Realizing the importance of how African people value literature, US Assemblies of God Africa regional office initiated the coordination of its literature ministries to spread the gospel throughout Africa.

Literature evangelism has played an important role in preaching the word of God.

Today, the ministry of Africa Literature and Media Assistance (ALMA) has been expanded to include radio, television, video, the Internet and church Web sites.

"ALMA is here to assist the African church with any type of media--both printed and electronic," said A/G missionary Don Tucker, director of Africa Special Ministries. "We want to motivate and encourage the national church by helping them to determine the opportunities and needs, and then by facilitating the development of ministry tools."

The literature ministry helps the national church in producing discipleship and evangelism materials for all ages by providing editorial and graphic design assistance. The "Living the Truth" Bible study series, a seven-year, multifaceted curriculum, was produced by ALMA and is used in Sunday schools and churches across Africa.

ALMA focuses on producing literature in English, French and Portuguese, but will assist in publishing materials in African languages at the request of national churches.

Also, ALMA distributes "Edward Elephant," a 16-page picture booklet that provides information to children and young people about AIDS and includes a presentation of the gospel. Using a talking elephant as the instructor, the booklet explains how the AIDS virus is contracted and how to avoid the disease. The message of forgiveness and eternal life through Christ is presented as the only hope for those infected with AIDS.

Nearly 30 million copies of the booklet have been distributed throughout Africa and Asia Pacific in more than a dozen languages.

"Africa Literature and Media Assistance is a tremendous tool affecting the continent of Africa," said Steve Jester, U.S. A/G missionary and ALMA ministry coordinator. "God is using the multiple literature and media products to influence the lives of literally tens of thousands of Africans in many nations for Christ through AIDS education, curriculum in the local church and evangelism efforts."

By Y.Hilado, ChToday Philippines
editor@christiantoday.com.ph