OneLife Africa
Our Objectives:
Main Objective:
OneLife Africa exists to identify and equip At-risk young people through mentorship, education, entrepreneurship and community service - Encouraging them to learn, grow and lead in Jesus name.
Specific Objectives:
Provide education scholarships to at-risk young people.
Mentor young people to maturity.
Develop social entrepreneurship programs.
Promote peace, reconciliation and community service.
Equip young people for cross-cultural Christian service.
Purpose statement:
OneLife Africa mentoring program makes a lifelong impact on the lives of at-risk young people through nurturing one-on-one relationship, life skills training and support which allows each one of them to develop into their full potential by achieving academic success, breaking the cycle of poverty and leading transformed lives.
OneLife Africa was born out of the following beliefs:
1. Everyone is loved by God and deserves to be treated with dignity regardless of their life circumstances.
2. Faith in Christ allows believers to sacrificially desire to make a difference in other people’s lives when opportunity arises to do so.
3. By investing in the lives of at-risk young people in Africa today, we trust that God will heal family relationships, tribes and communities. The impact of God’s healing extends beyond time and financial support we invest today.
OneLife Africa Promote
Personal Responsibility: Through one-on-one mentorship, life skills training and financial support. At-risk young people are empowered to take responsibility of their future.
Financial Accountability: We believe that every resource entrusted to us has a potential to transform lives. To be good stewards we use donations for their intended purpose, carefully reviewing programs, keeping our overheads low and reporting to our partners in a timely manner.
Community Partnerships: Serving in poor communities, we use communication technologies to encourage global community partnerships that promote mutual dignity and respect as opposed to benefactor relationships that leads to dependency.
Tribal Reconciliation: A life of discipleship leads to transformation in thoughts, relationships, and actions; we equip at-risk young people from all backgrounds promoting unity, belonging and forgiveness between different people groups.
Strategic Approach: We seek to equip focused and motivated African young people who understand local realities allowing them to serve in their communities develop and review programs to ensure that they are practical.
OneLife Africa CoreValues
Goal:
Our Goal is to equip At-risk young people through discipleship, education, community service and entrepreneurship training. Our focus is on self-reliance and life transformation.
Ministry:
OneLife Africa programs will be evaluated on the basis of faithfulness to Biblical Truth and effectiveness in developing partnerships necessary to equip At-risk young people, presenting Christ to the unconverted, uncommitted and modeling Christ to everyone in all that we do and say. By modeling Christ, we seek the salvation of whole lives – Body, soul & Spirit for the glory of God. We seek to multiply, equip and involve people in the work of ministry as we explore and encourage them to serve God in the areas of their giftedness (2 Timothy 2:1-2; Ephesians 4:11-13).
Motivation:
We are a Christian program motivated by the love of Christ. The love of Christ compels us to sacrificially reach out to the least of these, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform lives. We believe that our rightful identity is in Christ alone, as adopted children of God we seek to make him known through our lives and ministry (John 1:12-13).
Governance:
We believe in the authority and the Lordship of Jesus Christ over all as revealed in the scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Colossians 1:18). The board of Trustees will be entrusted to make all decisions. Seeking God’s leading in oneness before making any decision, submitting to one another in honor of the Lord (Philippians 1:9-11, 27; Ephesians 5:21).
Stewardship:
Our role is to be good stewards of all the resources that God has entrusted to us: finances, time & people. We seek to prayerfully and faithfully use them to accomplish the will of God (1Corinthians 4:2) and ready at all times to give account to men and God (2 Corinthians 8:21).
Kenya
OneLife Africa exist to facilitate urban renewal through youth mentoring, entrepreneurship support and provision of healthcare to slum communities in Nairobi-Kenya.
