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2024-12-31-accounts

African Pastors’ Fellowship

Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Registered Charity number 282756

Karen Hanlan Independent Examiner Limited

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Contents
Page
Report of the trustees 3-8
Statement of Trustees responsibilities 9
Report of the independent examiner 10
Statement of financial activities 11
Balance sheet 12
Principle accounting policies 13-15
Notes to the financial statements 16-26

2

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Report of the trustees

The trustees of the African Pastors’ Fellowship (“the Charity”) have pleasure in presenting their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Constitution and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (updated 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

As set out in its Constitution, the Charity is established for the advancement of the Christian Religion by the provision of financial, spiritual and medical assistance to Church leaders of all denominations and their dependents in Africa, and other such countries as from time to time may be determined, and the training of such leaders. This is achieved by providing:

In shaping the objectives for the year and planning activities, the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance ‘public benefit: running a charity (PB2)’.

The vision of APF is to empower Christian leaders so as to enable effective ministry that delivers community transformation through the local church.

The mission of APF is to develop the capacity of Christian leaders in partnership with African agencies to provide training, equipment and pastoral care (APF pastor the pastors that pastor the pastors).

The ultimate goal of our charitable objectives is to bring community transformation, mainly in rural sub-Saharan east Africa, through the local church (registered networks, denominations and related partner NGOs). This is achieved largely through investment in capacity building of faith community leaders (both lay and ordained). The future strategy is to resource and release indigenous leaders with vision, capacity and an existing ministry ‘pastoring pastors’ so as to increase, multiply and better culturally contextualise the work. Some projects bring obvious and immediate community transformation (such as sustainable domestic solar technology) while other projects (such as training in family values, entrepreneurship and sustainable farming) will bring lasting benefit in the longer-term.

3

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Trustees Annual Report 2024

Activity and Achievements

2024 was another busy and productive year. We consider that over the period APF delivered excellent value for money, and can evidence significant impact. Working with a tight and minimal budget, as well as being a small but motivated and skilled team, APF has enabled effective Christian ministry and pastoral formation in Africa, as can be seen in our activity and achievements outlined below.

APF continues to work in partnership with influential African leaders of denominations and church networks, NGOs and colleges to assist in the provision digital tools, training and theology that equip leaders for the digital age. With this as a defining focus we have become more targeted in our allocation of resources and created a unique offering to African partners. Requests for partnership and support remain much greater than our capacity, but this clarity of focus together with an emerging network of key African Training Partners (ATPs) helps ensure best use of human and financial resources.

Digital Tools

The eVitabu app remains the flagship operation of the charity and its versatility informs most of the training activity in Africa, be it digital or otherwise. During the year the number of users increased and currently there are approaching 2500 active users in 33 African nations, reaching an estimated 2.5m people with practical and spiritual resources for personal study, church and community engagement. The number of contributors has also increased, with a dozen new agencies, many from within Africa, freely providing contextualised materials for publication.

Requests for hardware to access eVitabu and/or other use are increasingly common, to some extent replacing the request for physical books and Bibles. Over the year grants for phones, laptops, cameras and radios have been disbursed.

Development work continued to improve accessibility and user experience of the app, as well as to curate newly uploaded resources.

Digital Training

In September 2024 APF hosted a major residential conference for 35 partners from east and southern Africa. The purpose was to hear first hand feedback from an informed cross-section of eVitabu users, as well as inform, inspire and create networking opportunities. APF sent several personnel to attend the conference including staff and trustees. In addition to achieving the above objectives, the conference further aided the identification of key ATPs and provided space to strengthen and develop these relationships, agree some short term future goals, reporting and lines of communication.

4

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

ATPs delivered in person and online conferences (and projects) in 10 nations reaching thousands of leaders from diverse ecclesiastical traditions in both formal and non-formal learning environments. Investment is being made to offer more online and coordinated training conferences, especially around eVitabu induction and navigation.

Remote support for eVitabu users continues to be provided, as well as occasional IT assistance in other ways as needed by ATPs and partner agencies.

