Following the launch of the Africa
Bible Commentary (ABC) in July, one might
expect to find the SIM literature consultants
relaxing,
congratulating themselves on reaching such an
important milestone. Instead, they have been busy
running Pastors’
Book Set (PBS) conferences in Zambia,
Kenya, and Ethiopia, distributing study libraries to
hundreds of church leaders.
While the ABC is the headline book in this
collection, it is only one among 59 volumes, ranging
from Bible study reference materials to books on
leadership, finances, and discipleship. This
library, at full cost, would be impossible for an
African pastor to purchase, but thanks to the
generosity of publishers and many donors, each
pastor pays only USD $75 for the entire collection
and a weekend training conference.
Pastors Feel Blessed, Thankful
This sum is still a significant sacrifice. One
Ghanaian pastor who received books through a
previous PBS project commented, “Where will I get
[the money]? But I must because you are giving me
over a year’s salary in books.” He is one of the
69,270 pastors who have benefited from SIM’s book
distributions around the world.
Some Zambian pastors are saying:
- “What you have placed in our hands is
like a small Bible college.”
—D. Ngulube
- “The set will help my congregation grow
and not only the church but me also as a
pastor.”
—Pastor N. Ndolo
- “I have longed for a study Bible for a
long time, and I believe this Word will affect
my life passionately and, in turn, affect my
ministry.”
—A.K. Kolala
Books and Training: A Powerful
Combination
One highlight of the project is the training
conference that accompanies the book distribution.
Hearing teaching on topics from expository preaching
to marriage and finances, they are encouraged and
equipped to use their new tools. At a recent
conference in Kisumu, the Archbishop at the Voice of
Salvation and Healing Church said, “I have
attended conferences around the world. I have never
attended a conference as meaningful or as well
organized as this one.”
These conferences have been
instrumental in promoting good will across
denominational lines. SIM Associate Younoussa Djao,
a leader of the World
Evangelical Alliance Africa Vision
Project, states that these conferences have created
a good spirit of cooperation. As the African church
grows as a leader in world mission, this good spirit
may be a rallying point for future
cross-denominational collaboration.
 The
PBS conferences will continue through the fall,
including the first-ever PBS women’s conference to
be held in November in Zambia. Charles Price of
Peoples Church, Toronto, will serve as the
expository preacher, while his wife Hilary will lead
the conference for women. Soula Isch, of SIM’s
pastoral team, will also participate.
Get
Involved
Please pray that God will use this project to
strengthen the Church in Africa. The USD $1.5
million project is just over 66% funded. To give,
please contact
your local SIM office.
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