be_ixf;ym_202403 d_19; ct_50

Evangel University to donate 50,000 books to African theological schools

Published on Aug 4, 2014 by Paul K. Logsdon

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — An estimated 50,000 books will soon be loaded into large containers and shipped to at least two large theological schools in Africa, as a result of the recent consolidation of Central Bible College and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary with Evangel University.

The majority of the books are destined for the West Africa Advanced School of Theology (WAAST) in Lomé, Togo, and the East Africa School of Theology (EAST) in Nairobi, Kenya.

A ceremony honoring this project will take place at the CBC Chapel, on Sunday, Aug. 10, from 4-5 p.m.

Several key African leaders from a variety of countries will be in Springfield that week for the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Assemblies of God. Representatives of the AG World Missions will join them.

The need is great

WAAST and EAST are highly developed and established schools, which receive students from all over the African continent for certificate, B.A. and M.A. levels of study.

In addition, the doctoral program called Pan-Africa Theological Seminary (PAThS) is located on the WAAST campus in Lomé, so many of these resources will be utilized by doctoral-level students as well.

Africas Hope Logo“Printed, quality, theology resources are in very short supply in Africa,” said Dr. Carol Taylor, president of Evangel University. “Providing these resources to Africa’s Hope is a wonderful opportunity to extend the mission and legacy of CBC as a Bible college committed to training and equipping ministers and missionaries to serve around the globe.”

A year-long inventory of the libraries of the three Springfield institutions led to the conclusion that there are approximately 50,000 books — duplicate and other titles not needed in the consolidated Evangel University library.

“This will be an immense treasure for the continent,” said John Easter, director of Africa’s Hope, a training ministry launched by African Assemblies of God leaders in 1989.

“In the past, we have had to arrange to send theological and Bible school textbooks in suitcases with people going to Africa, usually 10-25 books at a time,” said Easter. “Having 50,000 titles to send to Africa will accomplish in one trip what we have tried to do for many years.”

Donations of books and money are being accepted

It is anticipated that the shipping containers will be ready to go during the first half of 2015 and will cost approximately $10,000 for the two containers. Tax-deductible donations may be made online at www.africashope.org and should be designated to Class 63, CBC Library Books.

In addition, good quality textbooks, Bibles and other academic supplies are being accepted at Africa’s Hope in Springfield, Mo. Please call 417-862-7725 to arrange for a drop-off time.

“The importance of having quality ministry training and sound doctrinal teaching in Africa can not be overstated,” said Easter. “This gift will go a long way toward training African Assemblies of God national church leaders to disciple and lead believers, which number an estimated 18 million souls.”

###