United Church of God

U.S. Ministers Visit Brethren in Nigeria & Benin

You are here

U.S. Ministers Visit Brethren in Nigeria & Benin

On Jan. 9th, Mark Mickelson and I embarked on a two-and-a-half-week trip to Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, Africa. The purpose of the journey was to personally visit the congregations and scattered brethren, see how they were doing, and offer encouragement along the way.

This trip revealed to me just how important it is to maintain regular contact with our brethren all around the world. A visiting minister from the United States represents a connection to the home office and reminds the brethren of their importance to the rest of the Church, no matter their location or circumstance.

The first leg of our travels took us to Lagos, Nigeria, for the Sabbath. Lagos is where our Nigerian pastor, Oludare Akinbo, and his family live. Current estimates put the population of that city at 21 million people, making Lagos the largest city in Africa. In the midst of all that activity is a small group of faithful individuals striving to serve God.

The Lagos congregation is the largest of United’s three congregations in Nigeria. Approximately 55 members gathered together on the Sabbath to worship before God and rejoice together in fellowship.

There was a youthful exuberance in the air, as 60 percent of the congregation is in the age range of early 20s to mid 30s, with a number of teens and children as well. That vitality really shone forth during the song service as everyone sang out in the full voice and increased tempo that seems unique to this area. It was truly wonderful to see God’s people rejoicing together, despite an environment that is often very challenging.

Following the Sabbath, Mr. Akinbo, Mr. Mickelson, Yemisi Ibirogba and I traveled by car four hours east of Lagos, to Benin City. There we met with the local members who were available for a Sunday evening Bible study. Mr. Mickelson’s message reminded us that even though we don’t always understand why we go through certain trials, we must understand that God is good and His will is perfect. That message was particularly encouraging to a number of members who are personally walking through very difficult trials at this time.

Our schedule allowed for us to remain in Benin City for a few days. It was valuable time well spent, as we conducted several personal visits with brethren in their homes or at our motel. Relationships were strengthened as we became even better acquainted with those members and their circumstances in that part of Nigeria.

Four hours to the south east of Benin City lays the Owerri congregation. We spent four days in that region, including one Sabbath. Its setting is the most rural of all the Nigerian congregations. Many of Owerri’s 35 members live in remote, outlying villages scattered around the region. The deacon in Owerri, Coleman Nworgu, spent two days guiding us through such villages, so we could visit with the brethren and their families.

The living conditions of most of our members are very meager by western standards. They do not have much in terms of elegant physical processions. However, they are a vibrant people, willing to serve and eager to share what they do have. Their spirit of hospitality was evident as they desired to serve us meals everywhere we went.

Many of our conversations focused on the news of the Church and the coming Kingdom of God. Our time together also gave the members opportunity to explain to us more fully the customs and traditions that exist in the society in which they live. It was quite an education to listen to the challenges that are commonly faced by our brethren in that part of the world.
Many expressed their sincere appreciation for The Good News. For them, it is a lifeline that connects them to the greater Church Body and offers hope and encouragement of that better age to come. They will often share the magazine with other family members and friends in the village. We met a few non-member individuals who expressed their appreciation for the publication as well.

The final Sabbath of our trip was spent with the congregation in Cotonou, Republic of Benin. The Republic of Benin is a French-speaking region that borders Nigeria on the west.

A great blessing to that area has been the ability for Mr. Akinbo and Mr. Ibirogba to converse with the Cotonou congregation through their common native tongue called Yoruba. This ability has allowed them to make frequent visits to that region, as well as interpret for us during our stay.

Friday evening we met at the home of Michel Ogoudele. His covered front patio doubles as the church hall for Benin. We were warmly greeted by his family, as well as two members who make a three hour trip each Friday to be present for the Sabbath.

Mr. Ogoudele regularly organizes family Bible studies and hymn sings on Friday nights. Although he has been blind for two years, due to advanced glaucoma and cataracts, he is still able to teach God’s Word, often citing the scriptures from memory. Following an hour of fellowship, he requested Mr. Mickelson present a short Bible study, which then concluded with a hymn and prayer.

There were 27 present for services on the Sabbath. Both split sermons were translated from English to Yoruba. The messages were clearly understood by all, and were well received. Mr. Ogoudele commented on the timely nature of what he heard presented that day.

Following services we rejoiced together with fellowship and shared in a delicious meal before our departure back to Lagos, Nigeria. The congregation accompanied us out to our vehicle to see us off, asking when we would be able to return again.

I returned home to the United States on Jan. 26, while Mr. Mickelson and Mr. Akinbo continued on to Ghana for another week of travel and visits.

More details of our travels, as well as pictures and videos, can be viewed on my blog at: http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog/paul_moody/1/tpod.html.  UN