THEME: HEARING AND OBEYING GOD IN TIMES LIKE THESE

DATE: MARCH 7-12, 2016

VENUE: AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION CONFERENCE FACILITIES,

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

INTRODUCING MANI

The Movement for African National Initiatives (MANI) is a network of networks focused on catalyzing African National Initiatives and mobilizing the resources of the Body of Christ in Africa for the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

History

The history of National Initiatives in Africa dates back to the 1960’s when many African nations gained independence.  These indigenous initiatives started with the launching of saturation evangelism movements in Zaire and on the central plateau of Nigeria in the mid 1960’s. Over the past fifty years at least 37 African countries have launched National Initiatives to mobilize churches and ministries for national and global evangelization.

The Movement for African National Initiatives (MANI) was birthed when 320 delegates from 36 African nations met in Jerusalem for the African Millennial Consultation in March 2001. MANI is the result of the participants shared convictions that: Africa's hour had come to take primary responsibility for the final gospel thrust in Africa and beyond and that the African Church was uniquely positioned to play a major role in world evangelization in the 21st century.

The AD 2000 and Beyond Movement, which in the 1990’s had encouraged many African nations to develop National Initiatives focused on the fulfillment of the Great Commission, was in the process of disbanding and the delegates determined to establish a continuing African movement. Participants unanimously adopted the 'Jerusalem Declaration,' affirming their commitment to pick up the torch for national and global evangelization being laid down by the AD 2000 and Beyond Movement.

Purpose

MANI’s purpose is to affirm, motivate, mobilize and network Christian leaders (churches) by inspiring them with the vision of reaching the unreached and least evangelized in Africa and the wider world, through advocacy and support for National Initiatives; the communication of up to date research, reports and models; consultations and prayer efforts focusing on the unfinished task.

Two Decades of Continental Consultations

Strategic consultation is one of the primary engagements of MANI. Renewed vision, strategic planning and focused zeal for the fulfillment of the Great Commission results when Church leaders gather together at an opportune time to share accurate information and pray together. Every five years MANI holds her Continental Consultation. The objective of each consultation is to celebrate what God is doing in, with and through the African Church in furthering His redemptive plan among the peoples of the continent and the world; to review past objectives, listen to God for fresh insights, leading and direction, so as to focus our energy on such directives during the intervening period before the next consultation which is usually after a five year interval.

GCOWE '97

In July 1997, 1,200 African leaders from 46 nations came together in a consultation on African National Initiatives at the GCOWE '97 in South Africa. This consultation accelerated the birthing and development of structured African National Initiatives. This catalytic event led to the proliferation of new national movements, such as Finish the Task Kenya. 

JERUSALEM 2001

In March 2001, 320 delegates from 36 African nations met in Jerusalem for the African Millennial Consultation (AMC 2001) to celebrate and share the blessings of God in the evangelization of Africa over the years, and to consult together on the unfinished task in Africa and the world. This consultation gave birth to MANI, a strong continental awakening - a Kairos moment for the African Church.

MANI 2006 – Nairobi, Kenya

MANI 2006 gathered together 520 leaders of influence from 65 countries. Nearly every African nation was represented by a delegation of high level leaders representing the major sections of the Body of Christ. The consultation created a platform to celebrate the vibrant growth of the African Church and to voice profound hope in the Lord’s intentions for the continent. The following years witnessed a continental harvest on the critical issues raised at the consultation: the necessity of discipleship, transformational leadership, united prayer and the empowerment of women for ministry, HIV/AIDS, holistic community transformation, the challenge of Islam, etc.

MANI 2011 – Abuja, Nigeria

In September 2011, a total of 614 participants from 60 countries gathered in Abuja Nigeria for the consultation of the Movement for African National Initiatives. This Consultation gave birth to Strategic Networks: Denominational Leaders, Emerging Leaders, African Women in Ministry, Strategic Prayer Network, etc, and many untold testimonies of post consultation engagements at local, regional and network levels.

MANI 2016 - ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

MANI 2016 Continental Consultation is the 3rd of the post-Africa Millennial Consultations since AMC 2001. It is aimed at ensuring that every effort is being made in carrying out what we understand as the mission mandate of the African Church in the present context and realities of events in our continent and in the world is being done according to the dictates and leading of the Holy Spirit; God’s Director of Missions, hence the theme chosen for this period.

Who should attend MANI 2016?

The consultation is open to Church Leaders, Ministry Leaders, Missionaries, Christian Leaders in the Market place and Emerging Leaders and other Christian workers.

If you would like more information to attend this continental event, please see these links. finalcommand.org/MANI/MANI_Registration.html or (www.maniafrica.com)

For more information on how to become a prayer partner for this event, please contact Austen Ukachi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please pray for the effective organization of this important event. Pray for the right people from across Africa and beyond to take part, for His provision financially and for clarity and unity regarding how to go forward together to reach the unreached in that continent and the rest of the world.