Would it surprise you to learn that secularism is a growing problem in Africa? Just as the rise in urbanisation in Europe in the nineteenth century was closely parallelled with the drop in church attendance, so it would seem the same is taking place in Africa. Despite great advances for the gospel in the twentieth century, secularism, particularly in urban areas, is presenting a challenge to the church. Wanyeki Mahiaini, a Kenyan who has been working with students in London for many years and a member of Aim’s Board of Trustees, recognised this challenge. In response he established the Philip Project, naming it after the deacon who explained the gospel to an African official (Acts 8). He realised that there was an opportunity to give African students studying in the UK a basic training in handling the word of God, so that they, on their return to Africa, would be better equipped both to reach out to their professional, and possibly secular, colleagues and also to preach in churches in their home towns. Wanayeki explains, “The training needed most in Africa is the faithful handling of God’s word in study and in its proclamation. I do not want African students to miss learning skills which the church in the West is acquiring, albeit late in the day, the skill of reaching the secularised with the gospel.”

According to the DfES there are over 15,000 African students studying in the UK.

According to the DfES there are over 15,000 African students studying in the UK. This is split into almost equal halves between the undergraduate and the postgraduate. A small proportion (less than 4%) come from French and Portuguese Africa, approximately 10% from the Islamic regions of north Africa. The rest, close to 13,000, come from Anglophone Africa. All speak English and many have an understanding of the gospel.

The Philip Project (a ministry of Friends International and supported by Aim International) offers a way to reach some of these students with the gospel and, where the gifting is evident, train them in the faithful study and proclamation of God’s word.

Wanyeki will be hosting a special evening at All Soul’s Langham Place to re-launch the Philip Project. Further details can be found on their website (www.philipproject.org.uk)

Bookmark