JUNE 2005: TRIP UPDATE
Dear Friend of Missions,
Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. Isaiah 51:11 (KJV)
We rejoice in what God has done in the life of preachers, high school students, and the people of Nigeria. The results far exceeded our expectation. We returned from the trip with gladness and joy for His faithfulness endures forever.
WE PREVAILED IN THE FACE OF THREE CHALLENGES:
- Two of our team members could not make the trip. One had to do with health issues and the other, unexpected office responsibilities. Three of us had to cover their duties in addition to ours.
- The second challenge was financial. We were not able to receive enough funds for the trip until three days prior. What a relief when we receive word that God had provided what was needed for the trip.
- The third challenge occurred in Nigeria. It was on Sunday after Rev. Bustin had preached so powerfully and many people experienced the touch of God. On our way to the hotel we had flat tire in the middle of no-where around 9 PM. We had no spare tire. This seemed bad as it was at night. The nearest village was approximately 3 miles away. We had no other choice than to drive very slowly back to the village. In His providence, there was a Catholic Father in the village who gave us his spare tire to return to the hotel. It was about 1.30 a.m. when we got to our hotel. The following day the spare tire was returned to the Father. We thank God for His protection and provision.
EVANGELISTIC MEETINGS: We had a two-day evangelistic meeting at three locations--Makurdi, Adoka, and Owerri. In all three places the word of God was delivered without compromise. Hundreds of hungry souls, men, women, and children responded to the call of salvation, and other special needs in their lives. Many testified to the transforming power of God.
CHRISTIAN WORKERS' SEMINAR: We held the Christian workers' seminar at Adoka center for pastors, deacons, alter-workers, sunday school teachers, and officers of the church. It was well attended. Our goal was to encourage and give them information that will help liberate them for effective Christian service.
MINISTERS' CONFERENCE: The ministers' conference was one of the major highlights of our trip. We spent a full day with about 152 pastors from various denominations sharing insights and principles for effective shepherding in four teaching sessions. It was well received! Many of them expressed desire for more conferences like that.
We also shared the War on AIDS program with them, gave a copy of "Yes" to Life "No" to AIDS booklet to each of the pastors, and challenged them to join us in the war. We believe in teamwork. As we take the message of virtue to high school students, and the pastors share the same message from their pulpits in their various villages, very soon we will cover the entire state, reaching both parents and students.
The first fifty pastors that registered for the conference received a copy of a study Bible as an equipping tool and a gift for participating in the Ministers' Conference. Others received a pen, and all of them received the AIDS information booklet.
WAR ON AIDS RALLY: The War on AIDS rally was another major highlight of this trip. You joined us as we promoted, prayed, and gave towards this project. At last, it has been launched with a huge success to the glory of God. I wish you were there to see things for yourself, however, we will be sending you pictures via the website, the African Connection, and DVD/Video--be sure to let us know your preference, DVD or Video. Watch out for these ministry items.
We visited six secondary schools touching nearly 6,000 students. When we made a call, the response was overwhelming! Over 3,000 responded positively by praying sinner's prayer, and taking vows of virtue. It was awesome! .
Each student received a copy of the AIDS booklet-"Yes" to Life "No" to AIDS. Over 4,000 students received a "gospel ruler" donated by Robert Van Hoose. It is a plan of salvation presented in a simple manner on a hard paper ruler. Students can use it as ruler and at the same time they have the gospel in front of them. What a neat idea!
GHANA TRIP: After our program in Nigeria, Rev. Bustin and I went on to Ghana. Although, our trip to Ghana was more of administrative in nature, we had time to minister to schoolteachers, and some people in Ifiako village church. We had a series of meetings with missionaries and workers. After much consultation with missionaries and the national staff, we made a decision to enlarge the Late G.T. Bustin Primary School in Kasoa village beginning August 2005. You will be receiving more update on the development in Ghana soon.
Rev. Bustin parted ways with me in Ghana and went on to Papua New Guinea to help launch the short wave radio station. I continued in Ghana for a few more days before returning to the USA. It was a long trip but it was worth it. The results are encouraging.
A WORD TO THE SUPPORTER: You have heard from me several times that you are an integral part of what we do in missions. By your prayers and financial support, you enable us to touch others for Christ. The program wouldn't have been possible, if you had not prayed and gave. I want to say from my heart, Thank You! Thank you for partnering with us in reaching the people of Africa.
Your monthly support is needed for the ongoing development and improvement of the War on AIDS program, Children's Home, orphans, widows, and needy families. Our prayers are with you that God will provide and minister to you at the point of your own need. We have provided you with a response form and a return envelope for your convenience.
Thank you for caring!
David C. Akaji
Response Form
Dear Brother Akaji,
I/We rejoice with you for what God has done among school students in Nigeria.
- Enclosed is a check of $_____________ special offering to be used where most needed.
- Here is a check of $_________ for [ ]War on AIDS, [ ]Children's Home, [ ]Widows and Needy families
- Send us/me a Video presentation of the trip in the following format. [ ]VHS or [ ]DVD.
Please make check payable to Evangelical Bible Mission, and mark it for: NIGERIA.
Name: ______________________________________ E-mail: __________
Address: _____________________________________________________ NIG:J2005