Digital Theology

A dozen ATPs are enrolled on Equipped for Digital Ministry course in partnership with Spurgeon’s College. Digital Theology taster sessions were being delivered in Africa, and potential teaching partnerships are being explored with several tertiary institutions in East Africa.

Other activity in Africa

Many of APFs established projects continue to be supported as resource allows: provision of grants for bicycles, Growing Greener, and Let there be Light, for example. Projects run by ATPs such as Faith Babies Home and Bulogo Women’s Projects and Vocational School, continue to be supported in some cases through generous restricted giving. Likewise, in accordance with our governing document, where possible APF responded to pastoral needs of partners and their dependents around healthcare, school fees and vocational start up costs, for example.

During the year UK personnel made scheduled visits to Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Due to UK FCDO advice, a planned visit to South Sudan was relocated to Moyo in northern Uganda, and after the sudden death of our longest standing partner, Bishop Lloyd Chizenga, an unexpected pastoral and management visit was made to Malawi in November.

UK activity

The CEO and UK Projects Manager continue to provide strategic leadership, project management, communications, fundraising, representation, financial and general administration, supported by a part-time eVitabu app developer and social media/IT support workers on a consultancy basis (both UK and Africa-based). While the staff team remain committed to APF there is significant organisational risk having so much delegated responsibility in the portfolio of just two full-time staff. Our recently appointed trustees have become more familiar with the role and governance of the organisation, making helpful contributions at board meetings and in other ways, such as providing lived African experience and perspective, introductions, and the preparation of best practice safeguarding policies. The movement towards a trustee board with executive portfolios needs further consideration and implementation.

Other key achievements during 2024 include the CEO completing a Masters in Digital Theology and the disbursement of significant levels of historic restricted funding.

5

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Finances in 2024

2024 proved to be a more challenging year financially for the charity. While overall expenditure remained relatively stable and in line with budget, unrestricted income did not see the same growth experienced in 2023. The continued increase in grant funding meant expenditure from restricted funds remained a significant area of outlay. The tighter financial climate in 2024 meant that although the charity was able to largely maintain its reserves, careful financial management and increased unrestricted income will be necessary in 2025 to restore reserve levels.

We remain very grateful for the generosity of our supporters who continue to provide for the work of APF through regular giving, responding to appeals, and from gifts in wills. We also continue to benefit from valuable contributions from grant making trusts, whose support is increasingly helping the charity meet its charitable objectives.

Overall, our finances allow us to continue moving forward with our strategic objectives, although careful management is always necessary. The persistent day-to-day challenge of cashflow and ensuring reserve levels are maintained continues to make significant mid- to long-term investment difficult. A notable increase in funding would be transformative for the charity, for example, enabling faster development and rollout of eVitabu and the appointment of national and regional directors in Africa, both of which remain key strategic priorities.

Pension Liabilities and Reserves Policy

Since August 2022, an agreement referred to as a ‘buy in policy’ meant Just Group provided financial backing for all defined benefit (DB) pensions provided through the Baptist Pension Scheme. As a result, the scheme is no longer in a shortfall position and pension liabilities effectively ceased. In 2024, deficit contributions were reduced from a nominal £1 per month to zero and members of the DB Plan become policyholders of Just. In 2025 the DB Plan of the Baptist Pension Scheme will be wound up.

The current reserves policy is to maintain, as a minimum, sufficient general funds to cover at least three months’ unavoidable costs, being approximately £21,000. General funds at 31 December 2024 were £23,081, compared to £35,526 at 31 December 2023. The Trustees have effectively built reserves to the minimum level during the year.

The Trustees are confident that the Charity will have sufficient cashflows to meet the annual liabilities as they become due. They see no reason to deviate from planned charitable expenditure, however, they will continue to monitor the charity’s finances carefully.

6

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing Document

The African Pastors’ Fellowship is a registered charity (No. 282756) and governed by its Constitution originally adopted on 1 June 1981 and subsequently amended on 27 November 1990, 16 June 1999 and 27 March 2003.

