Category: General Posts

It’s very heartbreaking to see how some people seek power over other people in a desperate attempt to fulfill themselves and their wishes. I’m deeply saddened by the wanton loss of lives and properties by many people on account of the unspeakable crimes committed by Fulani herdsmen in many parts of Nigeria today.

While horrifying and tragic videos and pictures circulate the social media; I observe in shock, how those mandated with the greatest jobs on planet earth – PREACHING THE GOSPEL and MAKING DISCIPLES, are responding to this challenge.

The kind of hate-filled prayers and messages flowing from many celebrated pulpits and personalities on account of this and other national issues is alarming. I’m deeply stirred again, as these waves of distraction slam and swing the church in Nigeria from pole to pole. The latest is this menace of marauding Fulani herdsmen in several places.

Do you see the distractions? Yes, I call them grand distractions, carefully orchestrated by the enemy to keep us occupied. I’m persuaded to sound an alarm from this platform, peradventure someone would hear, wake up and respond more appropriately.

For almost two decades now, the “fall and die” prayers against the enemy, has swept through the church here like wildfire as all manner of witchcraft-like practices have penetrated our ranks in many assemblies. Sadly, we’ve exported much of it too.

Since we can only bind or cast out demons and not kill them, our frustrations are often expressed via ridiculous prayers targeted at real or imagined persons somewhere, whose acts or words are products of ignorance demanding forbearance or forgiveness. To celebrate when the targeted “enemy” dies in their sin or is overtaken by some mishap is shameful and totally unchristian.

Aren’t we being deceived into believing that God is always obliged to do whatever we ask; even things devoid of His character and mock His wisdom?

We’ve become obsessed with seeking retaliation (back-to-sender) instead of retributive justice where necessary. These two seem similar but are radically different from every point of view. While punishment is their end result, the purpose and process often differ. Revenge is not the Kingdom way of response to aggression or evil done to us.

If we want retributive justice, let’s go to the courts of law, the instituted justice system of the land. We also have the option of grooming and supporting proven brethren that will boldly uphold the truth in the very dark political arena in this country. Isn’t the gross cowardice in the camp of believers in government today in Nigeria appalling? 

If we want revenge, we must leave it to God. In Deut 32:35; Romans 12:19; Heb 10:30, God says “Vengeance is mine, I’ll repay…”

But why don’t we want to leave it to Him? Could it be because we don’t trust He’ll defend us? Could it be that we disapprove of His style of justice, which sometimes blesses those we want Him to curse? Could it be because He takes a long time so we take over and make it happen instantly? Or could it be because we are so blinded by our hate that we switch off the call to caution, the command to forgive, and the call to endure all things for the gospel’s sake?

Some are employing other means such as boycotting beef and beef products to express their deep dissatisfaction and protest against the Fulani. Whatever we do, we must not let bitterness and hate pollute the mind of Christ, our priced possession.

There’s something about revenge that’s very alluring and relieving to our base nature. I’ve felt and tasted it. At its core, it’s ugly, very addictive to the flesh, and destructive to the soul.

Our sufferings, pains, and cares should never upstage the objective of the gospel we are called to bear to the Fulani and the nations. If God gave His Son for the souls of those that killed Him, nothing and no one can be too precious to suffer or even die for the same purpose.

We cannot fight hate with hate. We must respond with the opposite spirit. That’s what Jesus modeled. Anything else is not the Kingdom way. No matter who’s preaching it. The gospel, wrapped in love, is and will always be the power of God unto salvation. Let’s show it! Let’s produce proofs and see if God will fail us.

It’s important to underscore the fact that the Sermon on the Mount wasn’t preached to the multitudes, it was and still is meant for disciples. The multitudes remained in the valley and will always seek the cozy confines in the plains and broadways. Matt 5:1; 8:1.

Let the dead bury their dead, but we have no options with following our Master. Matt 8:21-22 carries profound instructions for us today.

I don’t expect the non-believers who’ve been affected by these despicable crimes to turn the other cheek. Neither do I expect believers to attempt rationalizing what exactly it is Jesus is commanding His followers to do. It’s a new order, a radical one at that. We may not like it but that’s His way.

There’s no cherry-picking on the realities of this new paradigm. We must realize now that more intense persecutions are coming on account of the Name we bear, we need to brace-up for the inevitability of the enemy’s push to delay and deny the Son His due. Jesus said we should expect it! (Matt 24:1-14) But it’s in the midst of the aggressions and killings that this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached! Matt 24:14

Some say, “…defend yourself…” I ask, with what?

