ACTS Consortium Meets in Johannesburg

The Church of God of Prophecy in South Africa is conducting its first-ever ACTS (Agriculture, Crafts, Trades, and Studies) Consortium this week in Johannesburg.

The COGOP/ACTS ministry partnership presently operates in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. The ministry provides a learning experience and skills training that equips leaders for self-sustaining ministry.

“This program is targeted to pastors and local leaders,” said Africa General Presbyter Stephen Masilela in an interview earlier this year. “It not only provides theological training but also an entrepreneurial aspect which provides knowledge for the head and prepares ministers to use their hands with skills that generate income for the church, as well as their families.”

Birthed in Bangalore, India in 1979, the ACTS Group of Institutions was founded by Dr. Ken Gnanakan, his wife Prema, and his brother, Dr. Richard Gnanakan. ACTS partnered with the COGOP around 2010, when discussions began to bring its training to leaders throughout Asia.

ACTS provides skills-based training around the themes of education, environment, and health programs. The work at ACTS includes a number of exciting projects, including slum schools, farming, industrial services, community health centers, bio-gas production, and government-recognized schools and colleges that provide affordable quality education.

“The continent of Africa has generally been associated with poverty and general backwardness,” said Masilela, “so such a program will allow our people to use their hands to generate income and better themselves and their families, as well as help the church.”

Over fifty pastors from Swaziland, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa have gathered in Johannesburg for the inaugural training. “The excitement that I am getting from our pastors and local workers in unbelievable,” continued Masilela. “I thank God for further vision and collaboration of this partnership and I know Africa will never be the same after this!”

Celebrate with us as this new location launches. To learn more about the COGOP/ACTS partnership, visit www.cogopamd.org or consider donating to this ministry online at www.cogop.org.