Statement of Faith
1. Revelation
We affirm that God has revealed Himself to mankind through various avenues that are clear and plain for human mind to comprehend; God has also used creation to reveal Himself in all spheres of life1. We affirm that God’s revelation has been revealed through written laws 2 , conscience and thoughts of all human beings.3 We affirm that God has revealed to all human beings one and only way to salvation.4
2. Inspiration
We affirm that all scripture is inspired by God.5 The Bible is a command laid out for human beings to follow.6 Though the Bible was authored by humans, We affirm that all that is recorded in the Bible came directly from God, the divine author, who directed the writing of human authors through the power of the Holy Spiriit.7
We affirm that the Bible which is the law of the Lord is perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, sure, more precious than Gold, sweeter than honey.8
We affirm that all scriptures are holy, "God breathed" and are useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so as to equip believers for every good work.9
3. Inerrancy
We affirm that all scripture is the word of the Lord, Holy and fully inspired by the Almighty God. We affirm that all words recorded in the Bible, "are flawless, like silver, refined in the furnace of clay, purified seven times."10 God is Sovereign and Trustworthy in all His dealings with human beings; "The word of the Lord is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens."11
We affirm that the Bible is God’s word of Truth.12The Bible is flawless; the commands of the Lord are righteous.13
4. Triune God
a. Trinity
We affirm that there is only One True and living eternal God.14 We believe in the Christian understanding of the unity of the Godhead with distinction of persons in that unity, namely the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit, Fully Divine, equal and eternal whom equal honor is due.15
b. Attributes of God
We affirm that there is only one true and living eternal God.16 God is sovereign.17God is spirit.18 God is immortal and invisible.19 God is perfect and does not change.20 God is Omnipresent (He is present everywhere),21 God is Omnipotent (He is unlimited and unmatched power and force),22 God is Omniscient (He knows everything).23 God is Holy and perfect,24 God Himself is the measure of perfection and love, His love is beyond comprehension and he is constantly seeking to reconcile sinful human beings to Himself regardless of the cost.25 "God is great, mighty in power and has infinite wisdom".26 God is merciful and compassionate.27 He demonstrates His mercy and grace through the forgiveness of all sins.28 God is righteous and just,29 faithful,30 kind,31 generous32 and patient.33 God’s words are true, His righteous laws are eternal.34
5. The Person and Work of Jesus Christ
a. Person of Christ/Two Natures
We affirm that Jesus Christ, the second person in the Trinity, was present in the beginning of creation.35 I affirm that Jesus Christ, the son of God, became man at conception being conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.36 Being the second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ shares the same equality with God the Father, yet He humbled himself even to the point of death on the cross for the sins of humankind.37 We affirm that despite all this, Jesus Christ continued to maintain His Divine attributes;38 by His death, Jesus became the one and only mediator39 of the new covenant between God and man. 40 Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, His righteousness was imputed on all believers.41
b. Deity of Christ
We affirm that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and was fully equal to God.42 He is mighty God, 43 Jesus Christ is Lord.44 Jesus was there in the beginning45 and He will be there in the end (He is the Alpha and Omega).46 He has all the authority in Heaven and on Earth.47 He has life in Himself48 and was actively involved in creation.49 He reflects the glory of God the Father and "sustains all things by his powerful word."50 I affirm that Jesus Christ forgives sins.51 I affirm that prayers are directed to God through Jesus,52Jesus Christ is worthy of all worship,53 He has the power to raise the dead,54 and the authority to judge humankind.55