Appointment of trustees, induction & training

New Trustees are appointed by invitation to join the Board given that they have the necessary skills and experience to contribute to the Trust’s activities and to be able to discharge their obligations as Trustees.

Management

The Trustees delegate the day to day running and administering of the Charity and its activities to the CEO and UK staff team.

7

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees:

Revd Richard Suffern - Chairman Mr Andrew Richardson - Treasurer Mr John Chambers Revd Richard Tucker Revd Andrew North Mr Peter Flew Mr Kingston Ogango Ms Rose Mugabi (appointed 15 January 2024)

Chief Executive Officer:

Chief Executive Officer: Projects & Finance Coordinator: Revd David Stedman Mr Geoff Holder

Charity Number: 282756

Registered Office: Independent Examiner: Station House Karen Hanlan, ACA Station Approach Karen Hanlan Independent Examiner Limited Adisham 1 Saracen Close Canterbury Ettington CT3 3JE CV37 7SZ

Bankers: Virgin Money Yorkshire Bank CCLA Investment Management 154-158 Kensington High Street 7-11 High Street Senator House London Coventry 85 Queen Victoria Street W8 7RL CV1 5SB London EC4V 4ET

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Revd Richard Suffern Chairman of Trustees

Date: 16 May 2025

8

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and UK Accounting Standards including Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’.

The trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the Charity and of the surplus or deficit incurred by the Charity for that year. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring that the Charity has an appropriate system of controls, financial and otherwise.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy, at any time, the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.

They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities and to provide reasonable assurance that:

9

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the African Pastors’ Fellowship

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the African Pastors Fellowship (‘the Charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 11-26.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I can confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Karen Hanlan, Institute of Chartered Accountants, England & Wales Karen Hanlan Independent Examiner Limited 1 Saracen Close, Ettington, CV37 7SZ

Date: 16 May 2025

10

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Statement of financial activities

----- Start of picture text -----
||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |Un-|Total|Total| |restricted|Restricted|funds|funds| |funds|funds|2024|2023| |Note £|£|£|£| |INCOME FROM:| |Donations and legacies|1|121,945|29,592|151,537|166,537| |Other trading activities|2|2,773|-|2,773|3,444| |Investments|19|-|19|384| |──────|──────|──────|──────| |TOTAL INCOME|124,737|29,592|154,329|170,365| |──────|──────|──────|──────| |EXPENDITURE ON:| |Raising Funds|(24,809)|-|(24,809)|(24,217)| |Charitable activities|(112,365)|(39,100)|(151,465) (133,799)| |──────|───────|─────── ───────| |TOTAL EXPENDITURE|3|(137,174)|(39,100)|(176,274) (158,016)| |──────|──────|─────── ───────| |Net (expenditure)/income|(12,437)|(9,508)|(21,945)|12,349| |Transfers between funds|(8)|8|-|-| |──────|──────|─────── ───────| |NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS|(12,445)|(9,500)|(21,945)|12,349| |RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS|──────|─────|──────|──────| |Total funds brought forward|35,526|17,544|53,070|40,721| |──────|───────|─────── ───────| |Total funds carried forward|23,081|8,044|31,125|53,070| |═════|═════|═════|═════|

----- End of picture text -----

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

11

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Balance sheet

alance sheet
Notes
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets
5
Current Assets
Debtors
6
Cash at bank and in hand
Total current assets
Current Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
7
Net current assets
Creditors: amounts falling due in more than one
year
8
Net assets
Funds of the Charity:
Restricted Funds
9
Unrestricted Funds
-
General
9
-
Designated pension liability
9
Total un-restricted funds
Total funds of the Charity		 2024
2023
£
£
-
-
-
-
2,280
3,896
32,981
53,738
35,261
57,634
(4,099)
(4,508)
31,162
53,126
(37)
(56)
31,125
53,070
8,044
17,544
23,118
35,582
(37)
(56)
23,081
35,526
31,125
53,070

The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of these financial statements.