Seeking comfort by not enlisting in this war is tantamount to rebellion. Sin and wickedness are abounding and the love of many is waxing cold. Wake up brethren and reset your clock. The war is on! Wake up to the call to prayer, to the call to march around this Jericho, not with guns and machetes, bows and arrows, but with a defiant and furious love that surrenders to God, the Almighty. If He can’t defend us, or isn’t defending us now, any and every attempt to help ourselves outside constituted law won’t further His causes. But He’s able and willing to save to the uttermost…. Hebrews 7:25 Hallelujah!

This article will get the flak of some brethren whose nerves are flared to great extremes. I feel you, please bear with me. Let’s step back a bit and ponder; which prayers do you think God will approve, one calling for the annihilation of the Fulani herdsmen or one crying for their salvation?

There’s a great mission initiative in Nigeria pioneered by an Organization I’ll not mention here, that’s laboring hard for the salvation and discipling of the Fulani people. Their hands and hearts should be strengthened at this time and not weakened by hateful speeches and careless comments against the priced jewels.

Ruled by our flesh, we’ll find enough legitimate reasons to always hate people, whether they are Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram, disagreeable neighbors, envious co-workers, irresponsible and wicked bosses… people in government… But the Lord commands us to love and pray for our enemy Matt 5:43-45. He says, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart… He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly”. (Matt 11:29; 1Peter 2:22-23 NLT)

These are hard matters of our faith for those willing to tread the narrow way. It’s far too easy to hate and feel resentment for others than forgive and show strength of character. Never will the wrath of man produce the righteousness of God.

Wake Up Church! Open your heart to the real issues of the hour.

We are being ensnared by our shriveled hurts to the detriment of our core essence. That’s exactly what the devil wants. The messages flying the social media calling for retaliation and the destruction of others at variance with us is not from God. He does not desire the death of the wicked but their salvation. To come before Him in prayer seeking the death of another man for whatever reason is an abuse of the privileged access we have into the Throne Room.

If the entire 20-25million Fulanis in the world migrate to Nigeria to fight for land for their cattle, are we prepared or should we be prepared to share the gospel with them? Our weapons of war are not carnal 2Cor 10:4-5, we quote that text but our comments and attitude suggest otherwise.

How will you treat a Fulani man who walks into your church today? Will you receive him warmly, flee from him, threaten… kill him…? Do we hate them? Can the gospel thrive in our lips with hate in our hearts?  Are we really mission-minded or comfort-minded? Are we driven by love or ruled by fear?

Wake Up! Wake Up to the real war, the war against the powers of darkness for the unreached and least-reached peoples. This war cannot be won with bitterness and the cry to eliminate those we are sent to reach. Who then will go to them? Who will send those willing to go? Who will support the efforts of those who have already gone? If we are beclouded by bitterness and hate, what will be our message?

Wake up, brethren! Let’s begin by falling on our faces in repentance and begging the Lord to forgive us and find us useful again for His purposes today. Let’s repent of the hate we feel and the bitterness we’ve spoken and sown in the hearts of simple souls among us. Let’s repent of our love for comfort, which has scuttled our spiritual influence over the nation. Let’s return to the core essence of our existence as the Body of Christ, the militant force pursuing God’s singular quest for global worship on earth.

Let’s move from our ever predictable reactionary responses to well thought-out proactive strategies anchored on the fear of  God and love for fellow men.

I’m by no means unmindful of the many widows, orphans, and widowers among us now on account of the wickedness of some in high and low places. I’m concerned though, that we’ve stepped too close to one tree and lost sight of the forest, the harvest, the heart of the matter.

If God gave up His only begotten Son for our salvation, what will be too great for Him to give up so that His Son can get what He died for? Will our lands and properties be too great for Him to give up? Will defending our lives and our pieces of stuff guarantee our possessions in heaven?

Most High God, please forgive our detractors and cause your light to shine among them. We are that light! Help us see that Your love is the only way to win our foes to you. Lord, if You’ll bring the Fulani herdsmen to us, to wake us, to force out and thrust laborers into Your harvest, do it! Please help us to bring closure to Your Commission in our day, so that Your Son will get what He paid for 2000 years ago, in Jesus name! Amen!

I left Lagos on the 27th of September, heading to South Sudan, en route Uganda. Strangely, I’m yet to arrived at my destination. Why? I’m suspected of having the dreaded Ebola virus.

The South Sudan Immigration office in Kampala told me they have a directive from their Home Office in Juba not to issue visas to visitors who have been to West Africa from July till date.

They need to be out of West Africa for at least 21days to be proven Ebola free before they can be issued visas to enter South Sudan.

At first, I was annoyed by this seemingly unreasonable order. But as I reflected on the situation, I imagined what the story would have been, had the authorities concerned in my country Nigeria, been more alert and somewhat stricter on immigration rules with respect to Ebola plagued countries.