c. The Work of Christ
We affirm that Jesus Christ came on Earth to fulfill the will of God the Father.56 We affirm that Jesus carried out the will of God through teaching, preaching the good news and healing the sick.57 He submitted His will to God the Father and obeyed completely all his commands58 to the point of death on the cross.59 The everlasting kingdom of God was inaugurated on earth by Jesus Christ.60
d. Atonement
We affirm that the death of Jesus Christ was a sacrifice to God for the remission of sins of human beings.61Because of the Fall, sin has taken root in the nature of humankind all over the world;62 all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.63 God initiated reconciliation with mankind because of His love and a desire that none should perish64 and the inability of the Law to save.65 God provided Jesus Christ; His death was a perfect sacrifice that met all the requirements of the Law.66 We affirm that even though Jesus Christ had no sin,67 He voluntarily took our place, bore our sins, died our death, and rose from the grave. Jesus fulfilled God’s requirements for justice,68 and His sacrifice was once and for all.69 Atonement is also referred to as sacrifice,70 reconciliation,71 redemption,72 and justification.73
We affirm that atonement is sufficient for anyone who repents and believes in faith74 and that Christ died for all sinners; God desires that no one should perish, because "whoever believes in Jesus has everlasting life."75
e. Resurrection and Ascension
We affirm that Jesus Christ physically arose from the dead on the third day;76 We affirm that after the bodily resurrection, Jesus Christ ascended to the right hand of God the Father, 77 and is now the all-sufficient High Priest of His people.78 We affirm that Jesus’ resurrection defeated sin, death and Satan.79 We affirm that Christian faith, salvation and justification of believers rest on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.80 We affirm that Jesus reigns today from Heaven with all authority and power,81 and bestows spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirt.82 We affirm that Jesus Christ will come again to receive His people unto Himself83 and set up His kingdom.84
6. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, being the third person of the Trinity, is uniquely united and equal to God the Father and God the Son.85 We affirm that the Holy Spirit has power,86 convicts all humankind of their sins and unrighteousness,87 regenerates,88 sanctifies believers,89 renews,90 dwells,91 and gives life.92 The Holy Spirit helps believers in their walk of faith by producing the fruit of the Spirit within them.93 The Scriptures were written through the Holy Spirit.94 We affirm that the Holy Spirit propagates gifts to believers to empower believers,95 unify the Church,96 and build up the body of Christ.97 We affirm that the gifts of the Spirit are distributed generously98 to each and every individual99 in the body of Christ (the Church) with love being the greatest gift.100 We affirm that the gifts of the Spirit are meant to be administered in love.101
7. Creation
We affirm that in the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.102 We affirm that all things in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible were created only and solely by God.103 God created everything through his speech, He spoke the word and the things came into being from nothing.104 Creation in it’s entirety is an act of God’s own sovereign will.105
We affirm that creation is the work of Triune God.106 Everything that God created was good.107Every human being and all creation depend, worship, glorify and more so proclaim God’s majesty.108 God is sovereign, distinct and totally independent from the world.109 We affirm that the original creation was good and pleasing in God’s sight.110
8. Providence
