TD Jakes urges Africa reforms

2005-10-02 20:30

Nairobi - Renowned African-American tele-evangelist and entrepreneur TD Jakes drew tens of thousands of worshippers to Nairobi for weekend services in which he urged political and economic reform in Africa.

The founder of the Texas-based non-denominational Potter's House church wrapped up a week-long prayer and development mission to Kenya with two days of gospel music and religious services, inciting congregants at Uhuru Park to a fevered climax when he told them to demand more from their governments.

"Stop following deadbeat, ineffectual, greedy leaders who have not changed their policy for 50 years," said Jakes, named as one of the most influential preachers in the United States and whose advice President George W Bush is known to seek.

The sermon resonated strongly with Kenyans, who are in the midst of a highly contentious campaign for a November referendum on a new constitution, the first major change to the document since independence in 1963.

Jakes, who has graced the cover of Time magazine, advised celebrants to be more active about economic development.

Referring to poverty as "the slavemaster of the 21st century", Jakes said.

Africans should "stop feeling sorry for yourselves and get in position to economically empower yourselves".

Jakes arrived in Kenya a week ago with more than 300 physicians, businessmen and gospel musicians in tow.

The delegation travelled throughout Kenya, bringing medical supplies and food to HIV/Aids patients and initiating several well-digging projects.

Jakes also met with Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki to discuss US investment in the region.

Jakes said of the mission, which highlighted the intersection of faith and economic development, "we didn't come here with medicine and doctors and businessmen and musicians to simply entertain you - we came to empower you".

- AFP