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Revd Richard Suffern Chairman of Trustees

Date: 16[th] May 2025

12

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Principal accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (updated 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS102)) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).

The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

Going Concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes that the charity will continue to operate. The validity of this assumption is dependent upon the continuance of support from its donors. The charity’s budget for 2025 shows that the charity will be able to operate in the foreseeable future. Based on this understanding the trustees believe that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. The financial statements do not include any adjustments, which would result from the basis of preparation being inappropriate.

Funds

General accumulated funds are unrestricted funds available for general purposes and include funds designated for a particular purpose; the use of such funds remains at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds are funds subject to conditions imposed by the donor or by specific terms of the appeal under which the funds are raised. The restrictive conditions are binding upon the Charity.

Income and expenditure

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Income relating to future periods is deferred until activity takes place.

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Staff costs are allocated to expenditure categories in accordance with the amount of time spent by staff across the different activities in which the Charity operates.

13

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Principal accounting policies (continued)

Irrecoverable VAT is allocated to the expense heading to which it relates in accordance with standard accounting practice.

Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP FRS 102, general volunteer time is not recognised.

On receipt, donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay for the for the facilities provided; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Investment income

Bank interest and dividends are shown on the basis of amounts receivable in the year.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at a rate calculated to write off the cost on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset at the following rates:

Office & Computer equipment - 3 years

Fixed assets are capitalised when their cost exceeds £500.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Creditors

Creditors are recognised when the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in a transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.

Taxation

As a registered charity, no provision is considered necessary for taxation.

14

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Principal accounting policies (continued)

Pensions

The Charity makes contributions to Pension Schemes at rates determined by the rules of the scheme. Contributions are charged to employee costs in the year in which they are payable.

15

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes to the financial statements

1. Income from donations and legacies

Gifts and donations
Gift Aid receivable
Legacies receivable
Grants
Donated facilities/services
Gifts and donations
Gift Aid receivable
Grants
Donated facilities/services		 2024
Un-
restricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
65,716
246
65,962
11,690
-
11,690
9,600
-
9,600
31,539
29,346
60,885
3,400
-
3,400
121,945
29,592
151,537
2023
Un-
restricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
117,648
18,868
136,516
10,221
-
10,221
-
16,400
16,400
3,400
-
3,400
131,269
35,268
166,537

Donated facilities comprise the use of office space provided free of charge.

2. Income from trading activities

Income from trading activities
Fundraising events/activities
Fees receivable		 2024
2023
£
£
2,558
3,137
215
307
2,773
3,444

16

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

3. Analysis of expenditure

Analysis of expenditure
Salaries
Printing, publicity& platform fees
UK Fundraiser
UK Fundraising Events
African project costs - restricted
Other African project & travel costs
News & Prayer publications
UK office costs (including in-kind £3,400)
Postage, stationary & subscriptions
UK travel & hospitality
UK Training
Website/IT costs
Independent Examiners' fee
Total		 2024
Raising
funds
Charitable
activities
Total
£
£
£
20,633
68,688
89,231
3,831
-
3,831
296
-
296
49
-
49
-
39,100
39,100
-
24,329
24,329
-
4,258
4,258
-
5,942
5,942
-
1,372
1,372
-
2,698
2,698
-
2,038
2,038
-
1,840
1,840
-
1,200
1,200
24,809
151,465
176,274
Salaries
Printing, publicity& platform fees
UK Fundraiser
UK Fundraising Events
African project costs - restricted
Other African project & travel costs
News & Prayer publications
UK office costs (including in-kind £3,540)
Postage & stationary
UK travel & hospitality
UK Training
Website/IT costs
Independent Examiners' fee
Total		 2023
Raising
funds
Charitable
activities
Total
£
£
£
20,633
60,655
81,288
883
-
883
1,776
-
1,776
925
-
925
-
45,596
45,596
-
9,185
9,185
-
3,126
3,126
-
6,992
6,992
-
1,271
1,271
-
2,077
2,077
-
2,334
2,334
-
1,413
1,413
-
1,150
1,150
24,217
133,799
158,016

17

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

4. Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses

Salaries
National Insurance
Pensions (Baptist Pension Scheme)
Pensions (Other schemes)
Total
Average number of employees (full-time equivalent)		 2024
2023
£
£
80,409
73,531
3,586
2,593
4,643
4,508
682
656
89,320
81,288
No.
No.
2
2

No employee had employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2023: £nil).

