Africa is a beautiful continent filled with complexity and contrast. It has been deeply affected by the tragedies of colonialism, famine, natural disasters, and disease. Widespread issues such as poverty, corruption, and a lack of education have negatively impacted many societies. However, beneath these challenges lies hidden wonder—amazing landscapes, incredible wildlife, abundant natural resources, and diverse cultures. As the youngest continent, with an average age of 19, and the second largest in population, 1.4 billion people, Africa holds immense potential for global impact, particularly concerning the spread of the gospel.
The gospel has been present in Africa for a long time. The contributions of Africans to biblical history are often overlooked. Figures such as the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8), leaders like “Simeon called Niger” in the church at Antioch (Acts 13), and influential theologians like Augustine, Tertullian, and Cyprian, illustrate the pivotal role Africans have played in the growth of Christianity. Today, many of the largest churches in the world are led by Africans. Yet, a significant number of people in Africa remain unreached by the gospel, with nearly 1,000 people groups still considered unreached. Fortunately, there is a growing passion and commitment among many Africans to actively participate in the Great Commission, sharing the message of Jesus with those who have yet to hear it.
In this edition of NATIONS magazine, we aim to shine a light on this remarkable continent, showcasing just a fraction of the work that God is doing through World Outreach to restore people to himself, heal broken lives, and send out individuals to fulfil the Great Commission.
As with many aspects of the Kingdom of God, we experience the "now" but also await the "not yet." There are glimpses of the kingdom that we can see and experience today, but there remains much we long to witness, which will only be realised upon Christ’s return. Therefore, we continue to work, pray, and wait for his return. We invite you to join us in praying and labouring for this beautiful continent of Africa and its people, made in God's image. Pray for the unreached who have not yet encountered the good news of Jesus, that they may receive this wonderful message in time. Pray for the followers of Jesus to be wholly committed to him, serving as the salt and light of the nations as instructed. Pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven.
With Hope,
Ben B. International Director
Two Trends in Africa to Consider for Future Missionary Activities
BY IVAN VENTER, AFRICA STRATEGY COORDINATOR
Africa & Missions
Africa and missions in Africa are in transition. Some areas of transition include decolonisation and generational changes. These two factors have significant implications and possibilities for missionary activity on the continent.
Decolonisation
While decolonisation is a political term, it does influence how people in Africa see themselves and how they view the role of foreign missionaries. These changes also signal the ever-maturing church in Africa. Within the context of mission, this means that Africans want to be equal partners in missionary strategy and endeavours. With decolonisation, we have also observed a rise in "tribalism," which in the African church means the expansion of the gospel according to the name or denomination you belong to.
Some questions for mission workers to consider are:
- How can we foster equal partnership within our local team interaction?
- Are we actively discipling a worldview of all nations and cross-cultural sharing of the gospel in our church planting?
- How are we empowering local leaders to take the lead in building sustainable ministries?
Generational Changes
Africa is widely known as the youngest continent in the world, with 60% of Africa's population under the age of 25. Despite this, much of the political and church leadership is still held by older individuals in their fifties and sixties. By contrast, many young people are not interested in becoming ministers of the gospel because they want to pursue careers in business.
Some questions for mission workers to consider are:
- How can we intentionally close the gap between the secular and holy in our discipleship to empower young professionals with the gospel?
- How can we include younger people within our team leadership?
When Faith Finds a Way
*HENRY & NINA ARE PSEUDONYMS USED TO PROTECT THE IDENTITIES OF THE INDIVIDUALS IN THIS STORY.
The following is the inspiring testimony of Henry and Nina—a story of faith, sacrifice, and the transformative power of God’s love.
Henry grew up in a family devoted to their local faith, where even at a young age, he taught lessons from their sacred book. Though his heart initially resisted the Gospel that his brother shared with him, the gentle, persistent work of the Holy Spirit gradually softened him. With further teaching from a dedicated pastor and compassionate missionaries, Henry gave his life to Christ— a day that forever changed his destiny.
For him, the path of faith was not without its trials. When his family learned of his newfound commitment to Jesus, they turned their backs on him. Even his beloved wife, Nina—who had always cherished their love and considered herself a follower of Christ— was caught in the middle of the painful family conflict. Nina’s father declared that only if Henry renounced his Christian beliefs and paid an exorbitant sum could he reclaim his wife. Faced with this heart-wrenching ultimatum, Henry’s resolve was tested.
