We have learned that a strong church is built upon a strong foundation.
[The chronological approach] is arguably the most effective means of equipping a largely illiterate church with the ability to convey Biblical truth.
Skit of Bible Story
Chronological Bible Training in the Great Lakes Region
Franz and Brenda Bense are missionaries with Africa Outreach based in South Africa who work alongside local churches throughout Africa. Their work since 2002 has been focused on serving local pastors and enriching rural churches. This is achieved through an outreach that addresses all aspects of church life. Their ministry includes leadership enrichment seminars, as well as training courses in the use of chronological Bible study materials.
Franz states, "we have learned that a strong church is built on a firm foundation.” That base includes a foundational understanding of the Bible as one story.
The chronological teaching method of adapting and conveying Biblical theology in and through an oral tradition has proven very successful wherever it has been applied. This approach of understanding the Bible is arguably the most effective means of equipping a largely illiterate church with the ability to convey Biblical truth. This teaching method has been an encouragement to many as they gain confidence in being able to share with others the reason for their faith.
A staff member of the Into Africa Project writes the following about Africa Outreach... "Franz has visited many of our VCP training centers. I have had the privilege to travel with him in Rwanda and Burundi. He is a great teacher, and loved by the audience. You can't get tired of listening to him. He has a sense of humor. Franz and his wife wrote the chronological bible study material, which has been a part of VCP curriculum since 2007."
Testimony
"I didn’t know that animal sacrifices are no longer useful for our salvation. I am the pastor in our church, and I used to become red with the blood of chickens and goats in offering sacrifices for the people who needed help. But all this I did because I did not know the truth. Now I thank you for sending us a teacher to show us the truth. Personally, I will no longer offer sacrifices on behalf of anyone because I know that Jesus Christ came to abolish that. He is the only real sacrifice offered before God."
- Testimony of Romeu Macamo, Mozambique (translated from the original).