Key management personnel comprise the Chief Executive Officer and the Trustees. Employee benefits for key management personnel total £53,575 (2023: £49,588) including pension contributions.

The charity Trustees were not paid nor received any other benefits from employment or provision of professional services in the year (2023: £nil). No travel expenses or other costs were reimbursed to Trustees (2023: £nil).

5. Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At beginning and end of year
Depreciation
At beginning and end of year
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2024 and 2023		 Office
Equipment
£
3,501
3,501
-

18

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

6. Debtors

Prepayments
Gift aid receivable
Other income receivable
7. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Accruals
Other creditors including taxation and social security
8. Creditors: amounts falling due in more than one year
Liability for pension fund contributions		 2024
2023
£
£
514
525
1,246
3,371
520
-
2,280
3,896
2024
2023
£
£
1,862
2,030
2,237
2,478
4,099
4,508
2024
2023
£
£
37
56

19

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

9. Funds

9. Funds
Restricted funds
eVitabu Devices
African Training Partners
-
African Partners Project
-
Somalia
-
Wisdom Bible School
-
Atirir Bible School
-
Church of Uganda
-
St Paul’s TC (Kapsabet)
-
NLCC
-
EfDM
Church & Community Initiatives
-
Local Language Bibles
-
Bicycles
-
Growing Greener
-
Children’s ministries
-
Rugby project
-
Bulogo School
Total Restricted Funds
Unrestricted funds
-
General fund
-
Designated pension reserve
Total Funds		 Balance
at
beginning
of year
Income
2024
Expenditure
Transfers
Balance
at end
of year
£
£
£
£
£
-
1,500
(500)
-
1,000
2,376
3,100
(5,476)
-
-
873
-
-
5
878
1,955
-
-
-
1,955
1,792
1,450
(2,478)
-
764
4,648
-
(3,696)
-
952
-
2,600
(2,394)
9
215
-
3,300
(3,300)
-
-
-
1,710
(1,710)
-
-
11,644
12,160
(19,054)
14
4,764
5,900
146
(4,925)
(9)
1,112
-
1,380
(601)
-
779
-
4,491
(4,488)
3
6
-
6,000
(5,802)
-
198
-
915
(730)
-
185
-
3,000
(3,000)
-
-
5,900
15,932
(19,546)
(6)
2,280
17,544
29,592
(39,100)
8
8,044
35,582
124,737
(137,174)
(27)
23,118
(56)
-
-
19
(37)
35,526
124,737
(137,174)
(8)
23,081
53,070
154,329
(176,274)
-
31,125

20

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Restricted funds
eVitabu
-
eVitabu devices
-
Christian Leaders Fellowship,
Somalia
African Training Partners
-
African Partners Project
-
Specific ATPs supported
-
Wisdom Bible School
-
Atirir Bible School
-
Church of Uganda
-
St Paul’s TC (Kapsabet)
-
Children’s Workers Training
Church Community Projects
-
Local Language Bibles
-
Bicycles
-
Growing Greener
-
Jubilee Trees
-
Other Solar projects
Total Restricted Funds
Unrestricted funds
-
General fund
-
Designated pension reserve
Total Funds		 Balance
at
beginning
of year
Income
2023
Expenditure
Transfers
Balance
at end
of year
£
£
£
£
£
629
-
(629)
-
-
4,985
-
(4,112)
-
873
5,614
-
(4,741)
-
873
1,665
14,600
(13,889)
-
2,376
-
1,100
(1,100)
-
-
2,150
-
(195)
-
1,955
1,885
1,850
(1,943)
-
1,792
7,075
200
(2,627)
-
4,648
1,400
2,200
(3,591)
(9)
-
-
2,600
(2,694)
94
-
14,175
22,550
(26,039)
85
10,771
4,779
2,000
(880)
1
5,900
815
-
(815)
-
-
-
10,718
(10,685)
(33)
-
60
-
(60)
-
-
2,392
-
(2,377)
(15)
-
8,046
12,718
(14,817)
(48)
5,900
27,835
35,268
(45,597)
38
17,544
12,954
135,097
(112,419)
(50)
35,582
(68)
-
-
12
(56)
12,886
135,097
(112,419)
(38)
35,526
40,721
170,365
(158,016)
-
53,070

