A recent article in Christianity Today highlighted the excellent work of Sociologist Robert Woodberry in showing the undeniable correlation between the 19th century work of Protestant "conversionary missionaries" and democratic and economic development. ¹ The article pointed out that, "Areas where Protestant missionaries had a significant presence in the past are on average more economically developed today, with comparatively better health, lower infant mortality, lower corruption, greater literacy, higher educational attainment (especially for women), and more robust membership in nongovernmental associations." Clearly, cultural development was impacted in the past by the gospel that resulted in true conversions of individuals to Christianity.

The gospel has been known in Africa for well over a century. So why is it that the poverty stricken scenes that stereotype Africa still remain prevalent? Why aren't we seeing the ever-expanding impact of the gospel through African development? The need for lasting development, moral and economic, accomplished by Africans remains a foremost prayer. Why hasn't lasting cultural renewal by Africans followed the spread of the gospel?

Two reasons can be offered:

(1) Without the true gospel, moral renewal cannot occur. The gospel commonly proclaimed in Africa today is man-centred. Unlike in the past, it is largely not about Jesus Christ's death and resurrection for the redemption of man from his dead and depraved state, divided from God his Creator. The gospel prevalent in Africa today is more commonly about fulfilment of man's desires for success, comfort and happiness. This has prevented the true transformation that Christ brings by the sinner dying in Christ to self and being resurrected to life for God in Christ. Instead, the false, man-centred gospel doesn't change the self-indulgent heart but simply makes Christ another means to try to find success in one's self. This prevents true transformation. Moral development is neutralised. Cultural renewal cannot occur.

(2) Without the true gospel, economic renewal cannot occur and be sustained. Only when a person is made new in Christ can that person fulfil God's will. God's will was clearly declared when He created man and woman in His image. They were blessed by God to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue it and have dominion over His creation as His stewards. They were put in the garden that God had created to cultivate and keep it. But when they chose to disobey God, their fall to sin prevented their fulfilment of God's will. This prevents true transformation. Economic development is neutralised. Cultural renewal cannot occur. 

How can ACU address this reality?

The Reformed Baptist Churches of Zambia that are developing ACU have been proclaiming a true, Christ-centred gospel in Africa. Those made new in Christ are showing the fruit of fulfilling God's will. They are growing in their stewardship over God's creation. Coming from a heritage in which the stewardship skills have been lacking, ACU meets a vital need to educate from a Christ-filled perspective in all aspects of training the mind, the heart and the hands to fulfil the will of God. Those most developed in scholarship, in benevolence and in technical, hands-on skills are those who can best bring both moral and economic development to Africa. One cannot come about without the other. Neither can occur without redemption in Christ.

Lasting cultural renewal can prevail in Africa. ACU is working hard to establish the path that will bring cultural renewal in Christ to Africa. Thank you for your support in prayer, in giving, and in serving with us towards that end.

I love ministering and helping in God's work. At my home church, Mt. Makulu Baptist Church, I serve in the children's Sunday school ministry, participate in evangelism and assist with the young people's ministry.

ACU: How did you come to a saving faith in Christ?  Nalukui: I grew up in a Christian home, was well acquainted with the Christian faith and lived a morally decent lifestyle. I always attended church activities and went to Sunday School, young people's meetings, read my Bible, etc.

In the period after completing secondary school and beginning university, a series of events transpired that made me question the genuineness of my faith in Christ. This led to an intense struggle regarding the assurance of my salvation.

In 2011, I began attending a baptism class at church. About midway through the class, I had a chat with one of the elders and his wife. That night, 22 February 2011, the Lord saved me. This was a joyous and exciting period in my life because I now had the blessed assurance of true salvation.

ACU: What led you to volunteer with ACU?  Nalukui: I first heard about ACU during the Reformed Family Conference in 2012. Because of my education background, I began entertaining the thought of volunteering. After speaking with Ray Warwick at the 2015 conference and touring the ACU campus that week, the idea solidified and I decided to start volunteering.

ACU: What have you been doing in your volunteer time?  Nalukui: While ACU was waiting for registration, I helped with whatever was needed like compiling marketing ideas and editing the website.

ACU: Why do you think ACU is important for Zambia?  Nalukui: ACU is important for Zambia because of the kind of education that will be offered. Zambia is a declared Christian nation, but this is not seen in the education system or in the calibre of people's work practice, attitude and productions. At ACU, education is Christ-centred. It aims to bring about transformation by exposing students to Biblical truth from the gospel. Students will not merely learn a profession, but will be challenged to glorify God in their profession. The current education system has brought us to where we are as a nation. As education is transformed, the nation will be transformed.

ACU: How do you think ACU will impact the young people of Zambia?  Nalukui: This education will help change students' attitude toward careers and the way they work. The normal focus for students is to get a degree so they can get a good job and live a decent life. On the other hand, ACU will teach students to understand biblical principles of work. Students will then choose careers that enable them to be of true service in their communities while exhibiting qualities of integrity, honesty, honour and hard work. They will exemplify that all work is from the Lord and glorify Him wherever they are.

ACU: Is there anything else you would like to say?  Nalukui: The small idea of ACU is finally becoming a reality! I see how the Lord honours the faithfulness of His people and am excited for the young people who will come. I have been around ACU for a few months, and it has affected me positively. I am sure the students will also be challenged by their time at ACU, and it will have a positive impact on their lives. It is wonderful to see people of different backgrounds, yet of one faith, coming together for this great endeavour.