Open Letter to Potential Church Partners in Africa

An Important Letter to Prospective Church Partners

in Liberia and Rwanda

2011

EAFC has been trying to establish strong relationships with evangelical churches in Africa for fifteen years now.  And that has happened,  We believe, however, it can be even better. We believe this aspect of our ministry is so “unique”, so “vital” that we are willing to limit ourselves to working with ONLY TWO countries in 2011 so that the relationships that come from this time will be beacons that light the future course of EAFC for years to come.

In Africa the picture of “cooking stones” to describe this work has been successful. People seem to understand that 1. the church 2. the educational institution and 3. and EAFC represent the 3 stones.  It’s easy to picture that if one removes any one of those stones that the pot that was cooking (the student) will fall over.  If the 3 do not remain balanced, either the pot cracks from the intense flame, the contents boil out, or burns up.    But in perfect balance, leaders are trained for the glory of God and the benefit of the church in the country in Africa who entered into this partnership.

What hasn’t previously been highlighted is that 3/4 of this equation LIVE in Africa.  The shared responsibility is NOT EQUAL.  More responsibility  rests with the church in commending men and women prepared for the training, financial responsibility so that everyone is participating, and proper mentorship of the student so that when training is completed, the church has not a man/woman with certain skills, but who possesses leadership qualities, and godly character.

The church is in the drivers seat in this vehicle of blessing.   EAFC does not send funds to churches; only an approved educational institutions, but it is the church that makes sure that students are keeping up with their responsibility to EAFC and that the educational institution provides the student with up to date grades for EAFC’s office.  Without EAFC knowing how the student is progressing both spiritually and academically there cannot be a strong and growing relationship with the church/ministry.

EAFC desires to grow from strength to strength.  We want church partners who work so successfully with EAFC that year after year they send excellent, qualified candidates.  We must stay in touch with those who receive EAFC funds long after they have received the final gift from EAFC.    Otherwise, we have no stories of how God is blessing our labors.  Without stories the “well runs dry.”

If this information is understood and agreed with, you are invited to contact the EAFC office by email requesting “A Letter of Intent.”  That document is required so that EAFC knows you are serious about establishing a relationship with EAFC.

After the letter of intent is received and reviewed, EAFC will contact the church’s designated representative for the next steps in this process.

With Blessing,    The Board of EAFC