Grasping a firm hold of the Scripture “Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Eph. 3:20), the Newman Team rightly expected that the ‘Mission Lagos 2023’ event would be an outstanding success… and it was!

True to form, Satan’s cohort did their best in buffeting each team member in various ways before and during our time at Lagos, but by faith in God we stood together, firm, and steady… victoriously against their efforts!

I can give you ‘my’ commentary on the appearance of ‘progress,’ but who better to speak about the progress of the mission than the recipients of our ministry. Please listen to a sample of the many comments we have received:

Pastor Bill and his team are an epitome of humility. Their entrance and the way they acted was just like members of our church… not as guests. Protocol was broken and we had access to play with them freely, not like Nigerian pastors. Preaching and prayers were not shouting. Simple dress. And the last thing… I loved the way they laughed and joked. Matthew

Their presence alone impacted me. They came with all humility, starting from Pastor Bill to Sis Cass. They were friendly and ready to associate with us. Their relationship showed that there is no barrier in color, background, etc., if we are all in Christ. Sis Cass was lively and ready to associate with us. We love their company here. Philips

Thank God. Their coming is a blessing to us. They put on simple dress, not like we Nigerians who wear heavy cloth. They related to us as if we had already known each other. I love them. Elizabeth

This mission is a blessing to me. Brother Bill and his team model humility as their life-style. Pastor Eli’s message and prayer on Saturday was so interesting and was without shouting. I also loved Pastor Bill’s message today. I want to learn more from them before they go back. Afuye

The mission is a wow! The team really put a smile on my face… their presence in our midst seemed to be forever. The team was so humble and calm. I was surprised they could sit comfortably in the congregation, unlike other Nigerian Pastors. They are so simple and accommodating. They made us feel that we came from the same Father who is in Heaven. Their time with us has impacted my life. Indeed, the team is a blessing to us. I love Pastor Bill. I love his team. I love their smiles. Each of them is a Wow! Rebecca

All glory to God for sending pastor Bill and his team to us. Honestly speaking their humbleness is just like that of Christ Jesus, which was the footsteps that Christ left for us to follow. Jesus said, ‘whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself will be exalted.’ I love you all for your humbleness and your messages are straight to the point without addition or subtraction, very spiritual, and powerful. Thank you all for coming! We love you all. Chidi

I am not sure I have much to add to all that my people have said above. Honestly, I lack the right words to express how I feel. If you play a song for me to dance to, I might miss my steps and not dance so well to the right rhythm of the music because of the overflowing joy imparted on me due to your presence, not just to Nigeria but to APCI. The coming of the NCBC Team is to us a ‘New Wine’ experience in the history of our church. The new wine is truly intoxicating. We are not sure whether we can recover from its influence. And the truth is, we do not wish to recover from it!

Some in Nigeria see us as irrelevant, but God used you and the Team to make us believe we are a special people. We were regarded as a bunch of noise-makers, but God used you and the Team to make us a voice for Him.

This ‘New Wine’ experience, reminds me of the kind of joy the day Jesus found me and took me to Himself. It is like Jesus coming again like that same day I found salvation. This time, He came into my dungeon, into my lonely world, into my hide-out where I do ministry. And while I often say: Lord, I am not worthy or deserving of this avalanche of love… love that is too much for me… You are giving me attention I do not deserve. But I heard Him say to me, ‘Dear son, I am with you… Dear son, I can see all your labor of love for My sake… Dear son, all you have done has not gone unnoticed. I have sent My messengers to bring you comfort and encouragement. Dear son, remain faithful because My goodness has come to stay with you.

I strongly believe that God brought brother Bill and the NCBC Team here for the purpose of comforting and encouraging us, as well as continuing the friendship and relationship which is already in the formation stage. This was observed in the body language and affections expressed by our growing community family at APCI. Our honest desires and prayers are that this partnership will increase to honor God by serving His will to our generations.

My final note: I say “thanks” to all concerned for making this mission a reality. Thank you for your willing and generous hearts, and yourgiving towards meeting the needs of our people and the community where our church operates. Thank you for stopping at nothing to ensure we are empowered to serve our people with the knowledge of God’s will. May you never miss your reward. Thank you. Pastor Sam Elijah

Friends, the above testimonies far exceeded our expectations of God, working through such frail instruments as the NCBC team. Indeed, Mission Lagos 2023 is a great success. God’s work at Nigeria’s APCI and Newman’s NCBC will continue to progress well. Every person whose faith is in God is a progressor!

Bill