Page 36 - 2018 Annual Report | Catalyst Magazine

In east Africa, there is a consider- able amount con ict around reli- gion. We have heard about the riseIslamic terrorism and the persecution of Christians but to better understand this, a brief glance at history would help. From the deal that Idi Amin made with Muammar Gadda , declar- ing Uganda an Islamic state to receive military and nancial support, mus- lims were empowered in the govern- ment and by the government destroy churches and take all the possessions of Christians because Christians were declared enemies of the state.With this alliance Gadda sent mil- lions of dollars to Uganda and oth- er East African countries to build mosques and schools to educate mus- lims. Christians were not given free access to government, business, ed- ucation, travel or nancial resources. It was not until nearly 30 years later under the government of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM that born again Christians were rec- ognised by the Ugandan Constitution. This opened the door to freedom to worship and be recognised as a reli- gious entity but the lack of resources and education has kept Christian poor and su ering. Many denominations have sent missionaries and resources for their upkeep but only a few have invested nancial resources to build- ing churches and schools.Muslims ridicule Christians for having papyrus churches and a God no stron- ger than paper. Usually donations sent to East Africa end up in National of- ces with very little of it getting to the rural areas. Graft and corruption is a problem of epic proportions even among clergy and denominational leaders. There is a remnant that has remained faithful and true to the mis- sion and message of Christ.We have joined with these believers to rst train and educate ministeri- al leadership by making Bible train- ing available in the rural areas. We are building Ecumenical University’s Cross Style Bible College campuses and churches throughout the region. We are building Christian primary and secondary school with job train- ing skills. We are using bricks instead of mud and straw. The response has been amazing. These campuses be- come the hub of these communities and spark development. Electricity and water resources soon follow the building of a church, college and pri- mary school. The people experienced the Hope that we have in Christ.The scenario we have described is one most familiar in most of the countries that we serve. The importance of es- tablishing an institutional presence and the resources to empower local Christians with the ability to educate themselves, provide healthcare, and job skills become crucial to the growth of the church and ministry.We plan to build 30 campuses in 14 countries to train the new missionaries and community development agents for the next generation. Each campus will cost us roughly $150,000 to com-36 CITYLIGHT | CROSS STYLE | ECUMENICAL CHURCH & UNIVERSITYVISIONECUMENICAL UNIVERSITY INTL. CAMPUSES