I must applaud the health team and other involved agencies for rising to the occasion in Nigeria. WE ARE EBOLA FREE. Thanks to God!!

South Sudan cannot afford to add Ebola crisis in the already complex melee of issues troubling the nation. No. God forbid!

We are better shielded and secure from this deadly scourge, than struggling to purge it from the young and fragile nation, with very limited healthcare structures in place.

I’ve accepted my fate here in Uganda and joyfully, I’m deploying my grace and gifting into other useful purposes for the Kingdom. 

Every trip has its own unique challenge and lessons. God has been speaking to me on patience for some weeks now. Is He summarizing with some practical illustrations here? It’s clear with Ebola, that quarantined people keep specific dates with the virtue called patience.

Thankfully for me, the fear of Ebola has suddenly created a platform for something new within our network in Yei. I’ll be looking forward to the results and the lessons.

The plans we have for this trip will go on. I’ll be absent at the Students’ Marathon scheduled for the 18th of October. Hopefully, I should be there for the training on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for teachers, from 22nd to 24th. Preparations for these will be good tests for the team.

They’ve asked for prayers.

I could sense their fears and concerns when we discussed. I wished they could see the smile on my face as I encouraged them over the phone. How will they learn if I can’t release them to try some things on their own? How would the meetings not be “Uche’s Program”, if I’m always there to organize them?

Organizing programs successfully will not prove spiritual growth or maturity but it will certainly provoke a measure of confidence and faith that aids the development we seek.

Someone said people of faith don’t need explanations. But for people without faith, explanations are never sufficient. 

We’ve laid hold on the plow and will not look back. The distractions are many and the obstacles mountainous. But we are undaunted, knowing that He that has started this good work, is committed to its closure.

Your prayers are coveted; for us, the people we are sent to and what we are sent for. May Jesus get what He paid for, from you and I; and even Ebola.

Getting arrested in a public place is never fun. Don’t even imagine it in a security charged Nation like this.

To start with, I’m a stranger; in fact, I don’t know where or
if my home office exist in this Country? Home is many hundreds of kilometers away.

I don’t speak the language. I don’t know the rules and regulations that apply. The law is what the guy in uniform says it is and that depends on a wide range of things, including his mood and one’s skin colour. 2+2 is always 4 right? Not really. It could be 59 or whatever we agree it is here for peace sake.

A simple gathering to celebrate a national event at the Freedom Square could turn out to be your worst nightmare if you go with your camera, intending to capture special moments without following protocol.

Telling my story and that of others with the aid of photos is a wonderful thing. Sometimes the pictures say everything you’d wish to say and more. But a camera on your neck here is almost equivalent to a hangman’s noose. You could lose your freedom or the camera or both.

For me, it won’t be the first time I’d get arrested here for using my camera at a gathering with VIPs present. For goodness sake, what is wrong with taking a few shots to remember this occasion? You may never know until you raise your camera for a shot.

“Hey you with the camera.”

“Yes, can I help you?”

“Give me the camera.” The stern looking guy reached out to me and grabbed my camera before I could utter a word.

“Can I see your ID card?” He requested.

As I was pulling it out of my wallet, he asked, “Are you a journalist?”

“No sir, I’m a pastor.” I never use this line here unless I sense trouble. It almost never fails. He took my ID card and literally read it front and back.

“Why are you taking photos here? Did you get permission?”
“How do I know you are not a spy?” “Where is your international passport?” “What organization are you working with?”

“Come, follow me.” My fun ended as quickly as it started. It was then I noticed the entire place was filled with security personnel, most of them in mufti.

He hands my camera and ID over to another officer who totally ignored me and muttered something under his breath, expressing a measure of disdain that spoke volumes.

I stood for a few seconds and then ventured towards him. Before I could say a word he snarled, “Go away until the program is over, then you come.” I knew not to argue with him. It irritates some of them when you are black skinned but speak English with a foreign accent.

Four hours later, as I walked toward their office, I wondered how to present myself to these guys. They’ve shown me some respect as a pastor by not locking me up in a small room. Should my demeanor suggest I’m remorseful? What if that gives me away as weak? And they feel, now we’ve got him where we want him.

What if I approach them with a smile? And they says, “So you think this is funny?” Or should I boldly claim my right? But I don’t even know if I have any. You never know how your posture could help or harm you with these guys.

So with every seriousness I could conjure, I entered their office and began to plead and totally overwhelmed them with, “I’m sorry, forgive me.” I gave a brief history of my work here and it helped. They handed me my camera and ID card after some serious verbal bashing. Humility had suspended judgment and opened a door for ministry.

I picked up my bruised ego from the rubbish heap where they cast it and asked them if I could pray for them. They agreed. We became friends and they visited me few days later. It doesn’t always end like this.