An unexpected opportunity came when Henry was offered a teaching job in his former faith—a means to earn the money he desperately needed. After much prayer and soul-searching, he accepted the position, determined to keep his secret allegiance to Christ intact. Before departing, he visited Nina and shared his courageous plan. At that moment, Nina revealed a ray of hope: she was pregnant. This news strengthened Henry’s determination to reunite their family and build a future anchored in faith.
When the time came to reclaim Nina, Henry discovered that her father had deceitfully raised the price, never intending to let his daughter go. Undeterred, Henry paid the original fee and, in a quiet whisper, shared an escape plan with Nina. Trusting in God’s providence, he immediately reached out to his pastor and a supportive uncle, and together they set in motion a daring rescue. With courage in her heart, Nina escaped through a dense forest to a prearranged meeting point, where Henry was waiting on his motorbike—a beacon of hope in a dark hour.
Their miraculous escape did not go unnoticed. Nevertheless, God in his boundless grace, made a way for them to join a World Outreach discipleship training programme. Over the next four months, they witnessed firsthand how God mended their broken hearts and renewed their marriage. Henry and Nina grew stronger in their faith and developed a boldness that enabled them to share the Gospel with others. Their journey culminated in baptism and commissioning - a public declaration of their commitment to Christ.
The most uplifting part of their testimony is the promise held in the life of their unborn child—a sign of hope for a new generation of Christians emerging within an unreached people group. Henry and Nina’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, God’s love can restore, redeem, and empower us to follow his calling.
May their testimony inspire you to trust in the Lord’s plan, knowing that no matter how challenging the road may seem, his ways are higher, and his love never fails.
A Refreshing Stream in the Valley of Weeping
BY DANELLE VENTER, WO MEMBER CARE TEAM
As human beings, we can have a natural tendency to latch onto the negative aspects of life. Regardless of our context, today many of us face uncertainties and challenges that can easily entrap our minds and burden our hearts with fear. It takes intentional effort to refocus our minds on what is good—what we have, rather than what we lack. It takes intentional effort to focus our minds on the goodness of God. I want to invite you to stop, refocus, and then participate in what Hillsong sings about the “beautiful exchange,” where we bring our brokenness to the cross and receive the sanctification of Jesus.
Stop and Refocus
Psalm 84:4-6 (NLT):
What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
From this scripture, we see that joy and strength lie in a mind set on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, which, in the context of the Old Testament, was where the Temple of God was located. The good news is that through his death on the cross, Jesus has reconciled us with God, and now we house the presence of God within us (2 Corinthians 6:16-18). We can set our minds towards him and pursue him anytime and in any place.
The question is: how can we become intentional in our pursuit of God, where we can meet with the source of our life and faith? Sometimes, in order to truly stop and refocus, it is necessary to physically move out of our circumstances. This could be taking a walk or going to a coffee shop. It is in this space, in the presence of God, that we can become aware of his glory and praise him.
Think about the ways God has revealed himself to you.
- Which of God's characteristics speak to your circumstances today?
- What does praising God look like to you?
- What does seeking and praising God look like in your context?
Participate in the Beautiful Exchange
The beautiful exchange refers to what happened when Jesus died in our place. The imagery in Isaiah 61:3 describes this exchange. We see that at the cross of Jesus, we can exchange our ashes for a crown of beauty, our mourning for a joyous blessing, and our despair for festive praise. One way to participate in the beautiful exchange, that I learned from my husband, is by meditating on the moments when you experienced God taking your fear, anxiety, and mourning, and giving you courage, peace, and joy. You can also take this a step further by imagining how your life will look when God intervenes—consider the effect it will have on your emotions, relationships, ministry, and work. I invite you to take your burden to the cross, imagine putting it down, and taking up the peace of Jesus in exchange.
Andy Smith, in his book Practical Appreciative Inquiry , states that focusing on the good we have unlocks resources that can help us in our circumstances. These are resources we would not have found if we focused on what we lack. When we apply this to our relationship with God, who is the Good Father—the Shepherd who supplies all our needs—we can find hope and a refreshing stream, even when we are going through the valley of weeping.
Finding Forgiveness:
HOW GOD TURNS PAIN INTO PURPOSE
A Story from East Africa
Recently, in our discipleship group, we explored the power of forgiveness. As part of the session, we were asked to write down the name of someone we needed to forgive, what had happened, how we felt, and what God was saying to us regarding the situation. Later, two of the young men in the group bravely shared their stories. Their words broke my heart, but they also became a powerful testimony of God’s grace and redemption.
One of the stories that deeply moved us was that of a bright university student from West Africa. He excelled in pharmacy, graduating at the top of his class. But his true dream was to become a world-class footballer. When his coach promised to connect him with a team in Malta, he was overjoyed. He convinced his father to support him financially, and his father— trusting his longtime friend—sold his land and borrowed money to fund the journey.
