Smith Family Plans Trip to West Africa

Smith Family Plans Trip to West Africa

(Faith & Victory : October 2000)


In October, Bro. Michael Smith feels led of the Lord to travel to Ghana. West Africa in order to share the Gospel. Plans are for Bro. Michael, his wife, Sis. Rene, and their two sons, to stay in Ghana for approximately six weeks, sharing the Word and encouraging the Church.

In the first week of December, Sis. Rene and the two boys will fly home.

If Bro. Michael is able to obtain a VISA from the Nigerian embassy, he hopes to travel on to Asana, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

In the early 1960's, the saints' first contact was made in the country of Nigeria through correspondence with Bro. B. U. Etuk in Asana. Bro. Etuk had the oversight of 12 to 14 congregations, and this was the beginning of an energetic missionary endeavor by the saints in the States. On March 22, 1964, Bro. David Madden, a young minister from Tulsa, OK, flew from Tulsa to Lagos, Nigeria, and then traveled by land to Asana. This was the first personal contact the saints in the States had with those in Nigeria.

On July 15, 1964, Bro. Ostis Wilson, Jr., and his wife, Sis. Opal sailed from New York Harbor and arrived in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, on August 12. They then traveled to Asana where they stayed with the saints and taught them from the Bible until Sis. Opal Wilson became ill and passed away due to pneumonia, on September 24, 1964.

In 1975, due to discord on the question of polygamy and other spiritual matters, the main focus and support of the saints shifted from Asana and more to Kwale, the congregation over which the late Bro. Titus Enu had the oversight.

A little over a year ago, I received an e-mail from Bro. Anietie B. Essien, requesting that the saints again come to Asana and preach the gospel. Bro. Essien was just a young boy, living in Asana, when Bro. David Madden and Bro. and Sis. Wilson visited that part of Nigeria. Bro. Essien has taken steps to spiritually revive the people, and he reports that they are very enthu­siastic for someone from the States to come and teach them.

Accepting this call for the saints to come, Bro. Michael plans on attending their church convention on Dec. 14-17. If possible, he will also visit some of the churches in Kwale and Port Harcourt.

Pray for the safety of the Smith family during this extended missionary trip, and that eternal profits will be reaped from the efforts made.

Needless to say, this venture will entail some cost. If you would like to donate toward this cause, you may send your tax-deductible offer­ing to this office, and it will be forwarded on to Bro. Michael.

--Bro. Wayne Murphey

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