by Joe Delport & Joel Dibetsoe
There has been great excitement on the compound of the Africa Development Center in Krugersdorp, South Africa. For the first time in the history of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church in Africa, Bishops from numerous countries met to discuss a way to establish an all Africa fellowship. Because of the visionary leadership of Bishop Joel Dibetsoe, the National Overseer for South Africa, this historic meeting became a reality. Not only was this a historic occasion, but a divine appointment from God. All of the Africa leadership was invited to the meeting but not all of them could attend due to visa problems and various other circumstances. Leaders from the following countries attended the meeting: Nigeria, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
There was a wonderful spirit of unity as the leaders discussed the best way to establish the fellowship. Unanimously the leaders agreed that the fellowship is to be called the IPHC Africa Fellowship. It was also agreed upon that each region should have representation in the fellowship. Bishops from the following regions were chosen:
Bishop Joel Dibetsoe, as Chairman (from South Africa representing Southern Africa)
Bishop Luke Nnadi, as board member and adviser (from Nigeria representing West Africa)
Bishop Seth Nkeshimana, as Secretary (from Burundi representing East Africa)
Bishop Chrispin Zulu, Treasurer (from Zambia representing Central Africa)
The theme of the meeting was: “We Are Family”. The team formulated the purpose of the meeting which will be the driving factor going forward. Among others, the following were tabled: Fellowship; Teamwork; Accountability; Exchange of Experiences; Sharing Resources; Leadership Empowerment; Doctrinal Emphasis; Support Structure; and Mission-Mindedness.
We are looking forward to great things that our Lord will do in Africa, strengthening the hand of IPHC World Missions Ministries Division.
Africa will be saved!