21

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Transfers to restricted funds relate to spending on projects from general funds where project funding was insufficient.

Projects have been grouped under the Charity’s key activity headings and specific funds are for the purpose described below:

eVitabu

eVitabu devices – eVitabu is an Android app placing an entire library of text, audio, and video resources into the hands of African church and community leaders. The app contains text, audio and video resources from academic institutions, development agencies, publishers, and prominent Christian leaders in a range of languages. Funding is allocated for development, maintenance, production, and delivery of eVitabu. This project is now such a fundamental part of the Charity’s core work that income raised to support this activity, which comes from individuals, trusts and organisations is treated as general income unless a more specific restriction is applied. Income restricted for eVitabu devices is used to purchase smartphones that enable partners in Africa to access the eVitabu app.

African Training Partners

African Training Partners (ATPs) unspecified – ATPs is a generic term used to describe key personnel and partners in Africa who are either commissioned to work on a contracted basis in the delivery of charity objectives and/or apply to the charity for funding to deliver training programmes, eVitabu workshops, academic scholarships and pastoral grants for personal need or seed funding community-based projects. ATPs include each of the partners listed below as well as many other trusted individuals, organisations and networks.

Somalia – CLF is a network of churches and pastors from various nations working with the United Nations in the Mogadishu International Airport Green Zone. APF supports an outreach to the hospital within the Green Zone, which is popular with local Somalis, as well as eVitabu use among leaders. With the International Association of Evangelical Chaplains, a conference was organised during 2023 in Uganda for civilians and service personnel to reflect on chaplaincy in conflict zones, especially in majority Muslim locations.

Wisdom Bible School – Wisdom Bible School provides training for rural pastors in Gakenke and Rulindo Districts of northern Rwanda. Recent Rwandan government regulations require pastors to have a basic accredited theological qualification and the Wisdom Bible School is supporting the formal training of rural pastors who cannot continue to lead their churches without it.

Atirir Bible School – Funding supports theology students attending Atirir Bible School in rural north-eastern Uganda and other training opportunities, including extension training workshops in other remote areas of Uganda, provided by the bible school’s team.

22

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Church of Uganda – This restricted fund covers APF’s partnerships with the Anglican provinces and dioceses in Africa, especially but not exclusively, its partnership the Church of Uganda’s National Secretariat. For example, APF is helping the CofU in its vision to provide ministry and academic resources to its Tier 2 clergy. Part of this involves supported access to eVitabu as a platform for CofU clergy to publish papers and resources while also cascading the app nationally to an estimated 4,000 leaders within the denomination.

St Paul’s TC (Kapsabet) – APF receives funds from St Barbara’s Church in Coventry and manages their transfer and delivery to St Paul’s Theological College in Kapsabet, Kenya. The support is allocated for infrastructure improvements at St John’s Theological College and to make good theological education more accessible across the region.

NLCC – APF receives funding from a donor to support the leadership of New Life Christian Church, a network of churches across Malawi and Mozambique and based in Blantyre.

