Reaching Africa For Christ

African Enterprise was founded in 1961 by a South African, Michael Cassidy, with the express mission: "To evangelize the cities of Africa, through word and deed, in partnership with the Church."

African Enterprise is a Christian interdenominational, multicultural ministry of evangelism; reconciliation; leadership development training; relief and community development. Our scope is all of Africa. AE leaders are African nationals that work with local church and parachurch leaders to mobilize congregations in outreach to African cities. Sixteen or more strategic cities are being reached this way each year. AE's ultimate vision is to see an Africa of peace and justice through the spiritual renewal and transformed lives of thousands of people.

AE's city wide mission methodology is long term and a high priority is encouraging and training the local Church, particularly leadership. Several years can go into preparing a mission. Fostering and encouraging unity amongst the local churches and parachurches is primary, as is the training of God's people in evangelism, discipleship, prayer, pastoral care and follow-up. AE and local evangelists present the gospel to many strata of society, from influential leaders to street children, using an effectively developed "stratified" evangelism strategy.

Outcomes of a mission vary depending on their size, with anywhere from hundreds to several thousands coming to know Jesus. Each year approximately 40,000 individuals become Christians as a result of AE facilitated missions. After some missions, police have reported a significant drop in crime and even secular newspapers have reported community changes. Undoubtedly however, it is the increased hope, strength and zeal of local churches and their leaders that is so encouraging because these are the front line forces of Christ¹s mission in the world.

AE has convened several Pan African, regional and national interdenominational conferences. These have served to bring greater reconciliation, strength, vision and unity to the African Church. The credibility gained from AE missions and these conferences has placed AE in a very unique and strategic position in Africa today. An extraordinarily wide spectrum of African churches and parachurches, partner with AE in this calling.

This credibility has even enabled AE to increasingly minister Christ's love effectively within politically sensitive and, at times, volatile environments. Not only is healing and forgiveness ministered to local communities but reconciliation between the leaders of rival factions often occurs as a result of special ministries. AE is seen as the "honest broker" byrival political groups. Senior Politicians, including Nelson Mandela of South Africa and Mary Robinson, former president of the Republic of Ireland, have openly recognized AE's unique role.

At times the Gospel is best received by ministering to neglected community needs such as AIDS, infant mortality, street children or polluted water. Where appropriate AE will help facilitate the start up and oversight of programs to address these needs with local churches and communities.

Our team ministers throughout the African Continent with bases in ten African countries - Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zimbabwe. AE is a charter member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and a member of the Evangelical Fellowship of Mission Agencies (EFMA). Commendations on the effectiveness and authenticity of African Enterprise are available upon request from many prominent Christian leaders, including Billy Graham, Luis Palau, Ted Engstrom, John Perkins and John Stott.