We affirm that God provides and sustains all creatures.111 I affirm that God cares for, guides and protects. We affirm that God displays His providence in nature.112 We affirm that God controls all events in History,113 He is the supreme ruler over all,114 He controls time and seasons.115 We affirm that God works all His purposes for the good of His people.116
9. Doctrine of Man
a. Creation of man/woman
We affirm that God created both man and woman in His own image and likenes.117 We affirm that at creation, God blessed man and woman to multiply, subdue and have dominion over the whole earth.118 We affirm that humans are created with a need and conscience to have a relationship with God and be obedient to the moral law.119
b. The Fall
We affirm that the fall of Adam and Eve through the sin of disobedience in the Garden of Eden distorted God’s plan for mankind. Mankind was separated from God’s presence.120 As a consequence of the fall, man became "lost"121 and at "enmity against God"122; man is also "without strength"123 to do the will of God. We affirm that sin leads to curse124, suffering125, sickness and ultimately death of mankind.126 Sin of disobedience therefore corrupts God’s original plan for humankind.127
c. Original Sin
We affirm that because of disobedience in the Garden of Eden, humans inherited sinfulness guilt and death from Adam.128 I affirm that just as life starts at conception, all human beings are tainted by the original sin, thus each and every human being conceived and born a sinner.129 The fall of man results in spiritual slumber and lack of control by the Spirit of God.130
10. Salvation and the Christian Life
a. Conversion/Regeneration
We affirm that the Holy Spirit convicts, 131 enlightens their minds in the knowledge of Christ, renews human wills, persuades and prepares humankind to repent132 and accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior through faith alone.133 All who accept Christ by faith are regenerated, 134 thus they become new creations in Christ135 and adopted children of God because they die to flesh and are made alive in Spirit.136
b. Justification
We affirm that justification of the sinner is by God’s free grace through faith alone.137 We affirm that righteousness is from God alone and it is imputed to all who believe in Christ.138 We affirm that righteousness is a gift from God that a sinner has to accept by faith.139 Whoever is justified is also born of God.140 We affirm that such new birth should result in and be made evident in holiness in life and through good works.141
c. Sanctification
We affirm that sanctification is a state to be coveted by believers in Jesus Christ, 142 but the doctrine of perfection in the flesh is contrary to the teachings of Holy Scripture.143 Sanctification is an ongoing work of God’s grace in the life of a believer144 as a believer’s image is transformed145 to reflect the image of God in all spheres of life. 146
d. Perseverance
We affirm that the grace of God empowers all who come to Christ to press on with their faith. The grace of God strengthens believers to endure trials and temptations, 147 both of which they face every day. Christians are continually equipped by the Holy Spirit to hold onto their faith in Christ until death.148
11. The Church
a. The Nature of the Church
Being a body of believers, the Church is called by God to be united under one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism and God the Father of all.149 The Church was founded and commissioned by Jesus Christ.150 The Holy Spirit is always present to empower151 the Church as she carries out God’s will on earth and fulfilling the mandate of being set apart and made Holy.152 The Church is to embrace unity153 by upholding apostolic teachings.154
b. Government of the Church