If the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire had won
this 2012 Africa Nations Cup, the sorrow of the Zambians could have
overshadowed their celebrations.

Not far from the field of play, off the
coast of Gabon, in 1993, the Nation of Zambia lost 25 souls, all members of their
entire national football team in an air crash. Africa wept!

The Africa Nations Cup of the following year
saw a brand new Zambian team make it to the final. Most people predicted, prayed
and wished for a Zambia victory. But they lost to Nigeria.

It was a memorable match, fueled by passion
for the dead and hope for the living. But it was not their time.

Truly, there’s a time for everything.

God has made everything beautiful in its
time (Eccl
3:11). Sometimes this scripture is misapplied, misquoted and misunderstood.
It appears to some, if not most, to mean God makes things beautiful in His own
time.

But is it really a matter of God’s time,
seeing that the Almighty is not bonded by time and space?

This scripture underscores the wisdom of God
as He displays the appropriateness and beauty of a purpose, a person or a
people whose time just arrived.

This is not to say that God cannot or does
not make things happen when He wants them to but it’s more expressive here the
fact that the Kairos moment of a
purpose which is foreknown to the Omniscient God is always a spectacular time.

Aided by hindsight and a rich God-centered
theology as we investigate current affairs of great delight to us, we can’t
miss the fingerprints and footprints of a loving, faithful and all sufficient
God.

Some lessons from the Zambian victory:-

 1. Even if the Ivorian team had an
extra man from the beginning of that final game, Zambia would still win. Their
time had come and they won’t be robbed of it. Jesus came at the best time in history (Galatians
4:4) Herod, all Jerusalem and even the hosts of hell could do nothing about
it.

 2. This Zambian team may not have won this
tournament without a 19yrs old tragedy which became the binding cord that kept
them united, focused and also determined. Don’t
mock tragedy when it arrives first, you may be ridiculing the wisdom
of God. (Acts
7:17)

3. Your underdog status today is part of
God’s matchless strategy. Don’t force
yourself to be something when you are better-off just being nothing
or the lesser. Like David, allow God to make
you! God showcases
His strength through the weak and His wisdom through the simple at heart. (1
Cor 1:27-29)

4. 18 years (as it was for
Zambia) could seem a long time to wait for anything, but consider the beauty of
the end result when God pulls the curtain. The longer the wait, the sweeter the
victory in the end. Your waiting time is
God’s working time. He works for those that wait for Him. (Isaiah
28:16)

5. The delay may be as a
result of your unpreparedness for the beauty God is planning. There’s need for adequate preparation not
just to facilitate the time of glory but more so to be humbled before it dawns.
(Remember
Joseph)

6. Sometimes, the
circumstance may seem right and the preparation seem apt. But if it’s not time,
it’s not time! We build our faith while waiting. In 1994, the Zambia national football team and probably the
whole world could have felt and acted as though their time had come; but no. Even the Lord
Jesus , despite His passion, understanding and focus; waited patiently for
18years to finally and fully engage His Father’s business and finish it. (Luke2:40-51)

May your waiting time not be wasted time,
may your time come, may it be soon, may it be on God’s terms and ultimately,
for His glory.

What lessons have you learnt about waiting?

Current affairs in Nigeria may threaten her unity but if her total disintegration will further the course of the gospel of Christ and hasten His return, let it be! If her unity will honor Jesus and give Him His due in this Country and other Nations, NO ONE and NOTHING can split us.

I read with delight, the beautiful piece- Another Perspective, written by Joseph Thompson, where he responded aptly to an earlier Call to Prayer for Nigeria against the “spirit of Sudan”, which has been making rounds on the internet.

I’m saddened by the call from some church leaders here to take up arms and defend ourselves and physically “push back” our enemies. I’m utterly appalled at our loss of focus, having failed to see what the real issue is.

I woke up this morning with three different dreams all about bombings in large Christian gatherings and very many people died. Multiple nightmares in one night… I may need to treat myself for malaria if this is not a message from heaven.

Interestingly, the bomber in these dreams was not a stranger. The face was someone I know. He’s not even a Muslim. He successfully executed his plots each time and disappeared into the crowd of wounded and weeping worshipers. I leave this to dream interpreters and prophets to decode.

The insecurity occasioned by Boko Haram and other national issues like the economy are mere distractions, tools of war fashioned specifically against the Nigerian Church aimed at forcing it to engage in fisticuffs that will surely derail its ultimate assignment; which cannot be done with a heart filled with hatred, anger or bitterness.

If we as followers of Jesus Christ ever take up arms against our neighbors today in the quest of our safety, we forfeit the right to bear the gospel to this generation and the next.

