There is a waiting list to become a missionary in Africa. That's because the mission training center in Zambia is more like an electrical outlet than a traditional seminary. Church leaders come to learn not only Bible, but farming and literacy, and business. They learn first how to serve a community, then how to lead.

Students leave the center in teams of two men each. They go live in a village and see what the needs are. They begin meeting these needs and getting to know the people. Soon the men bring their families if they are married, and they soon see the church established through example and discipleship, rather than through programs.

In one of these churches, rural, subsistence farmers live on less than $1 a day, but one of their own wanted to go to the missionary training. This young man felt called to minister to a Muslim group in north Tanzania and all he needed was transportation, a bicycle, a mattress and $50 a month in support of his basic needs. The church was excited and took an offering: 50 cents—hardly the $500 needed for his start up costs. The church was discouraged and so was the man, because they knew God was asking them to send him out.

Seeking wise council, the elders met with another OM Zambia missionary and discussed their situation. The following Sunday the elders went before the church and said, "The Lord Jesus is worthy to be known among the Muslim people! They need to experience the truth and love of Christ and we are committed to them." One man suggested that the congregation didn't need to eat three meals a day; rather they could measure out one meal of grain per day and sell it at the market. Another lady suggested they didn't need two sets of clothes but rather could sell a set. Two weeks after giving sacrificially the church called the OM missionary back and joyfully said, "We've got the money!" This is one small story of how the church is Africa is being mobilized!

OM has a vision to see 5,000 missionaries sent out from Africa in the next few years and you can be part of it. Your gift will help provide each missionary the essential resources they need to answer God's calling and start their missionary service. Things like: a bed and basic furnishings, a good bicycle for transportation, and even seeds and simple farming tools—that will help provide food and support for both the missionary and locals. Join Operation Mobilization in partnering with African churches and their missionaries.