Proclaimer Blog
The adventures to Neil Watkinson [International Director]
In March this year, PT’s International Director, Neil Watkinson, visited five countries in Southern and Eastern Africa, to look at various preaching and Bible training colleges and initiatives which have connections with PT.
His first stop was at Johannesburg Bible College, where several of the staff did Cornhill. Next was the Proclamation Institute Zambia, which is only in its second year but has grown quickly. (A former Cornhiller, Chris Hawthorne, and his family are due to move there next summer).
In Rwanda, Neil caught up with several Cornhillers who have been running Preach The Word, a weekend-based Bible training programme. They have also planted a new church, rooted in expository ministry, and modelling God’s Word should shape ministry in the local church. Next stop was a visit to iServe Africa, in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, seeing more Cornhillers applying what they learned from their training in the UK. The final few days of the trip were spent in Kampala at Living Word Uganda.
Neil said: “A common challenge for these gospel workers and teachers is the prevalence of the so-called ‘prosperity gospel’. I’d been aware of this false teaching, but hadn’t realised just how widespread it is, and how much of the African church is affected by it. Thankfully this is being matched by an eagerness among young preachers and teachers who want to understand and teach the Bible well. It was encouraging to see firsthand the vital work that local and overseas trainers are doing. Please pray for the continuance and propagation of such faithful Bible training and godly leadership.”
In the coming months Neil will be travelling to SE Asia again to equip Bible teachers and preachers, alongside others.
Neil is also running some Cross Cultural Preaching Training at Willcox House. The September date is full, but there are still a few places left on the training day on the 11th October, see the website for details…