africa—Africa provided a refuge for Christ when He was a helpless baby. What an honor! A greater privilege is extended to each son and daughter of Africa today to prepare to welcome Christ when He shall return the second time in majesty and glory.
Why Africa Is Changing Quickly—The signs of Christ's coming were presented in the light of the awakening that has taken place in Africa in the political, social, physical, and religious fields, as well as in the field of knowledge and communications in our lifetime.
When God Unites Africa—"One Continent, one people, one destiny." Since World War II more than twenty Pan-African conferences have been held to discuss ways and means to achieve this goal. Will Africa ever be united to become the next world empire? A careful study of Daniel 2 reveals that both the northern part of Africa and the Middle East were part of the Roman Empire, and the daring prediction of the Word of God is that God and not man will unite these territories. The presentation closed with a description of the new united Africa God will re-create.
When Africans Will Live Again—A dramatic presentation of the great resurrection day, when the graves of the righteous will be opened in the four corners of this continent and this planet.
The Day Ethiopia Never Forgot—A historical reiteration of Sabbath-keeping in Ethiopia, with particular reference to cases of loyalty in face of persecution. What a unique privilege to invite Ethiopians to be loyal to the God-given tradition of their forefathers! Ethiopia stands as an example of a country that has preserved the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath throughout the ages.
Africa's Greatest Son—A biographical sketch of Moses. Appeal to follow Moses' example—to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.
Africa's Greatest Freedom—While Africa is to be praised for its achievements in fighting against heathenism, disease, poverty, jungle, and slavery, Africans can find real moral and spiritual freedom only in the ten basic principles of life revealed at Sinai.
The Ethiopian Who Found the Light in Jerusalem—A re-evaluation of the experience of the Ethiopian eunuch, Judich, according to tradition. He searched for light in Jerusalem, and having been led to it by Philip, sealed his decision through baptism (Acts 8:27-39).
Africa's Worst Enemy—A presentation of the destructive influence of alcohol from the social and medical viewpoint. Doctor participated.
Africa's Best Foods—With the help of a dietitian a simple demonstration was given of body building, of the protective and energy foods necessary, and how the common African diet can be well balanced.
What was the result? It surpassed all expectations. The church was packed every night and chairs were added for many meetings to seat the overflow. The attendance each evening varied between five hundred and seven hundred. The reporters of the national newspapers attended a number of lectures and carried the story of our meetings in sixteen different articles, which included a reprint of one sermon. Over a period of four weeks we received close to one square meter (1.196 square yards) of free publicity in the national newspapers. On the night when the story of "The Ethiopian Who Found the Light in Jerusalem" was presented, one hundred and twenty registered their decision to be baptized. A special Bible class is presently being conducted to prepare this interested group of people so that they can be ready for our next baptism.
The Bible is relevant to every age and nation. It is the task of the minister of the gospel to discover how to adapt and apply its eternal truths to various national groups in their different social environments.
