Safari Based Theology

In Safari-based Theology Dr. Enos Lwamba has developed an approach to theology and mission based on his proposed safari motif for the development of theology and mission. Based on his Ph.D. dissertation: The Safari Motif in the Development of Theology in Africa, Dr. Lwamba argues that God has used a series of divine redemptive safaris in the Bible to reveal Himself progressively to people. The author develops his proposed motif around a tri-dimensional conception of reality and time and explores a threefold aspect of the safari: mwanzo, sasa, and mwisho, which provide keys to the African mindset. He explores the various meanings and uses of the safari idea from both a biblical and theological perspective. In addition to the literal safaris, journey is an analogy of the church and believers are on a divine safari, individually and collectively. The safari model highlights the absolute necessity of the biblical message and the contextual situation to help Christians live effective and fruitful lives in society now and in future. Inspired by both John Mbitis The African Concept of Time and Paul Hieberts The Flaw of the Excluded Middle, the author utilizes biblical, theological, historical, and contextual sources to make his point. In the philosophical aspect of the safari, the author develops his notion of an African conception of time modeled on the cultural safari idea which he relates to development of theology and mission. He refutes the western influenced or commercially based notion that safari refers to a game hunting or tourist expedition to Africa. Dr. Lwamba promotes the argument that the philosophical framework and methodology drawn from the safari approach provides a more effective way of doing theology and mission in Africa and other contextual situations. He also draws parallels to the safari concept from such sources as Augustines City of God, John Bunyans The Pilgrims Progress and others in a refreshing and original style that the reader will find engaging. The motif provides interpretational and practical application tools as it harmonizes the unity of the biblical message. Its practical appeal makes Safari-Based Theology a must read for Christians and others interested in their daily journey of faith. The author contends that just as the idea of logos described the mindset, conception of divine truth, and aspirations of the Greek mind, the concept of safari does the same for the African. This book is highly recommended for pastors, missionaries, and teachers, as well as students of Bible and theology, culture and missions, and other related disciplines.

Safari with Jesus Christ is a compilation of testimonies of people who have witnessed Gods mighty power. Reading this book is like reading the Bible in bed; it facilitates reading the Bible in a new and interesting way. Readers will no doubt be inspired to start or continue with their safari in Jesus Christ. .However, when that darkest night arrived and I steeled myself to put my plan into place, I called out to Christ for the first time in my life and He heard me. Out of my despair, I cried out to God, asking Him to help me and take away the sad feelings that had taken full control of me. I cant recall exactly the strange things that happened during my prayer, but I was overcome by emotion and cant remember ever crying so hard. I went into a deep sleep, and the following day was delighted to find all my sadness gone. God had infiltrated my foolproof plan! From then on I vowed to surrender my life to Him and have never regretted my decision. With your purchase of this book, a donation (20% of royalty) will be made to the rebuilding of churches initiative in Katrina-affected areas. God bless you. (go to www.safariwithjesuschrist.com please) Gideon K. Wambua

Global Safari is a memoir-travelogue, offering an account of the author's intercontinental travel experiences from his local village to the more global "village", from Africa to Europe, the Americas, and Asia. This book is a story about courage, international friendship, hope, survival, procrastinated return and homecoming to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The book shows the process of achieving international competency and cosmocitizenship, or global citizenship, through a "world-ready" education, working, networking, and immersion into world cultures and languages. Its distinguishing.

The book: "African Safari for Jesus" is an endeavor to give a genuine picture of what it is like for an American family, including three very young boys, to leave home and go to a place that is a totally different world, to serve as missionaries. The Herman Bauman family left Washington State to go to Nigeria, West Africa, where Pastor Bauman was to serve as a theology professor at the Adventist College of West Africa. In that place they would experience sickness and danger unimagined and would be subjected to religious philosophies, principles and methods that are beyond belief. However, amid the poverty and primitive conditions they would be privileged to befriend and help train dedicated, brilliant African leaders who would far surpass anything missionaries had ever done, and could ever do, in making an impact for God in that huge continent. Before leaving for Nigeria the Baumans studied a great deal about that part of Africa to help prepare them for service there. They discovered that the place where they were going was located in the jungle, just about on the equator. It had almost constant temperatures in the uppers 90's F. with humidity in the high 90% as well. Average rainfall exceeded 200 inches per year. The area had long been called "the white man's grave" because of the numerous, often fatal, tropical diseases that were rampant there. It would be wrong to suggest that there was not some fear and trepidation in their hearts as they prepared to embark on their challenging adventure, however, many miracles made it clear that God wanted them to go. Their journey to Africa was by cargo ship on a vessel named the AFRICAN PLANET. They had many interesting experiences as their 29 day trip included stopping at many African ports en route. A civil war was raging between Nigeria and Biafra (formerly East Nigeria) when the Baumans arrived in Nigeria. This added considerably to the innate danger that existed in that country. Travel on any highways included being required to go through military check points which included threats from armed soldiers. In the midst of extremely poor, filthy conditions, and located right in the midst of thick jungle, the Adventist College of West Africa was located. It was a beautiful campus and was blessed with dedicated faculty and highly motivated, consecrated students who had a great desire to improve their status in life and to prepare themselves for service to their fellow men. Though the large African beasts, such as lions, leopards and elephants didn't exist in that part of Africa there were extremely dangerous beasts. For instance, it seemed that every kind of snake was found in that jungle environment. There were Adders, Cobras, Mambas and Vipers, in addition to the constrictor Pythons. Snakes were seen virtually every day. Within a week of their arrival in Nigeria the Bauman's five year old son was attacked by what is often referred to as "the most vicious animal in Africa." Though there were many Christian denominations present, the dominant religion was a pagan religion, Animism. Animism teaches that there is a soul in everything, animate or inanimate. They worship many gods, at least 1700 of which are known by name. Daily sacrifices are offered to the gods to plead for their blessings and to assure that the worshipper is accepted. Sometimes even human sacrifices are offered. In the city of Benin a large statue of a woman occupies a prominent place in front of the house of the Oba, the king of the city. It is a memorial to the wife of the Oba many years ago who was offered as a sacrifice to the gods in order to bring peace to their city. The Juju man, their witch doctor, is the leader of their religion and makes demands of the worshippers. He also is involved in carrying out threats against perceived enemies. Their theology includes the belief that all who have died have gone on to live in another location and the people

Men in the pulpit, women in the pew? Addressing gender inequality in Africa is that rarest of gems ? a work that takes a fresh look at familiar biblical teachings, and cause us to question what we have been accepting as a matter of course for so long.