However, just before he left, tragedy struck—his father fell ill and passed away. Heartbroken but determined, he left his country, believing that fulfilling his dream would honour his father’s sacrifice. But when he arrived in East Africa for a layover, he discovered there was no further flight to Malta. His calls to the coach went unanswered. His texts were ignored. His family searched for the coach, only to find that he had vanished, taking with him their life savings.
This young man found himself alone in a foreign land, with no money and no plan. The weight of betrayal and loss was overwhelming. His once-bright future now seemed hopelessly dark. He tried out for various football teams but was repeatedly overlooked because he was a foreigner. The despair was so deep that he even attempted to take his own life—twice.
But God was not finished with his story.
In East Africa, he met the woman who would become his wife. Through her, he found a new coach and was given another opportunity to play. His family, still believing in him, sold their pharmacy business to support him for a few more months. And then, something miraculous happened— he joined our football team. In August, he made the life-changing decision to follow Jesus, leaving behind the religion of his birth for a personal relationship with Christ.
His words testify to the transforming power of forgiveness and God’s providence:
“Maybe it’s time to wholeheartedly forgive that man, because, looking at it another way, I realised that if I hadn’t come to East Africa, I wouldn’t have met these wonderful people who have become family to me. I came here as a boy, but this place has made me a man. If God permits me to be the man I picture in my mind, then I want to be like my Christian leaders here—helping people without expecting anything in return. Their positivity is infectious. I always pray for them because they deserve it. They have helped stabilise my mental health, and I owe them my respect.”
This story is not unique. Many young men have experienced similar betrayals. Another testimony shared during our meeting echoed his—another promising footballer was deceived by a trusted friend and lost everything while pursuing his dream. We have even faced this hard reality ourselves. As a young man, one of our leaders had once been given an opportunity to play for AC Milan but was asked to pay a bribe of $1,000. Because he refused, the door to his dream closed.
These stories remind us of a profound truth: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV).
Sometimes, it is difficult to believe that our pain will lead to something good. When we face betrayal, loss, and shattered dreams, trusting in God’s plan can feel impossible. But this young man's journey proves that God is always at work. What seemed like the end of his dream was actually the beginning of a greater purpose—one that led him to Christ and a new family of believers.
Forgiveness is not easy, but it is necessary. It frees us from bitterness and allows us to step into the life God has prepared for us. His decision to forgive is a testament to the power of grace. He understands that God has a purpose even in our deepest pain. His story encourages us to trust that no matter what we go through, God is weaving everything together for good.
Today, let this story be a reminder to all of us: when life doesn’t go as planned, and when people let us down, we can still hold on to hope. God is always at work, redeeming our pain, leading us to unexpected blessings, and shaping us into the people he created us to be.
The Examen: Cultivating Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
*Name used in this article are pseudonyms in order to protect the identities of the people mentioned.
Many Christians long to discern the voice of God with greater clarity. Yet, amid the distractions of life at home and the busyness of life on the field, many struggle to recognise his constant presence and guidance. The Examen, a spiritual discipline developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century, invites us to reflect through our day to discern the Holy Spirit’s movements. Ignatius encouraged people to pray the Examen twice daily—once at midday and again before sleep in order to cultivate an ongoing awareness of God. But the Examen is more than a routine prayer. It's a method to train our attention to notice God's presence. In particular, one looks for moments of consolation (experiences that draw us toward God, bringing peace and joy) and desolation (spiritual dryness or discouragement or moments we pull away from God). Identifying these movements helps discern God’s involvement and become more aware of our own responses.
Consider Sarah, a missionary serving in a remote part of the world. The challenges of cross- cultural ministry, isolation, and spiritual opposition left her questioning whether she could really succeed in ministry in this area. When she began practicing the Examen, she noticed that in moments of consolation—a kind word from a local, an unexpected provision, a deep peace in prayer - that God was present with her and affirming her. Meanwhile, in moments of desolation, she noticed she might pull away from opportunities with anxiety not trusting that same presence would go with her. As she observed this pattern repeatedly in her Examen, she learned not to assume that God was absent, and began to see these opportunities as his invitation to greater trust. The Examen helped strengthen her confidence that God was indeed with her and for her, and she became more courageous on the field while developing a deeper love and dependence on the Lord.
Whether in a fast-paced corporate environment, home-schooling your kids, or the unpredictable realities of the mission field, the Examen serves as an anchor, helping us to remember God’s provision and presence in each moment, and tweak our choices to remain in step with the Spirit.
