Early History
In a country humiliated and impoverished by the Anglo-South African War of 1899-1902, a spiritual awakening became evident in 1908. As no existing church welcomed the revival in their ranks, God used John G. Lake and Thomas Hezmalhalch to start a new movement, the AFM in May 1908. Because of the openness to the work of the Holy Spirit and a strong missionary focus, the movement grew with leaps and bounds.
More in-depth AFM History can be explored at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolic_Faith_Mission_of_South_Africa
Celebrating Unity
Following the trend of the day, the AFM after a few years became racially separated – a condition that was many years later graciously turned around in 1996. Today a vast number of independent ministries and churches trace their roots to the AFM. The AFM today is one of the five largest churches in South Africa.
The AFM has a special video clip explaining how unity came about in the AFM. You are welcome to watch this clip on the AFM YouTube Channel:
AFM Archive
Recently a large house at the AFM’s Auckland Park Theological College has been converted to exhibit the AFM’s rich collection of history. Contained within the exhibit are items such as John G Lake’s Bible and personal diary as well as the first minute-book of the Executive Council of 1908. There is information so unique that researchers from different overseas countries have already spent extensive times of research in the AFM archive.
If you have a desire to visit the AFM Archive you can contact us.
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