In the last two centuries, Christians sent missionaries from Europe and the "New World" to many places around the globe. Africa was one of the targets of missionary efforts. Genuine desire to offer Jesus drove many of those efforts into the African continent. Unfortunately, some missionary movements were nothing more than a support system or cloak for Western colonial interests. In any event, by design or default, Jesus found his way into Africa over the last 300-400 years.

In a profound twist, as we enter into the 21st century, no continent on the face of the globe has fewer Jesus-followers per capita than Europe. North American trails not too far behind Europe in terms of lukewarm practice of the faith. Conversely, evangelical growth in commitment to Jesus spreads like wildfire in many places in Africa. In some places, Christians cannot organize new churches and build new places of worship fast enough. In several instances, African Christian movement now send missionaries to Europe!

A fascinating irony...in the places where the standard of living is highest, where health care is the best, and where security seems the most stable, the movement which is the Church of Jesus Christ struggles for renewal and vitality. Conversely, on a continent where poverty abounds, where health crises are rampant, and where violence and instability can be the norm, the movement grows and thrives. We North American Jesus followers have much to learn from our African brothers and sisters.

I'll see you around the next bend in the river.