We affirm that the board of elders is the authority of the local church.155 Elders should be believers of proven character and stewardship evident by the fruit of the Spirit in their lives.156 The office of the deacons is to be occupied by believers of godly character and equipped with the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit to provide servant leadership and service to the body of Christ.157 The Church is to follow the Lord’s command as recorded in the Scriptures. All believers should have the freedom to express their opinion because as Christians guided by the Holy Spirit they have direct access to God. Despite all the counsel of other believers, the elders reserve the right and united in prayer, should have power and authority to make the final decision for the Church body.158
12. The Sacraments
a. Baptism
Jesus Christ ordained baptism. 159 Baptism is a sign that unites believers spiritually with Christ and other believers through the inward work of the Holy Spirit. 160 Water used in baptism is a sign that believers identify with Christ’s death and resurrection. 161 Though symbolic, baptism has great spiritual significance. Baptism shows God’s grace for the forgiveness of sin.162 Baptism initiates believers into the body of Christ, allowing believers to dwell together in unity.163 I affirm that believers baptism identify each and every believer with Christ and with other believers through faith.164
b. The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s supper is a sacrament for the Church ordained by Christ to be celebrated in the remembrance of His death.165 As believers gather to share in the Lord’s supper they are assured of salvation through Christ’s death.166 I affirm that Christ is spiritually present in the Lord’s supper.167 The Lord’s supper should be administered and received with proper material elements, action and intention. By faith believers receive spiritual nourishment.168
13. Satan
We affirm that Satan is a real personality, created perfect by God and given power, but through pride he fell and became the father of sin, the arch-enemy of God and of souls of man.169
14. Eschatology
As promised and recorded in the Scripture, We affirm that Jesus Christ will come back again. 170I affirm that only God the Father knows the definite day and hour for Christ return. 171 We affirm that Jesus Christ will come back unexpectedly, 172 in person, 173, visible, 174 and with glory.175 When Christ returns, He will come as a judge of all nations.176 We affirm that at death the spirit of man does not cease to exist or become unconscious. 177 When Christ returns, all believers, both dead and living will meet Christ in the air. 178 Christ will judge everyone. 179 The wicked will be punished with everlasting torment. 180 The righteous will dwell in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ worshiping Him forever. 181 I affirm that both the blessedness of the righteous will be eternal. 182
Notes
1 Romans 1:19, 20; Psalms 19:1, 2
2Romans 2:12-13
3. Romans 2:14-15
4John 3:16; John 10:19
5II Timothy 2:13
6Joshua 1:18
71 Peter 1:10-12; II Peter 1:20-21; I Corinthians 2:13
8Psalms 19:7-11
9 II Timothy 3:15-17
10Psalms 12:6
11 Psalms 119:89
12John 17:17; Psalms 119:160
13Proverbs 30:5; Psalms 119:172
14Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis1:2, 26
15John 1:1,2; John 5:17,22,23; John 14:25,26; John 16:7, 27,28; Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 1:1-3,8
16 Deuteronomy 6:4
17 Acts 17:25
18 John 4:24
19 I Timothy 1:17
20 James 1:17; Psalms 102:27; Malachi 3:6
21Psalms 139:7-10
22Ephesians 1:11; Psalms 147:5
23 Psalms 139:1-4; Romans 11:33
24Isaiah 6:3
25John 4:8; John 3:16; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 100:5
26Psalms 147:5; Jeremiah 10:7; Daniel 2:20-21, Romans 11:33
27Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 103:8; Lamentations 3:22
28Romans 9:16; Ephesians 2:4-5; Titus 3:5
29 Numbers 14:18; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 36:6
30 Psalms 33:4; Deuteronomy 7:9
31 Acts 14:17
32 James 1:5, 17
33 Romans 9:22; II Peter 3:9, 14-15
34Psalms 119:160; John 17:17
35John 1:1-3; Isaiah 9:6
36Galatians 4:4; Mathew 1:20-25
37Phillipians 2:6-8
38Romans 8:3
39Hebrews 9:15
40 I Timothy 2:5
41 Romans 4:22-24; John 3:16
42 Mathew 26:63-65
43 Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:17
44 Acts 2:21; Joel 2:32
45 John 1:1
46Revelation 22:13
47 Mathew 28:18
48John 1:4; 5:26
49John 1:3; Colossians 1:16
50 Hebrews 1:3
51 Mark 2:5-7
