2004 Nigerian Mission Update

2004 Nigerian Mission Update

(Faith & Victory : Jan. 2005)


Greetings to all the saints at home and abroad. I am thankful for the blessings of God this year on the gospel work in Africa. We thank each one that has carried a burden for the various gospel efforts. Your prayers and financial support have been a great blessing to the recipients in Africa. Souls have been saved from the curse of sin, cold children have been warmed, and the Kingdom has been furthered.

I had purchased a ticket to fly to Ghana in November; but due to an injury, I was unable to make the planned trip. I have been hindered from traveling and working for a number of months, but I am still encouraged and am continuing to look to the Lord for a complete healing. The Lord answered prayer and Northwest/KLM refunded 100% of my ticket. We give God all praise. What a blessing we have as children of God to know that we are in the Lord’s hands and that He is in control of all things that touch our lives.

I will here give a brief account of some of the highlights of this last year concerning the gospel work in Africa.....

[note: Update of the other countries can be found under Mission History of the respective country]

The month of December has concluded two national camp meetings in Nigeria. As yet, we have no report but are trusting that God blessed richly in these meetings. There are brethren in Nigeria, in whom we have confidence, that have a strong grasp of the Word of God. There have been splinters and divisions among ‘Church of God’ groups the world over, and Nigeria is no different. Some of the brethren have a burden to reach out and see if there is a place for reuniting without compromising ‘Spirit and Truth.’ Please pray that God would lead and direct in a very plain and clear path.

After much time and prayers, I am thankful to report that we were finally able to send enough funds over to Nigeria to purchase a vehicle for the gospel work. This has been a long-time need and we praise God for providing for this worthwhile cause this year. The brethren safely received $9000 and an 18-seater Japanese made Urvan Nissan bus was purchased. They plan to equip it with a public address system to use in evangelistic work. I have entrusted the vehicle to Bro. F. Naths-Igbanibo’s oversight. May God bless each one who contributed to this needful effort.

We need not look very far to be reminded of the extensiveness of the work of God. The fields are white and ready to harvest but the labors are few. The needs are great but God is greater still. May the Lord help us as some of His people, to be faithful to fulfill the great commission at home and in foreign lands. May we do all within our power and ability to help spread the gospel of salvation to a lost world.

I have been working on a website that contains facts, mission history and photo galleries depicting the culture, scenery, and gospel work from various African countries. I hope to have this site accessible to the public within a couple of months. Please continue to remember the gospel efforts in Africa. We have brothers and sisters in this foreign land that are worthy of our prayer and support

In the Lord,

Bro. Michael Smith

[Note: Tax-deductible, financial contributions for the gospel efforts in Africa can be sent to LARTFO, 7298 Park Terrace Dr. N.E.; Keizer, OR 97303]

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