It’s unfortunate many Christians have lost their lives and limbs and precious possessions to the rampaging horde of our enemy disguised as Boko Haram and their likes; and many more horrors are coming.

However, their death will be a waste if we fail in our duty to take the gospel to those that slew them, with the sole aim of bringing some to saving knowledge of Jesus. There’s no greater and sweeter victory than this.

The how tos, when, where and who, is what our leaders MUST spend their time, resources, and energies discovering, discussing, and engaging. Leadership is about influence and vision. One without the other will birth frustration.

It’s time for the Nigerian Church to refuel and oil its missionary vision and reignite a dying passion for the lost in the North, the homeland of Boko Haram. This strategy is not and should not be to ambush them with the gospel, thereby forcing them to retreat and stop the bombings. No! But their souls are worth the cost of the cross of Christ.

This is the time to cry out to God to forgive our sins and selfishness and indifference to His will; time to plead for the souls of lost Muslims (young and old) in the North. Can’t the Lord give us souls in the Caliphate… is it too great a thing to ask? Can we have Emirs love and follow Jesus publicly?

It’s time to equip Christian youths and young ministers with a clear understanding of the mandate to the ends of the earth by taking them there and overseeing their transformation.

This is time to focus 80% of our efforts on the mandate to go and make disciples beyond our comfort zones. Oh that our thrust and drive will be northward, to the difficult places that have remained so because no one is praying or going.

This is time to re-launch Vision 5015 with renewed zest and push it to the next level.

If the Nigerian Church continues to maintain this passive attitude to missions, thinking, and teaching that God is committed to our comfort and safety, more than His eternal cause in Christ’s global reign (which will cost more lives), we’ll spend more time mourning our worthless treasures.

Jeremiah lamented of Jerusalem and its people, “The enemy has spread out his hand upon all her desirable things; for she has seen the nations enter her holy place, whom You commanded that they should not enter into Your congregation. All her people sigh; they seek bread. They have given their desirable things for food to relieve the soul. See, O Jehovah, and look on me, for I have become vile.” Lam 1:10-11 MKJV

The gates of Hell, even if they suddenly appeared and are mobile, CANNOT prevail against us as we labor for Christ’s name and fame in this world He loves.

May we not miss our chance and regret these days.

Boko Haram is a radical Islamic sect birth in Nigeria for Nigerians. Or how else can I define this group that has now become an embarrassment to Northern leaders and a nuisance to the Nigerian government?

It is gradually becoming a movement with ideologies that seem outrageous and nonsensical. They have claimed responsibility for many violent attacks in Northern Nigeria, resulting in many deaths. This group is a terrorist group and loves to be addressed as such. They claim to have links with Al Qaeda.

Since they’ve focused their terror on “their own people” in the North of Nigeria for now, most Christians in the South seem remotely perturbed.

But imagine Boko Haram sending a letter to your church today, notifying you all of an imminent attack, how will you respond? Will you say, “Don’t mind those rascals, they can’t do it Or will you skip church services for a season? Will their activities and threats weaken or strengthen the Nigerian Church?

Can Boko Haram “bless” the Nigerian Church with good doses of persecution and jolt us out of our slumber? Should they? Someone somewhere is marked for death today because of their faith in Christ. In that community, it is normal.

If this offends you, I understand. The quest for ease and gain has made persecution one of the most misunderstood, hated and debated topics in many Christian circles today. However, persecution for any true disciple of Christ is as sure as death.

“Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand].” 2Timothy 3:12 Amp

If you don’t experience persecution regularly, it is probably because:  1) You live in a place where everyone is like you, comfortable with status quo; 2) You are a “Chameleon Christian” blending-in successfully everywhere, just minding “your own business”; or 3) People don’t recognize you as a disciple of Jesus because the light you shine is so weak, they can’t differentiate colors [sin] with it and like a grave without a sign, you are walked-over.

I’m of the view that if Boko Haram or any other group were to visit the Christians in Nigeria with persecution, our disposition to life and love for the Lord will be challenged and subsequently changed for better. We’ll be living each day as our last.

So should we go around looking for persecution? No! It will find us if we truly belong to Christ. Persecution purifies our faith. Our true spiritual state is revealed during such trying seasons.

Yet Jesus enjoins us to rejoice in persecution and look forward to our reward in heaven when we suffer for Him– Matthew 5:10-12 and we see Hebrews 10 ending with some very powerful remarks and reminders.  

To endure persecution with gladness, we must understand that our pain and/or losses are a testament to God’s victory and a manifestation of Satan’s defeat. We must see the big picture as God’s glory is displayed on account of our suffering as it was for Jesus. Oh when He says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15 He means it!!