52 Acts 7:59
53 Mathew 28:16-17
54John 5:21; 11:25
55John 5:22, 27
56John 6:38
57Mathew 4:23, 24
58John 14:30, 31; 15:10
59Phillipians 2:8
60Mathew 28:18-20
61Romans 4:25
62Psalms 14:3
63Romans 3:23; Proverbs 20:9
64John 3:16
65Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:21; Hebrews 10:11
66Hebrews 10:12
67II Corinthians 5:21
68Romans 3:24-26
69Hebrews 9:27,28
70Isaiah 53; Ephesians 5:2; I Corinthians 5:7
71Isaiah 53:11; II Corinthians 5:18-19
72Mark 10:45; Ephesians 1:7
73Isaiah 53:11; Romans 3:23-26
74Hebrews 9:24-28
75John 3:16; Romans 11:7,23
76Mathew 28:5-7; I Corinthians 15:20; 15:3-6; Luke 24:36
77Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:9
78Hebrews 4:14-16
79Hebrews 7:25
80I Corinthians 15:17-20
81Revelation 1:5; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 1:18
82Ephesians 4:8-10; Luke 2:32-33
83John 14:3; Daniel 7:13-14; I Thessalonians 4:13-18
84Luke 1:32-33; Daniel 2:44-45
85ICorinthians 3:16-17; 2:10-11
86Romans 15:19
87John 16:8-11
88John 3:5-8
89I Peter 1:2; Titus 3:4-7; II Thessalonians 2:13-14
90Titus 3:5
91Romans 8:11
92Genesis 2:7
93Galatians 5:22-23
94II Timothy 3:16-17
95Romans 12:6-8; I Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:11; I Peter 4:11
96I Corinthians 12:7; 14:5-7
97Epheisnas 4:12
98I Corinthians 12:11
99I Corinthians 12:14-21; 28-30
100I Corinthians 13:13
101 I Corinthians 13:1-13
102 Genesis 1:1
103 Colossians 1:16; John 1:3; Ephesians 3:9
104 Genesis 1:1-27, Psalms 33:6; Hebrews 11:3; Isaiah 44:24; Jeremiah 32:17
105 Revelation 4:11
106John 1:3; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Genesis 1:2
107Genesis 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25
108 Isaiah 43:7; 60:21
109 Ezekiel 36:21-22
110Genesis 1:31
111Job 5:10
112Psalms 65:9-10; Psalms 147:8
213Job 12:23-24; Jeremiah 27:5-6
114Psalms 22:28
115Daniel 2:21
116 Romans 8:28
117Genesis 1:26-27
118Genesis 1:28; Acts 17:26
119 Romans 2:14; James 3:9-10
120Genesis 3:1-14
121Luke 19:10
122Romans8:5-7
123 Romans 5:6, 12-19; Psalms53:2-3
124 Genesis 3:14-19
125Genesis 3:16, 19
126Romans 6:23; Genesis 6:5-7; 1 Corinthians 5:12
127Genesis 3:17, 18
128 Genesis 2:16, 17; Romans 5:12, 18, 19; I Corinthians 15:22
129 Psalms 51:5
130I Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 4:17, 18; Romans 8:7, 8
131 I Thessalonians 1:4-5; Romans 8:30
132II Chronicles 7:14
133Ephesians 2:8-9
134John 1:12-13; 3:6
135II Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:24-25; Ephesians 2:1-10
136John 3:5-7
137Romans 3:21-26; 5:1
138Romans 3:23-24
139Romans 6:23; Romans 4:4-5; Galatians 2:16
140John 1:12-13; James 1:18; I Peter 1:23
141Ephesisna 2:10; 4:24; Titus 3:4-8
142II Timothy 2:21
143I John 1:8
144Colosians 3:5-6
145Luke 9:23; Romans 12:2
146Hebrews 10:25
147I Peter 1:23
148II Timothy 2:12-13
149Epheisans 4:4-6
150Mathew 16:15-19
151Acts 1:8
152I Thessalonians 4:3-7; Ephesians 5:25-27
153Colosians 1:6; Revelation 7:9
154Acts 2:42
155Acts 15-1, 6, 22, 23, 28, 29; 20:17, 28
156I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9
157 I Timothy 3:8-13
158 Ericson, PP. 1077-1078
159Mathew 28:38-39
160Galatians 3:27-28
161Romans 6:3-5
162Acts 2:38-39
163I Corinthians 12:13
164 Colossians 2:11-13
165Luke 22:19; I Corinthians 10:16
166Luke 22:19-20
167Mathew 26:26-28; I Corinthians 10:16
168I Corinthians 11:24-34
169Job 1:6-7; Ezekiel 28:14-15; Isaiah 14:12-13; I Peter 5:8
170Mathew 24-25: I Thessalonians 4:15-16
171Mark 13:32-33, 35
172Mathaew 25:1-13; I Thessalonians 5:2-3
173 John 14:3
174Acts 1:11
175Mathew 24:30; Mark 13:26
176Mathew 25:31-46
177Ecclesiastes 12:7; II Corinthians 5:6-8; Luke 16:19-31; 23:43
178I Thessalonians 4:15-17
179John 5:28-29; Mathew 25:32-33, 46; Acts 17:31
180Revelation 20:15
181Reveletion 22:3-5; 5:13; Philippians 3:20-21
182I Corinthians 15:51-57; Romans 14:9-10; II Corinthians 5:10; Daniel 12:2
Bibliography
Davis, John J. (1984). Handbook of Basic Texts. Grand rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing.
Erickson, Millard J. (1985). Christian Theology Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker book House.
New International Revised Standard Bible.
