Africa, the second-largest continent on the earth makes up approximately 22 percent of the world’s total land area. It is a land of contrasts. From the lush green jungles of East Africa to the parched Saharan desert. From the crowded city of Cairo to the quiet villages of Congo. From the modern shops of Cape Town to Kibera, the largest slum in Africa – it truly is a land of contrasts! But, there is one thing that all African countries share – a crisis in the health of the people. Consider these sobering statistics:
* 90% of all malaria cases are in sub-Saharan Africa
* 3,000 children under 5 die each day from malaria in Africa
* 17 million people in sub-Saharan Africa have died of AIDS
* At least 25 million people in Africa are HIV-positive
* 12 million children have lost their parents to AIDS
* South Africa has one of the highest rates of heart disease in the world
* Equitorial Guinea, the richest country in Africa, is experiencing a rapid increase in lifestyle related diseases (such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer)
* Many of these developing countries face a double burden of disease – contagious diseases that are becoming harder to control and lifestyle-related diseases as there is a push to urbanize.
Because of these great health needs LIGHT has formulated a plan to illuminate as many as possible to the effectiveness of adopting a healthy lifestyle, using natural remedies, and developing a strong relationship with the Great Physician.
Current News
The doors of opportunity have stayed open so that we are able to continue the six-month course in Kenya. See the project page and click on the Kenya flag to read more about this exciting work.
Our team in South Africa is getting ready to start a six-month training program in May. To learn more about this project please go to the project page and click on the South African flag.
We have recently partnered with Congo Frontline Missions, Riverside Farm Institute, and Kibidula Farm Institute to expand our efforts in training health evangelists by creating a synergistic network of training institutions throughout the continent.
We have a team working at Gimbie hospital and they are finishing a one-month course there. It is our desire to have a permanent training school here as well.
Through the providence of the LORD we are also planning to begin work in Juba, the capital of Southern Sudan.
Future Plans
We plan to extend the work into Botswana, Uganda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and several other countries throughout the year.
Our goal is to have at least 5 six-month training programs strategically located throughout Africa by the end of the year.
We are working on translating the LIGHT curriculum into many of the local languages including Lingala, French and Swahili.
We would also like to be able to equip our graduates with laminated health expo posters, New Beginnings and Abundant Living DVDs, and Bible study resources as they enter the field.
In an effort to extend the training to the churches we would like to create a set of DVDs for the entire one month course.
East Africa is in great need of a lifestyle center, and we are making plans to establish one as soon as the doors of opportunity open.
How You Can Help
1. Join us – We need doctors, nurses, and teachers to help us achieve the goals for this project. Please click on the “get involved” link above for more information.
2. Pray – we understand that prayer will be a vital key in the success of this trip. Please add this project to your prayer list and plead with the LORD to pour out His Spirit to order every detail of the trip. You can sign up for our prayer ministry by clicking here.
3. Financial contribution – We believe that in these unstable times the best investment we can make is in souls. Please consider making a donation toward this worthy project! You can select a specific project on the right sidebar or simply make a general donation by clicking the donate button below.
Contact Information
Rodney Bowes
Divisional Director – Africa / South Asia
rodney@lightingtheworld.org
+1 (951) 330-4325