EfDM – Equipped for Digital Ministry is a comprehensive online course originally developed and offered by Spurgeon’s College in London. Recognising the need to equip Christian leaders in Africa with the skills to navigate and minister effectively in an increasingly digital world, Spurgeon's College has partnered with APF allowing the course to be made available to Africa Christian leaders at a highly subsidised rate. This significantly reduces the financial barrier, enabling more leaders to gain the knowledge and practical tools needed for ministry and theological reflection in the digital age.

Church & Community Projects

Local Language Bibles – Across rural Africa, church leaders have very limited access to Bibles, especially in their own languages. The local language Bible fund issued to purchase and distribute Bibles and Bible study guides to church leaders serving in remote areas through APF partners. During 2024, local language Bible grants were distributed by APF partners End Bible Poverty Now and Africans Teaching Africans in Uganda, Saints Revival Committee in South Sudan and Project Mozambique.

Bicycles – The Bicycles restricted fund provides grants for bicycles to church leaders living in rural communities in Africa. The bicycles are purchased locally and a small contribution by the beneficiary towards the cost of the bike ensures a sense of ownership. During 2024, bike grants were provided following applications from Malawi in partnership with Christian online retailer 10ofThose. The charity’s Bicycles fund was nominated as 10ofThose’s charity of the year for 2025.

Growing Greener – The Growing Greener fund is used to run sustainable agriculture training to help rural communities reduce poverty and adapt to climate change impacts. The training is delivered by church leaders from New Life Christian Church in Malawi and Word of God Ministries in Zambia.

23

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Children’s Ministries – The Children’s Ministry fund is used to support children’s and youth leader programmes in Uganda. During 2024, this was achieved through grants to APF children’s ministries partners including Faith Bables Home and Love and Care for the Child Ministries both working with vulnerable children in central Uganda.

Rugby project - From time to time, APF receives funding from individuals or sports clubs for sports related community outreach combining coaching with citizenship, academic scholarships and/or Christian teaching. Most commonly this is for rugby related CBOs in Uganda such as The Winnie Atyang Foundation or Rugby Talent Connect Africa.

Bulogo School Project – This fund covers several community projects that are associated with one of our most active ATPs, Walubo Jude, in Uganda. Jude provides management support to the Bulogo Women's Group, Bulogo Vocational School, Bulogo Primary School and treeplanting initiatives across Uganda, especially in partnership with the National Forestry Agency and Diamond Trust Bank.

24

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

10. Analysis of net assets between funds

Fund balances at 31 December 2024 are represented by:
Fixed Assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities
Total		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
£
£
£
-
-
-
27,217
8,044
35,261
(4,099)
-
(4,099)
(37)
-
(37)
23,081
8,044
31,125
Fund balances at 31 December 2023 are represented by:
Fixed Assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities
Total		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
£
£
£
-
-
-
40,090
17,544
57,634
(4,508)
-
(4,508)
(56)
-
(56)
35,526
17,544
53,070

11. Transactions with related parties

There were the following transactions with related parties during the year:

Donations and gifts, without conditions, from six Trustees - £6,020 (2023: £6,504).

12. Controlling Interests

The Charity is controlled by the Trustees.

25

African Pastors’ Fellowship Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

13. Prior Year Comparative Statement of Financial Activities for 2023

Un- Total
restricted Restricted funds
funds funds 2023
£ £ £
INCOME FROM:
Donations and legacies 131,269 35,268 166,537
Other trading activities 3,444 - 3,444
Investments 384 - 384
────── ────── ──────
TOTAL INCOME 135,097 35,268 170,365
────── ────── ──────
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising Funds (24,217) - (24,217)
Charitable activities (88,202) (45,597) (133,799)
Other expenditure - - -
────── ─────── ───────
TOTAL EXPENDITURE (112,419) (45,597) (158,016)
────── ────── ───────
Net expenditure 22,678 (10,329) 12,349
Transfers between funds (38) 38 -
────── ────── ───────
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 22,640 (10,291) 12,349
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS ────── ───── ──────
Total funds brought forward 12,886 27,835 40,721
────── ─────── ───────
Total funds carried forward 35,526 17,544 53,070
═════ ═════ ═════

26