Most native Christians do not even have a crude structure in which to meet. Believers frequently gather under trees during sunny weather or in flimsy shelters with thatched roofs during the rainy season.

While traveling in Burundi, I discovered a group of native Christians who had used mud bricks to build the walls of a church. Running out of building materials, the destitute missionaries were forced to cease construction for four years.

To complete the building, only $4,000 was needed. They had waited so long for so little.

Their eyes danced when I informed him that Christian Aid could help.

I later learned that the church was used as more than just a meeting place. Abandoned children, left to beg in the street, were rescued and sheltered in the building.

When Africans renounce their Islamic faith to follow Christ, people are watching. When they are able to build a church building, it is a testament to God’s faithfulness.

"A church building is a very powerful voice to a new convert. It tells them that the new experience with Jesus is here to stay, that he or she is getting involved with something permanent," said Mustafa, "A building also speaks to the non-believer and creates a base of operations from which to continue preaching the gospel."

On another visit to Kenya, I was able, through Christian Aid funds, to provide five churches with tin roofs and irrigated farming projects. Their improved quality of life has been attributed to the Lord and has become an open door to the community.

Christian Aid finds and financially assists hidden ministries, who are doing what little they can before we ever discover them. With our help, they can and will combat the forces of Islam to redeem Africa.

Rae Burnett:
Since joining the Christian Aid team in 1993, Rae Burnett has crossed deserts, climbed mountains, waded across rivers and hiked through jungles in 40 African countries to interview ministry leaders and observe the work of indigenous missions to validate that it is consistent with Christian Aid standards. She wholeheartedly endorses schools of missions as the most effective way to train native missionaries to intelligently and strategically share Christ with Islamic and animistic nations.