A few weeks ago, I returned from an incredible time serving churches across East Africa at their apostolic conference and, as I’ve been processing and reflecting, I want to share some lessons these remarkable leaders taught me:
1. God is Working in the Most Unexpected Places
Imagine sitting in a room, hearing report after report of God’s movement across East Africa. Salvations and healings weren’t just occasional testimonies — they were pouring in from every nation represented. Churches are being planted by the hundreds (including in some nations I can’t name for security reasons). The Gospel is even reaching pygmy communities who had never heard of Jesus before.
It’s humbling to realise that while we sometimes wonder if God can change the seemingly Gospel-resistant people around us, He’s doing extraordinary things in some of the toughest places on earth.
2. Lack of Resources is No Excuse for Disobedience
This hit me hard. In some regions, every single worker is a volunteer. No salaries. No support structures. Yet, these leaders are faithfully planting churches and reaching the lost with whatever they have.
It made me question how often I’ve allowed “lack of resources” to become my excuse for not stepping out in faith.
3. The Gospel Challenges Every Culture
We often talk about our cultural battles in the West, but my eyes were opened to very different challenges these churches face:
FGM (Female G Mutilation) – a heartbreaking reality where young girls are brutally harmed in the name of cultural “purity”
Polygamy – imagine the complexity of discipling community leaders who have three or four wives when they come to faith
What struck me most was this truth: while every culture tempts us to compromise, God’s Word provides wisdom and grace for standing firm — no matter how difficult the situation.
4. Courage Grows Best in Team
The stories of persecution were sobering. They shared about imprisonments and street beatings. One leader shared how most of his pastors have machete scars on their faces and bodies where they have been chased by tribesman driving them out of their villages.
But, here’s what amazed me: they weren’t facing it alone. These teams stood together, drawing strength from each other in ways that reminded me of the early church in Acts.
It made me want to stir up some fresh courage buddies for the mission that I’m on.
5. The Future Belongs to Entrepreneurial Ministry
So many leaders I met were also entrepreneurs by necessity. They’re running fruit tree farms, pig businesses, and taxi services — not just to survive, but to support their church and the local community.
It confirmed my conviction that “tent-making” is going to be the future of church leadership if we want to raise enough leaders to reach our nations.
6. The Power of Praying Together
There’s something profound about praying in the same room with people you’ve only prayed for from a distance. It reminded me that we truly are one family in Christ, regardless of our nationalities or circumstances.
I’ve added several leaders to my prayer calendar so that I can continue to stand with them.
As I continue to process these lessons, I’m asking myself (and now you):
- Which of these lessons challenges you the most?
- How might God be calling you to step out in faith, even with limited resources?
- What would it look like for you to stand firm in your cultural context?
Much love,
Simon Holley and the eFocus team