I have just returned from Nigeria (West Africa) on a trip where l had the opportunity to speak to a crowd of over 5000 people. It was humbling to see that many people come out to hear the word of God, and several young people gave their lives to Jesus Christ by their confession of Jesus as the son of God and their savior. Over 72 baptisms, primarily young people, and l consider them the power and progress of the future church. The people came from different locations one day before the event; they lived without comfort, very happy and ready to hear the word of God. As l think about those many faces, people living below poverty level, born and raised in a third world country. The story of conviction l witnessed, the joy in their faces, and their response to the word of God encouraged me so much and hopefully will make me a better Christian. My recent mission trip is one of many instances in which I teach people about Jesus, and they end up teaching me more about the same Jesus. I thank God for the opportunity that lifted my spirit and educated me on another perspective of the Christian journey.
One of the high marks of my trip to Nigeria was the level of community life l experienced throughout my stay. I met many families walking together, sharing their little, saying good things about relatives, and attending church activities together. Each time l saw a small group of ten or more and l stepped up to talk to them, I found out they were always from the same family, and they took time to introduce themselves and how they’re related to each other in their bloodline. There was so much joy among them when one was baptized. It was great to see how all family members, including distant cousins from both paternal and maternal families, gathered to celebrate with the new Christian. The photo of the month is that of a mother who jumped out from the crowd to celebrate when I presented a study bible to her son who graduated with a Diploma in Theology. I cannot explain the level of joy, how the woman jubilated and appreciated her son who is now going to become a gospel preacher. I presented the graduate with a copy of the study bible while the mother with the siblings of the graduate both inside the hall and outside were all singing and jubilating. I have not seen such level of joy in a while. To God be the Glory.