My earnest prayer is that, when persecution comes, it will be for all the right reasons, and we will accept it as a gift from the heart and hands of a loving Savior who suffered greatly for all sinners (even those that crucified Him) because He loved them more than He loved Himself.

Please can you take a few minutes now and pray for beloved disciples of Jesus suffering on account of their faith, especially in lands where Jesus is defamed and rejected? It may be your turn tomorrow.

Don’t forget to pray for their persecutors. We will see some of them in heaven.

I met Pastor Martin and his darling wife Dr. Esther in Yei, South Sudan in July 2005. We shared a common vision for the peoples of Sudan and soon began to work like a team, going to the few secondary schools around then to start Scripture Union fellowships and follow-up the converts. Here’s their amazing story.

Martin
I believed in September 1999 through the ministry of Br Zach Fomum in Uganda as they were carrying out evangelism in our area. From there, I was discipled and made rapid spiritual progress. I was made the Pastor of the local church in that area in Seeta, Mukono, Uganda. I was pastoring the church while teaching in a nearby school since I am a teacher by profession. As I served God faithfully, He blessed me with a wonderful girl to marry as a wife. We were married in May 2003 and sent off as missionaries to Sudan.

My first remembrance of Bro Zach was when I met him in a meeting in Kampala, Uganda. He thundered, “Christianity is not for Jokers!!” It left a deep impact in my life and I decided to be serious with God. I surrendered my all to Jesus Christ there and then. When Bro Zach later had a burden to send missionaries to the Sudan, I was compelled to pray about it. I felt led to go and was thus sent as a missionary to Sudan.

Esther
I believed in May 1987 through the influence of my parents who were saved. I always had a desire to be a disciple and not just a convert. I was seriously looking for someone spiritually higher, who could be my mentor. At this period I attended a conference in Kampala where Bro Zach Fomum was the speaker. There and then, I knew I could follow such a man as a leader.

So, I joined his ministry in Uganda and the journey of my life took a different turn. I never wanted to be a missionary but as Bro Zach shared his burden for Sudan, I was led to pray about it. And as I prayed, God’s call to go as a missionary came to me. “…the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.”

So we became missionaries to Sudan under Christian Missionary Fellowship International which was started by the late Prof Zach Fomum in Cameroon and were sent off from the church in Kampala in 2003 by Bro Zach; a month after our wedding. Part of our honeymoon was spent on the mission field in Sudan!

We entered Sudan from Arua in Northern Uganda and started our ministry in September by renting a place in Yei Town. We went door-to-door, evangelizing and bringing the converts to our home. We had a big verandah which we were using for our meetings. The response was encouraging as many came to Jesus. We knew the harvest here was in deed very ripe.

But we soon faced challenges of making the converts to abide and abound in the church. The government directed us to get land from the community which was granted in 2004. By that time, God had blessed us with our first daughter Joy who was born in Arua Hospital. We acquired land in Mahad which is around 2 miles from the town center along Juba Road. 

There, we built our house which we also used as the church until the members out-grew the space and we erected a structure outside for meetings. Those were days of blessing as many people believed through our personal evangelism. There were also a lot of challenges in health and basic services like water and food; since South Sudan was just coming out of war. We knew we had to do something.

Today, by the grace of God our church has grown to 700 members. We are building disciples who will take on leadership roles and planting churches. We have been carrying out evangelism in schools around and God has blessed us with a strong youth group from the students who believed and are faithful in the church.

One of our disciples planted a church in Unity State. He was a student who returned home after his studies. The church is in Pariang, Unity State and has around 150 members.

We have a preschool and primary school up to elementary four. There are now 7 classes and it is helping meet the huge education needs in the community. Some of the classes are still in the church building as we raise funds to start building a school.

Recently God enabled us to start a clinic with the aim of reaching out to the community through health services which is still a major challenge in Sudan. Esther, being a Medical Doctor, works in the clinic treating those with various illnesses and praying for them too. We are still lacking many things like diagnostic equipment, staff and medicines. But we have started as a mustard seed, trusting the Lord to bless our efforts and cause this to grow.

Martin and Esther Kiyingi are blessed with two lovely children. Joy is 6years old and in P.2 at their mission school. John was born in 2007 but died thereafter. Zach is 2years old. They live in Yei, South Sudan and testify to the saving power of God as they’ve seen many come to the Lord Jesus through their ministry.

 

Are you a medical professional or a school teacher with a Kingdom dream that’s God-sized and seeking a credible ministry in South Sudan to partner with? I recommend these brethren. Their fruits speak for them.

