Some time ago I stood with Missionary Andy Schultz at the monument and burial place of David Livingstone’s heart in Zambia. It was a memorable moment that stands out in my mind even today. Everything we do is a question of the heart. The Word of God tells us in Proverbs 4:23 that out of the heart comes the issues of life. Today, Africa consists of fifty-two countries with almost one billion people. Even though David Livingstone arrived in Africa in 1841, as a pioneer missionary, his descriptive expression “Dark Continent” is still relevant. There is no doubt that Livingstone was the very arrow shot into the heart of Africa that opened the door for our missionaries to burn their own trail across this great continent.

BIMI is growing in numbers and effectiveness across Africa, from the deserts of Senegal and Niger in the West to East and Central Africa and all the way down to the tip of South Africa. Our beginnings were humble in the early 1960’s when a few missionaries from the old Congo Gospel Mission became a part of the establishment of BIMI. Our ministry in Africa has grown from a handful of missionaries serving in the Congo in the early 60’s to 115 missionaries serving in 12 countries, with new fields being opened on a regular basis.

There is excitement among our missionaries who have worked to see 33 Bible institutes and colleges presently training over 375 students. God has enabled them to plant 211 churches across this needy field. The momentum is growing and BIMI’s commitment to Africa is awe-inspiring. In Proverbs 29:28 we read, “Where there is no vision the people perish…” We certainly never want those words to die in our hearts.

The apostle Paul said, “For great door and effectual is opened unto me…”. (I Corinthians 16:9) In like spirit, we too must thrust forward in these last days before our Lord returns. I am proud of our 115 missionaries and the great work that has been done, but I am sad when I think of all the open countries across Africa where we presently have no missionaries. We can never be comfortable with what has been accomplished when there is so much left undone. In the fourth chapter of the book of Nehemiah, we read that rubbish was on the wall and the work was stopped. We must keep our Gospel wall clean of the rubbish and comforts of this world so the work can continue. Remember, Nehemiah prayed 120 days about a job that would ultimately take only 52 to complete. We cannot emphasize too much the need for prayer in these days of uncertainty. There are hindrances from terrorism, rising costs, political unrest, health problems, and so many other avenues of attacks which Satan tries to use to keep the Gospel from doing its work across the Dark Continent.

I believe we have some of the most innovative and hard working missionaries anywhere on the continent, but they must have additional churches that will be supportive. “Pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you” (II Thess. 3:1). The needs are so many with orphanages, Bible schools, medical clinics, radio stations and churches needing to be built in the 14 countries where BIMI is registered. Generators, cement mixers, tools, and equipment having to do with building are always needed and welcomed.

New Bible institutes have a great need for commentaries and theological books. I would love to see BIMI have enough money in the Africa Project Fund to buy one million Bibles in different languages to distribute from one side of the continent to the other. Dr. James Ray, our General Director, and Brant Holladay have distributed over one million Bibles across Russia. Please pray that God will provide the needed funds required for us to do the same in Africa.

As a missionary to Africa who has been selected to direct the ministry of missions for BIMI on the Dark Continent, I want to remind you who pray and give to the work in Africa that you are an integral part of a great team working hard to get the Gospel to a great multitude. Continue to partner with us in this great work of getting the Word to every creature. We would love to share Africa with your church. My wife, Donna, is available to speak in ladies meetings and banquets. Pray that God will enable us to encourage and recruit new missionaries for the Dark Continent.