How to Practice the Examen
The Examen generally takes only 10-15 minutes. It consists of five key movements:
1. Become Aware of God's Presence
Begin by entering into a posture of stillness, acknowledging that God is with you. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your reflection: Lord, help me to see this day through Your eyes.
2. Review Your Day with Gratitude
Look back over the events of your day and identify moments of consolation—instances where you experienced God’s love, joy, or peace. Gratitude attunes the heart to divine grace and shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance.
3. Recognise the Movements of Your Soul
Pay attention to your emotional landscape throughout the day. When did you feel drawn toward God (consolation)? When did
you feel discouraged or distant from God (desolation)? Ignatius taught that desolation should not be ignored but rather explored. Desolation is not failure, but rather God revealing areas of opportunity to choose to draw nearer to him.
4. Choose One Significant Moment and Pray Through It
Ask the Spirit to highlight one experience from your day, perhaps a conversation, a challenge, or an unexpected blessing. Ask God to illuminate its significance. What might he be teaching you?
5. Look Forward to Tomorrow
Conclude by entrusting the coming day to God. Lord, may I walk with greater awareness of you tomorrow.
Making the Examen a Daily Habit
While the immediate connection with God during the Examen prayer is valuable, the long-term fruit of the Examen is how, over time, it leads you to discern God moving through your day in real-time. As you develop the habit of practicing the Examen, you will likely notice a greater sensitivity to God's voice, and you will become more able to respond to his prompting swiftly. Here are some tips to be intentional as you establish this new rhythm in your life:
Establish a Set Time
Many find the Examen most beneficial before bed, but some add midday reflections to keep connected.
Keep
a Journal
Writing down reflections can reveal patterns in how God is speaking over time.
Be Honest with God
Bring both consolation and desolation before him without fear of judgement; the Examen is a practice of grace, not performance.
Pray in Community
Spouses, ministry teams, or small groups can incorporate the Examen together, fostering shared spiritual awareness.
The essence of abiding in Christ is a continual awareness of his presence, love, and guidance. Whether you are a pastor, a missionary, or a layperson navigating the complexities of daily life, the Examen is a time-tested practice to help us do just that.
Stepping Out in Faith
BASEM’S JOURNEY FROM EGYPT TO THE MISSION FIELD
Growing up in Egypt as part of a devoted Christian family, Basem’s heart was steeped in the ministry from an early age. His father, a committed servant of the Lord, took the family from one village to another to share the Gospel. For Basem, those formative years were not only a time of learning but also a living testimony of God’s faithfulness—a gift for which he continually gives thanks.
Answering the Call
During the final year of his university studies, Basem led an evangelistic outreach that would forever change his life. It was a season of deep prayer, study, and self-doubt until two books by Loren Cunningham— Is That Really You, God? and Daring to Live on the Edge —sparked a divine revelation. In the midst of his prayers, Basem heard a gentle yet firm voice in his heart saying, “I am the same God. I am the one that sends.” That moment became the turning point. After completing his studies, he sensed the Lord leading him from ordinary life into a life toward full-time ministry. “Lord, I can’t preach—I’m not qualified,” he once confessed.
But he soon discovered, God doesn’t call the already qualified; he qualifies the one he calls. With his first sermon lasting only four minutes— Basem learned that success in ministry isn’t measured by polished delivery, but by faithful obedience. Just as Abraham trusted the unknown because he knew who was with him (Hebrews 11), Basem embraced every small step in obedience to God. This was not only a time of learning but also a living testimony of God’s faithfulness—a gift for which he continually gives thanks.
Lessons from the Journey
Basem’s path was not without hesitation. Much like Moses and Gideon, he wrestled with excuses and doubts. Yet, by beginning
in his local community and serving as a youth pastor, he gradually built a foundation of trust in God’s call—even when his own church preferred ministry to remain within its walls. His life took a pivotal turn when he attended a YWAM missions school and embarked on his first mission trip to Northern Africa. There, on a scorching day during a prayer walk, a simple act—sharing his water with a thirsty girl— became a profound lesson: being available to serve is more important than any academic qualification.
In ministry, Basem has learned that the challenge isn’t hearing God’s voice but obeying it—even when the next step isn’t fully clear. Every small act of obedience opens the door to the greater works God is preparing. “If we obey the simple steps, the steps will be revealed one by one,” he encourages, reminding us that faith is built day by day, often starting with just a mustard seed of trust.