I’m in Jos today, connecting with my mentor and seeking Abba’s direction on various life issues. This city is currently on high alert as religious, political and ethnically motivated violence has claimed many lives in the past few weeks. If this uneasy calm persists, a State of Jos could become another adage for uncertainty or alertness of mind and spirit in Nigeria. This city has seen war and most dwellers seem to have unconsciously acquired a war-time mentality.

Islam seems to be experiencing a revival in many parts of the world. Many Moslem youth now take pride in professing their faith with their implicit dress codes and public declarations. This is unsettling their non-Moslem neighbors who consciously or unconsciously define Moslems as terrorists.

What kind of Moslem will you be comfortable with as a Christian? Is he one that doesn’t pray five times daily? One that never questions the truth you proclaim as a follower of Jesus (Prophet Issa)? Is it one that does not feel non-Moslems are infidels? Is he one that publicly condemns the use of arms as legitimate tools for religious expression? One that feels it’s wrong and evil to marry a 13yr old girl? One that believes suicide bombers will go to hell fire? One that feels it’s okay for their children to attend your Sunday school services? One that willingly attends church services and house fellowships because they feel it’s a gathering of good neighbors?

Such Moslems, if they exist, will most certainly be well liked by their Christian neighbors. He’s not a threat to their comfort and peace in any way. But, is he really a Moslem by the standards set out in the Qur’an? I think not.

Hate and intolerance for non conformists to the Islamic faith are necessary ingredients for the advancement of the teachings of Prophet Mohammed. History has shown this to be true. We are currently witnessing an upsurge in violence against Christians in Moslem dominated regions the world over. Should we as Christians be surprised? Certainly not! We have the unique privilege of prophecy that warns us to expect these.

The Lord Jesus Christ was opposed at His home in Nazareth, along the way in Samaria and was finally killed in Jerusalem. He promised His followers to expect similar treatment. Eventually, their persistence prevailed as the gospel spread from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria unto the then Gentile world.

By His life, Jesus revealed how His radically new Kingdom order is effectuated through redemptive suffering love, supremely revealed in His crucifixion and eventual resurrection. What a cosmic harmony— Jesus’ life and the total commitment to love, even one’s enemies! But one cannot live that way without suffering. This is the issue. Are we willing to suffer on account of the cross of Christ in the hands of people who reject the Lordship of Christ? Should there be a limit to how much or how long we can endure?

The irony here is that Christians residing in Islamic strongholds or religious flashpoints tend to be more fervent and devoted, as they are constantly purged and prepared by persecution.

It is this singular fact that excites me the most. Apostle Paul’s recalls their experience in this comment, “We felt like we’d been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally–not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead! ” 2Cor 1:9 The Message

Living for Christ’s fame and glory amongst radical Moslems or peoples of other faith is like waiting on death row.  Our faith in God is sharpened in such a challenging environment if we wait long enough for Him to turn things around. Could this be what God is working at?

The words “risk” and “safety” have
been on my mind for a couple of days now. Towards the end of the year here in Nigeria,
most people are on high alert. Most people seem more determined to enter the
New Year safe, healthy, happy and even wealthier.

While in Kampala last week, my
safety consciousness was pretty high. I wanted to return home safe. But I
amused myself once, sending an sms while commuting on a “Boda-boda” (a commercial
motor-bike also called “Okada” in Nigeria.) I dare not try that in Lagos. Not
even the great James Bond 007 can attempt that here. In fact, it’s almost
punishable to imagine it in Lagos, let alone doing it.

But seriously, what kind of a
leader calls you to engage his dreams and gently tells you, “You could be
killed pursuing these plans?” Only Jesus Christ graciously calls followers to
such life adventures and insists it is worth the ride.

When we think of risks, we weigh
them alongside caution, cares and our fears. We wonder, “Could there be another
option with minimal or no loss involved?”

This perspective to life is
dangerous and unhealthy for any disciple hoping to see Christ manifest in their
daily adventures in this narrow way. In his insightful interviews with Seth
Barnes some 3years ago, Andrew
Shearman made several profound comments, like; “Jesus is free, but Christ
[to be formed in you] will cost you everything.” Check out the entire series
1-5 starting here.

What motivates followers of Jesus
Christ who make choices that some others (fellow disciples included) consider
as too risky or even somewhat foolish? Why will a man dare so much for a cause and feel nothing is
too much to give away for it?

How we define risk, engage or avoid
it tells the story of our life. Many have given their all and many more will
still give theirs for the cause of Christ’s rule in the Nations. Following
Jesus is the most expensive and risky adventure on planet earth. Something
about you must meet the cross as you trip with Jesus.

All four Gospels recorded this amazing counsel of the
Master, “For whoever has a desire to keep his life will have it taken from him,
but whoever gives up his life because of me, will keep it.”

