Started in South Africa in 1962, AE is an Interdenominational & Interracial Christian organisation whose work is focussed on Africa and partnering with the indigenous church. AE has indigenous workers based in offices in 10 nations across Africa and from these we move into many more countries. The ministry is truly a worldwide one with support offices across four continents and Africans often visiting these shores to engage in ministry opportunities. Together the AE partnership encompasses approximately 600 staff across the world and thousands more volunteers, partners and friends.
We invite you to read more and to contact us to talk about ways that you can be involved in making a real difference in Africa.
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Singing and Dancing in the Streets of Bujumbura |
When we arrived in Bujumbura there was a noticeable absence of the singing and dancing that fills most African cities. Perhaps this is a hangover from the ravages of the civil war from which so many are still recovering.
 What a joy to report that by the end of the week, crowds of street kids, young men and women were enthusiastically joining with the choirs as they praised the Lord for His goodness. Even the preachers joined in. Darien Khlentzos, Greg Smerdon, and even the normally reserved Emmanuel Kopwe, joined the celebrations (see photo). It seemed as though joy and hope had been reignited in the city through the good news of Jesus.
Unlike many African cities, the churches in Bujumbura had not run open air missions in venues such as market places before. By the end of the week many pastors were overjoyed that so many people were hearing and responding to the gospel. Both AE evangelists and the people of Bujumbura wanted the mission to continue, but the churches have been equipped and the baton must now be passed to them.
Over 600 people committed themselves to Christ for the first time over the week which, according to Emmanuel Kopwe who has led the long hard work of reconciliation in the city over more than a decade, was miraculous.
AE Malawi Team Leader Enoch Phiri said ‘Outreaches like this make me feel like I should be preaching every day!’
In his letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul sums up beautifully how all in AE are feeling after the mission to Bujumbura - “thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him." (2 Cor 2:14)
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