Africa

CBSI has Calebs in the following countries:

Mozambique
Gene & Francis Shackelford

Rwanda
Paul & Debbie Annett

Uganda
Susan Krance

Active Calebs Other CBSI Activity

Maury Kapsner

Regional Director for Africa
(contact Maury)

Maury Kapsner has lived the life of a man searching for the Truth about Jesus. He grew up around the church, but never felt the peace of knowing his eternity was secure in Christ. Finally, the word of God became clear to Maury, and he opened his heart and life to Jesus. At the age of 60, Maury Kapsner came to a crossroads in his life: “Should I begin to prepare for retirement or should I ‘refire’ for Jesus?” “Refirement” became the choice, which led him to become a Caleb in Burundi, Africa. Now, Maury is the CBSI Regional Director for all of Africa, where there are thousands of Africans studying the Bible through CBSI. Maury resides in Minneapolis, MN; he and his wife, Linda, have two adult sons. (click for full bio)

Countries

Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe.

Through incredible growth in the last century, 60% of the population in Africa sub-Sahara is now reported to be Christian. Churches continue to grow rapidly. This expansion has created a tremendous need for effective discipleship. Many church leaders admit that the church is wide, but not deep; therefore, they welcome CBS International to help train and equip them in effective Bible study.

With exploratory trips in 1998, the ministry began in earnest in 2000. In only the last four years, the number of Bible studies has grown to 498, reaching 8,831 people in nine countries. The growth we have experienced is only the beginning. This region has shown itself to be one of the most responsive areas. With adequate financial resources for training, travel and the printing of the materials, we could double the number of participants every two years. Currently, only 30% of the Bible studies are able to support all of their own expenses.

Africa is one of Community Bible Study International’s largest geographic regions, comprising over 50 different countries. But, Africa is also the most volatile region in which CBS International currently works. Various social, political and economical conflicts provide hardships and obstacles for the ministry.

Hold the ministry in Africa up in your prayers for the safety of our leaders and for the needed resources to meet the growing demands of this rapidly expanding ministry.