I was greatly stirred to pray for Travor
Curington, on the World race who
caught a rare case of malaria while on a mission for Master Jesus in September
this year. He almost died.

Trevor’s story gave me more insight to the many intricate
issues STM are laced with. But fundamentally, I saw how the two paddles of ‘prayer to’ and
‘faith in’ the Faithful One, can row through the wildest storms of life, even
with a smile.

Scriptures didn’t tell us
what Epaphroditus suffered from when he fell sick and Paul commended him to the
Philippians Church thus, “…he was sick
and almost died. But God had pity on him, and not only on him but on me, too,
and spared me an even greater sorrow…  he
risked his life and nearly died for the sake of the work of Christ, in order to
give me the help that you yourselves could not give” (Phil 2:25-30)

When our risks as disciples bear the trademark of
Christ, which is an unquenchable passion for God’s glory and fame in all
things, our status as aliens in this world will not be in doubt.

I’m a beneficiary of great blogging. In this technology
driven age, you must take advantage of good stuff online, especially when it’s
free. Blogging is a powerful tool of influence for communicating ideas and
learning from your reader’s responses or lack of it.

Since I started blogging a little over a year ago (though
it was one of three scariest things I dared last year); I can testify to the immense
usefulness of this beautiful art. Try it and see.

I notice people love reading real-life stories more than
anything else. We become “more human” when we share part of our lives that may
have been hidden from public view. Someone said, “It’s
nice to read about the personal life of ministers of the gospel, not because I’m voyeuristic, but
because I love to know that they are just like me, flesh and blood.”

If you are a Christian leader, I seriously recommend blogging to you. Here are Abraham Piper’s 6 Reasons
Why a Pastor Needs to Blog. Click on the link to read the
entire article.

1. …to
write.

If you’re a pastor,
you probably already know the value writing has for thinking. Through writing,
you delve into new ideas and new insights. If you strive to write well, you
will at the same time be striving to think well.

Then when you share new ideas and new
insights, readers can come along with you wherever your good writing and good
thinking bring you.  There is no better
way to simply and quickly…

2. …to teach.

Most pastors I’ve run into love to
talk. Many of them laugh at themselves about how long-winded they’re sometimes
tempted to be. Enter Blog.

Here is where a pastor has an outlet
for whatever he didn’t get to say on Sunday. Your blog is where you can pass on
that perfect analogy you only just thought of; that hilarious yet meaningful
story you couldn’t connect to your text no matter how hard you tried; that last
point you skipped over even though you needed it to complete your 8-point
acrostic sermon that almost spelled HUMILITY. And more than…    

3. …to recommend.

With every
counseling session or after-service conversation, a pastor is recommending
something. Sometimes it’s a book or a charity. Maybe it’s a bed-and-breakfast
for that couple he can tell really needs to get away. And sometimes it’s simply
Jesus.

With a blog, you can recommend
something to hundreds of people instead of just a few. Some recommendations may
be specific to certain people, but that seems like it would be rare. It’s more
likely to be the case that if one man asks you whether you know of any good
help for a pornography addiction, then dozens of other men out there also need
to know, but aren’t asking. Blog it.

Recommendation, however, is more than
pointing people to helpful things. It’s a tone of voice, an overall aura that
good blogs cultivate. Blogs are not generally…  

4. …to interact.

There are a lot of
ways for a pastor to keep his finger on the pulse of his people. A blog is by
no means necessary in this regard. However, it does add a helpful new way to
stay abreast of people’s opinions and questions.

Who knows what sermon series might
arise after a pastor hears some surprising feedback about one of his 30-second-nuggets-of-truth?

5. …to develop an eye for what is
meaningful.

For good or ill,
most committed bloggers live with the constant question in their mind: Is this
bloggable? This could become a neurosis, but I’ll put a positive spin on it: It
nurtures a habit of looking for insight and wisdom and value in every
situation, no matter how mundane.

If you live life looking for what is
worthwhile in every little thing, you will see more of what God has to teach
you. And the more he teaches you, the more you can teach others. As you begin
to be inspired and to collect ideas, you will find that the new things you’ve
seen and learned enrich far more of your life than just your blog.

6. …to be known.

This is where I see
the greatest advantage for blogging pastors.

Your people hear you teach a lot; it’s probably the main way
that most of them know you. You preach on Sundays, teach on Wednesdays, give
messages at weddings, funerals, youth events, retreats, etc.

If you stopped blogging for whatever reason, please rethink. We and
of course you, will be bettered with
your dedication and devotion to this art. This can be one new thing you started this year.

Do you blog? Please kindly share your ideas and add more sites you
know can help beginners or deserters in the comment column below. For
starters, see these two:

1.     
Before you
create Your own blog

2.     
How
to Create Your own blog