The church in sub-Saharan Africa continues to grow at a phenomenal rate. Many churches have grown faster than men and women have been trained to lead them. This has resulted in tremendous needs in discipling, training, theological education and leadership development.

This growth is also occurring in areas where Islam has a stronghold (which is over large parts of Africa). People are open in these areas, as SIM workers gain their respect through friendship evangelism and development programmes. However, many people groups still remain unreached.

Other issues facing Africa are urbanization and AIDS. Africa has 84 cities of more than 1 million inhabitants, and often these include vast shanty towns as people move into the cities looking for food, work and shelter. At the same time, over 50% of the people in Africa are under the age of 15, therefore requiring many children and youth workers to connect with them.

The one issue that impacts all ministry in Africa is HIV/AIDS. In some countries the incidence of AIDS infection is up to 35% of the population. It is decimating families and communities at all social and economic levels, leaving many AIDS orphans and large gaps in society.

These issues mean that poverty, deprivation and exploitation continue to haunt many countries in Africa. SIM is committed to help the Church in Africa respond to the great human and spiritual need that exists.

As you read stories from SIM ministries in Africa, we hope you will be encouraged and challenged. Click on the links below...