By Shem Kosse.

The African Churches have ultimately coalesced with an aim of eradicating poverty, providing good governance and initiating various development projects across the continent, Africa.

Under the banner Africa Churches Foundation (ACF),the organization’ co-founder who is also one of the interim officials, Bishop Phoebe Onyango of SALEM ministry, disclosed that the ACF has forged closer working relationship with the provincial administration and other agencies, to achieve its set goals.

And to that effect, the Homa Bay DC,the clergy said, has given the foundation fertilizer and seeds to strengthen farmers agriculturally and also relief foods, to start them off, locally.

Further, inoder to promote good governance Vis a Vis the ongoing constitution review saga: “the foundation will ask government for funds to provide civic education, to our flock” said the clergy. Adding that even the youth funds they will apply for, to empower the youth.

ACF which has representatives in Rwanda, Congo, Uganda among other parts of Africa, has a constitution which allows it to send proposals to international community and other willing donors to support the organization nationally and internationally.

This will enable it to realize proper infrastructure and participate in peace and conflict management that ACF is planning across the region.

Consequently, a proposal of kshs 150 million for strategic planning of first 5 years has been prepared and unleashed.

Started in 2007, the foundation is intending to build its regional office in the lakeside city of kisumu for the smooth running of its church affairs in Africa.

It is planning to hold its elections in September this year. In every country ACF has got representative for the region in every district and these are the bonafide officials who are going to cast their votes in the offing poll.

In addition to Bishop Phoebe, other interim officials are Dr Joseph Kayieyi and Rev Walter Angienda.And the management board consist of Bishop Zephania Orawo as the chairman, secretary Benson Nyangor and Bishop Winnie Owiti,treasurer.

The board members and trustees met on 29th march 2010-ahead of official launching date to be announced soon-and said that all churches are united behind ACF because they want the huge gap between them bridged.

Earlier, the officials met over 500 people from different churches in Homa Bay district and some volunteered their lands for the building of the foundation’ offices. It’s worth noting that in H.B, there are over 900 churches.

On 8th April 2009, ACF is going to have dinner at HIPPO BANK hotel in homa bay to discuss how the foundation in partnership with various oganizations, can develop.

And those who have confirmed attendance is the Nyanza deputy PC, the DC, Mayor and the clerk of Homa Bay.

Ahead of delegates conference slated for 1st April next year the up hill task-which is the biggest challenge the outfit admitted that its facing-is how to enlighten the people not only to view church as a place for spiritual nourishment, but also as an institution that can be used as a tool to spur development.

Ends

Shem Kosse.

From left is Bishops Phoebe Onyango, Mark Kegoi and Dr.Sila Owiti