look to God for lasting impact in Africa - an atheist

It confounds my ideological beliefs, stubbornly refuses to fit my world view, and has embarrassed my growing belief that there is no God.

Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.

New York Times journalist Matthew Parris (December 27,2008)

This article was sent to me by a faithful reader. The author confirms something I have observed for myself in doing this work. Best practices don't bring about lasting change. Billions of dollars have not brought about lasting change. The only thing I know that brings about real change in lives is a personal relationship with Jesus. It is amazingly apparent in Africa. It must be valid if someone who doesn't even believe there is a God is willing to admit that Christian missionaries have the greatest impact.