CRY Forum: Heaven Invading Earth
Written by Aimé Gotte
At KCC, together with CRY, we believe that in a world that is increasingly polarised and divided, we are stronger together. This is not only a societal reality, but also a God-given mandate (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12). Under the banner of “Better Together,” CRY recently hosted its third Education and Humanitarian Forum for its African partners.
The gathering brought together leaders from 15 French-, English-, and Arabic-speaking nations across the African continent. Alongside an incredible time of worship and deeply moving moments of prayer, we explored some of the most pressing issues facing the holistic development of African youth. Workshops, debates, and teaching sessions were led by our partners from across the continent, and there was a tangible sense of learning, collaboration, and unity throughout the event.
The entire forum was interwoven with spontaneous worship, dance, prayer, and a powerful atmosphere of unity. A short reel highlighting moments from the event is available to view, and photos, reports, and videos have been shared on our website (www.cry.org.uk) and social media. More will be uploaded soon as we continue gathering feedback to compile a final report.
For now, I would like to share three experiences we witnessed in Tanzania — each of which, to me, falls under the banner of: Heaven Invading Earth.
Come, Lord. We long for this and pray for it in our own nation as well: on earth as it is in Heaven.
Amen.
If you would like to see highlights from the forum please click here: https://youtu.be/lN_JAeKGDnQ?si=e7ZoenJyfP4PP4da
The gathering brought together leaders from 15 French-, English-, and Arabic-speaking nations across the African continent. Alongside an incredible time of worship and deeply moving moments of prayer, we explored some of the most pressing issues facing the holistic development of African youth. Workshops, debates, and teaching sessions were led by our partners from across the continent, and there was a tangible sense of learning, collaboration, and unity throughout the event.
The entire forum was interwoven with spontaneous worship, dance, prayer, and a powerful atmosphere of unity. A short reel highlighting moments from the event is available to view, and photos, reports, and videos have been shared on our website (www.cry.org.uk) and social media. More will be uploaded soon as we continue gathering feedback to compile a final report.
For now, I would like to share three experiences we witnessed in Tanzania — each of which, to me, falls under the banner of: Heaven Invading Earth.
- This year, CRY invited two partners working in one of the most oppressed nations on earth, where, according to the country’s constitution, being a believer is punishable by death. For security reasons, we protected their identities throughout the event and therefore cannot share too many details about them. However, they were given space to speak about their realities, their underground work for the Gospel, and their ministry among vulnerable children and women. The entire room was left deeply moved and in awe of such courage and faithfulness.
These brothers come from an Arabic-speaking and ethnically distinct part of Africa where, historically, there have been racial tensions, even between them and Sub-Saharan Africans. Yet what we witnessed was a pure and powerful unity, alongside a deep hunger to understand and support the work being carried out in that nation.
At the end of their sharing, their African brothers and sisters gathered around them and prayed. In a deeply moving, God-given moment, many repented for taking the Gospel for granted. There was also a collective and spontaneous act of generosity as a symbolic offering of love and solidarity. In a shared pot, currencies from across Africa, as well as dollars and euros, were placed together. It became a powerful expression of unity, breaking down barriers for the sake of the Gospel and the betterment of God’s children across the African continent. - On the final night, CRY organised a meal at a restaurant downtown. What began with a few delegates asking one another about traditional songs from their respective cultures soon developed into a spontaneous jam session that filled the entire restaurant. No rehearsals. No planning. Just pure joy, unity, and celebration as voices from across 15 African nations came together organically in one unforgettable moment to worship God.
You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/xjlzrAcmUD0?si=0X3hh_NMCSCEK-XD
Once again, it felt like a moment where Heaven invaded earth. - On the last day, we visited the CRY project that KCC introduced to CRY through its close friend, Pastor Webster. There, CRY has built a school and a toilet block (a compulsory requirement for registering a new school) and is currently supporting the ongoing costs of the Maasai children’s education.
It was amazing to see first-hand the work CRY has enabled in collaboration with the local Maasai team. Often, we see images and videos of Western visitors being honoured guests within tribal communities — and while there is nothing wrong with that when done well — what felt so powerful this time was something different.
The Maasai people were honouring and celebrating brothers and sisters from across 15 African nations. The dancing, the songs, and the many languages spoken during our visit reflected a unique picture of a united Africa. Traditional Maasai songs and customs intertwined with cultures from across the continent, creating, once again, a glimpse of Heaven invading earth.
Come, Lord. We long for this and pray for it in our own nation as well: on earth as it is in Heaven.
Amen.
If you would like to see highlights from the forum please click here: https://youtu.be/lN_JAeKGDnQ?si=e7ZoenJyfP4PP4da
