About OC Africa

 

OC Africa began with several fact-finding trips to Zimbabwe in the mid-80’s.  Several OC missionaries met with 36 leaders from 20 denominations.  After a consultation with 90 leaders, OC was invited to assist the Zimbabwean church in a converted effort to disciple the nation.  The South African Regional Team (SART) was launched in 1987.  A base was established in Swaziland due to a problematic VISA situation in Zimbabwe.  The early ministry focus was in Zimbabwe and Swaziland but the team was launched with the ten nations of Southern Africa in mind. 

 

Early in the 1990’s the team began deliberate networking and initial ministry in Mozambique during the final years of their civil war.  Meanwhile, in Zimbabwe, intensive efforts were devoted to the development of a national task force, the facilitation of regional Discipling Zimbabwe congresses and the launch of a national research process.  In Swaziland, the team was engaged in church growth training, direct evangelism, SWD Youth in Mission, Christian Women’s Club and other ministries.

 

In the Mid 1990’s The team went through a time of ministry acceleration  In Zimbabwe it was a time during which the national church planting movement picked up significant momentum and moved toward its peak influence.  The Target 2000 Congress in 1992 was a pivotal event during which 400 leaders from 60 denominations embraced the national goal of 10,000 new churches by the year 2000.  This was followed by an ongoing series of regional consultations designed to take the vision to the grassroots.  During this time, the team was also multiplying its ministry influence in Swaziland and Mozambique.

 

In 1996, following exploratory research and networking, OC recognized the Lord’s clear guidance to shift the team base to Johannesburg from which to engage in international ministry.  The team engaged in significant networking and launched ministry in partnership with TEASA, DAWN, AFnet and other partners.  SART helped give birth to the The TEASA Evangelism Commission and the Church Planting Alliance of South Africa.

 

In 2003, a Lusophone team was commissioned to plant a new Lusophone regional team for OC in Maputo, Mozambique.  Regionally, OC expands direct ministry into the ten countries of Southern Africa through partnership with MANI and Transformation Africa.  In 2005 the Africa Area Office moved to Johannesburg.