I’m booked on a Qatar Airways flight that departs tomorrow from Brisbane, destined for Nigeria. From the opposite end of Australia, four members of the Newman Community Baptist Church will depart from Perth 20 minutes after my departure, rendezvousing with me at Doha International Airport at 6am, Friday.

A side note: It is my opinion that it is easier to gain entrance into heaven than Nigeria! Required documentation to visit Nigeria is insane… the process is arduous, testing the inexperienced traveler.  As I have four visits to Nigeria under my belt, I was able to calm and encourage the team as they navigated their way through their mountain of travel documents.

We are thankful for the generous amount of time we had to dialogue with Pastor Sam of the Lagos church  (www.assurancepentecostal.org.ng) to prepare a purposeful 10-days mission plan. APCI’s ‘wish list’ is as follows…

1. Back To School (BTS)

Pastor Sam says, “The education system in Nigeria is in shambles. Most children are out of school, due to lack of finances to pay school fees. Those who are able to attend cannot afford textbooks and writing material. The situation is bad and ugly with our economy.” “Privately owned schools have taken over because our public schools lack facilities. At the end of the 2022/2023 academic year, our Back-to-School program that supports 10 kids will be down to seven as two will graduate from secondary level and one has relocated to another state.  That leaves seven children presently receiving BTS financial support. However, many more children would be glad for education support.”

2. Empowering Men and Women

Men: An investment opportunity exists for 2-3 men of the church to purchase motorized tricycles that would enable them to establish their own local taxi service. A select committee will oversee this initiative. Those who benefit from this investment will be expected to return the financial support they received within one year, allowing for others to benefit in a similar way.

Women: Several womenof APCI seek financial sponsorship to support their families through engaging in home-based basic trading initiatives (pottery, raw food trade, grinding mills, soap and cream manufacture, local eatery, grocery store, chemists).  A modest investment amount is sought.

3. Food Drive

Alafia Estate has approximately 500 dwellings, with an average of five people per household. This estate is in APCI’s immediate area. The Newman Team will sponsor the cost of a food drive… providing 60 gift packs of rice, beans, and cooking oil to 40 APCI families and 20 non-church members who attend the church during a planned 2-days church revival event.

4. Streetlights

The reliability of electricity supply is a long-standing issue in Nigeria. Pastor Sam says, “The community is often without electricity. When the supply is available, it barely lasts for several hours… throwing the community into darkness.”

The Newman Team is keen to sponsor the cost of many 90-Watt, solar powered streetlights as possible, providing lighting for major streets in their community. The cost of fifteen cappuccinos equals the cost of one street light!

5. Mission Bus

A Toyota HiAce mini bus is the ‘big ticket item’ on APCI’s wish list. A church owned vehicle would provide essential, safe mobility of various ministries of ACPI to attend workshops, seminars, and prayer conferences. 

The ‘Mission Lagos 2023’ event was promoted at the Newman church for several months. During that time, the Spirit of God touched many minds and hearts and generous financial gifts were received. Keen expressions of interest have also been received for the ‘Mission Lagos 2024’ event.

DOW Friends, you are invited to partner with the Newman Team by giving thanks to the Lord for orchestrating this great event, and through praying for their success. The team is made up of Pastor Eli, Lu (Administrator), Gordon (Assoc. Pastor), Cass (Media Facilitator), and me.

”The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (Jam. 5:16b).

Bill
Next week… “Mission Lagos 2023 – PROGRAM”