In 12 days begins the crusade in Douala Cameroon Africa and I would like to reflect today on this question. “Is there still a need for mass crusades in this fast developing technology era we are in? We now have many means these days to communicate with people: TV, radio, internet, cell phones, smart phones, satellite radio, digital and cable TV, satellite TV, and the list can go on. All these means of communication can be leverage to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and many are doing just that. But, there is one key thing that all technology needs in order for it to function- Electricity, which is the source that can make the message of the Gospel flow through the wires of technology.
The following is an excerpt of a report that was produced by World Energy Outlook 2014 ( go to their website for full report www.worldenergyoutlook.org )
Access to electricity
Worldwide 1.3 billion people – a population equivalent to that of the entire Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) – continue to live without access to electricity. This is equivalent to 18% of the global population and 22% of those living in developing countries. Nearly 97% of those without access to electricity live in sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia. The latest estimate for sub-Saharan Africa has been revised up by 22 million, illustrating how rapid population growth can continue to outpace the rate of electrification in many countries and conceal the progress that has been made. In developing Asia, the general trend shows an improving picture, but the pace varies. The largest populations without electricity are in India, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Indonesia.
This is what World Energy Outlook 2014 says about Cameroon Africa where CFAN will hold the crusade:
Population without electricity 10 million
National electrification rate 54%
Urban electrification rate 88%
Rural electrification rate 17%
Total population 23,130,708 report by CIA World Fact Book (www.cia.gov) July 2014
Almost half the population of Cameroon does not have access to electricity. Therefore, the question again, “Is there still a need for a preacher to go physically to proclaim this Gospel of Power and Liberation?”
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:14,15( KJV)