This Week in AG History -- June 5, 1948

Henry B. Garlock, an Assemblies of God missions leader in Africa, reported in a 1948 Pentecostal Evangel article on his extensive travels throughout Africa. Christianity was growing more rapidly across the African continent than anywhere else in the world, according to Garlock, largely because of the heroic efforts of indigenous Christian leaders. Moreover, at a time of heightened international political and racial tension, Garlock provided an eloquent condemnation of colonialism and racial discrimination.

Garlock detailed how the Assemblies of God was growing across Africa, due in large part to African church leaders such as Jasper Toe in Liberia, Edward Tchie in Gold Coast (now Ghana), Gabriel Oyakhilome in Nigeria and Benin, Latan Kalambuli in Nyasaland (now Malawi), and Nicholas Bhengu in South Africa. These leaders were “jewels” in Garlock’s estimation, who overcame great odds to share the message of the cross in their part of the world.

Garlock provided readers with a vivid description of the colonialism and oppression on the African continent. He recounted how he saw African individuals slapped, cuffed, kicked, abused, and treated with cruelty and injustice. He shared how thousands were forcibly conscripted or coerced into labor in mines or on roads, under exploitive conditions and for extremely low wages. He also noted that the commodities that the white man enjoyed such as cocoa, tea, coffee, rubber, mahogany, palm oil, gold, and diamonds, represented the forced labor, hardship, and suffering of African workers — many of whom were exploited or unjustly compensated for their labor.

Responding to these inhumane conditions, Garlock condemned racial segregation and discrimination. He expressed that to discriminate against any person created in the image of God based on skin color is a grave injustice — inhuman, un-Christian, and morally indefensible. He furthermore likened the plight of the African to Christ, noting that the African people carry profound burdens, often overlooked by the world but seen and shared by Christ.

Notably, Garlock condemned racial segregation and discrimination at a time when racial strife was increasing in America. Anticipating criticism from some American readers who might call him a “race baiter,” Garlock acknowledged the existence of racial tensions in the United States. “Whose fault is it?” Responding to this rhetorical question, Garlock suggested: “Our fathers have eaten green apples and their children have the stomach-ache” — a proverb reflecting Garlock's belief that the country was still grappling with the consequences of generational injustice — wrongs committed in the past were continuing to shape the present.

Garlock carefully contrasted oppressive colonialism to the indigenous church principle practiced by the Assemblies of God. Garlock encouraged readers to pray for Africa and to support Assemblies of God missionaries who worked alongside indigenous African churches. This cooperative missionary spirit yielded a strong and growing church, and in 2024 the Assemblies of God had over 14 million adherents in Africa.

Read H.B. Garlock’s article, “Africa and Her People,” on pages 2-3 and 12-14 of the June 5, 1948, issue of the Pentecostal Evangel.

Also featured in this issue:

• “Healing for All,” by J.M. Mullens

• “Prostrated under Divine Power,” by J. Narver Gortner

And many more!

Click here to read this issue now.

Pentecostal Evangel archived editions courtesy of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center.