Newsflash: Friday, 13 May 2022

Dear Colleague,

1.         AFM OF SA: 114^TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY
            (Wednesday, 25 May 2022)

Our History

The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) is a classical Pentecostal church that first began with ministry in a rental hall in the Johannesburg suburb of Doornfontein on 25 May 1908.  After his arrival in Pretoria, inspired by the April 1906 Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, John G. Lake felt that the Holy Spirit led him to Johannesburg. A certain Mrs Goodenough met them and invited them to stay in her house. She testified that the Holy Spirit had sent her to the train station to meet the missionaries.

Several factors helped to create a favourable climate for the Pentecostal movement to spread throughout South Africa from 1908. There were revivals in the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) in South Africa in 1860, 1874 and 1884. These were characterised by a deep conviction of sin, followed by conversion, fervent prayer and some “ecstatic” spiritual experiences. Many of the believers who experienced the revivals eventually found a spiritual home in the Pentecostal movement. The AFM was also involved in assisting and uplifting poor people.

Although the AFM grew from South Africa to five continents, its initial interracial character was short-lived. From 1944 to 1992 the church was racially divided into so-called sections of whites, blacks, coloureds and Indians. The blacks, coloureds and Indians took the lead to unite and then in 1996, the AFM of SA finally abandoned its racial divisions and became one united, non-racial church. The unification helped the church to move into the ecumenical world.

The beliefs of the AFM of SA are captured in our Confession of Faith which is based on the ancient Apostolic Creed. Within this framework, a variety of ministry identities and philosophies are embraced. There is freedom and flexibility as far as the liturgical practices in local AFM churches are concerned.

Happy 114^th Birthday AFM!

We celebrate our 114^th birthday this year, with deep thankfulness, humility and acknowledgement of our total dependence on God. We believe that the AFM has a bright future and a transformational role to play in South African society and abroad.

2.         AFM LOGO DAY!
            (Wednesday, 25 May 2022)

On Wednesday, 25 May 2022 the church will be celebrating its 114^th birthday anniversary. We are calling on all AFM Assemblies, Pastors and Members to join in on the celebration by wearing, showing, posting and sharing the AFM logo on all offline and online platforms. Whether it is the AFM logo appearing on social media, a pen, notebook, golf shirt, cap, flag, umbrella or pin – show it off on this special day in our beloved church.

   

Past. Selby Khumalo, our General Secretary will share more about the AFM Logo Day in a video message that will be published on all AFM social media platforms on Wednesday, 18 May 2022.

Blessings!
Henri Weideman