Embracing Community and Overcoming Barriers
One of the most encouraging aspects of Basem’s story is the power of community. Even when his pastor was initially opposed to missions, Basem patiently built trust by involving his church’s young leaders. Soon, opportunities arose for the pastor to join him on mission trips, and eventually, Basem mobilised a group of 17 young people to share in the work. Though funds were scarce, they experienced firsthand that when God guides, he provides.
From ministering to refugees to encountering individuals whose lives were transformed by a glimpse of the Gospel, Basem’s journey is a testament to God’s unwavering presence—even in the most challenging situations. Whether it was sharing a Bible message during a long drive in a post-war region or witnessing a man embrace the cross despite personal loss, each encounter affirmed his belief that God goes before us, preparing hearts to receive his love.
A Call to Urgency
Now more than ever, Basem feels the urgency of the gospel. “When you see the fig tree shaking, it is time to harvest,” he reminds us, echoing a timeless truth. His ministry motto, Last Hour Workers, captures the pressing need of our time: to reach those at the very last minute with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. As nations and hearts tremble under the weight of challenges, there is an ever-growing need for ambassadors of hope who boldly proclaim, “Here I am, Lord—send me.”
Passing the Torch
Basem’s testimony is not just a personal journey; it’s an invitation for others to step out in faith. He urges every believer not to walk alone but to join the body of Christ, for when the Lord speaks, he does so in and through the community around us. Whether
it’s a minister, a youth leader, or a friend ready to share a kind word, each act of obedience lights the way for future generations. With the Arabic translation of the Bible celebrating its 150th anniversary—a testament to the power of God’s Word made accessible—Basem sees a call for the next generation to continue this vital mission until the day of Christ.
Basem’s story is a stirring reminder that our lives, no matter how ordinary they may seem, are part of God’s extraordinary plan. His journey encourages us to step out in faith, trust in God’s provision, and embrace the calling to make a difference—one small, obedient step at a time.
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. – Psalm 34:8 (NIV)
Let us join Basem and countless others in the great work of bringing hope and salvation to a world in need.
A Story From One Worker in East Africa
In the heart of East Africa, a devoted servant of Christ dedicated her life to ministering in the prisons—bringing hope and the light of the gospel to those in darkness. After finishing one of her transformative visits, she stepped out into the warm afternoon, ticket in hand, ready to board the bus home. But as she presented her ticket and receipt to the conductor, she was met with an unexpected and harsh rejection. The conductor declared, “I am a man from a different faith and we know what you are doing in the prisons. You will not be allowed to board this bus again!”
Stunned and puzzled by such hostility, she soon discovered that every bus company in the area refused her passage—a bitter reminder that sometimes even the witness of Christ can be met with prejudice. Yet, in the midst of this discouraging moment, her faith did not falter. Clinging to the promise of Romans 8:28 that - in all things God works for the good of those who love him, she turned to prayer.
Alone on a long nine-hour wait far from home, she reached out to a friend—a young man in the local community. Despite the risks, he stepped forward, purchasing a bus ticket in his own name so that she might return home safely.
In the weeks that followed, as her ministry continued to be a beacon of God’s mercy in the prisons, she once again found herself in need of a safe journey. With a steadfast spirit, she contacted her friend. To her amazement, he revealed that he had lost his job because of what he did for her and had applied to a new bus company covering that very route—and by God’s providence, he not only secured the position but also earned a promotion! Now, with renewed hope, he was ready to help her whenever she needed to visit the prisons!
This remarkable chain of events is a powerful testament to God’s perfect timing and unfailing provision. Even when the doors of opportunity seem locked and the path appears blocked, the Lord is working behind the scenes, orchestrating miracles for those who trust in him. In every trial, he makes everything beautiful in its time.
May this story inspire us to praise the Lord even in the waiting, to trust him when the way seems uncertain, and to remember that every act of obedience, no matter how small, is a step toward the greater glory of his kingdom. Hallelujah!
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
"YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A TOWN BUILT ON A HILL CANNOT BE HIDDEN. NEITHER DO PEOPLE LIGHT A LAMP AND PUT IT UNDER A BOWL. INSTEAD, THEY PUT IT ON ITS STAND, AND IT GIVES LIGHT TO EVERYONE IN THE HOUSE. IN THE SAME WAY, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE OTHERS, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD DEEDS AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN."
International Director: Ben B Field Ministries Director: Ben B Executive Manager: Andrew Mercer
International Board: Laura Kuimba, Wayne Freeman, Choon Ooi, Martin S, Patki K, Sue Fosse, Ben B International Leadership Team: Kevin Chan, Ben B, Ivan Venter, Ruby Bayasen, Andrew Mercer
