July has been a busy one. God has used Sandra and me to bring 7 adult first-time visitors to church in the month, one of whom is Michael, whom I met in my neighborhood and offered a ride to church. He took me up on the offer and ended up accepting Christ. He has also walked to church a few times since then, saying he enjoys the service. It’s hard to count how many have come from the school ministry, but the Lord has blessed me to be in 5 schools this month, with 549 accepting Christ.
Recently, one of the most faithful men in the church, Alex Suku, went to start a church in the neighboring village of Aluu with his wife Talitha. I went with a group from the church to go soul winning in the area and to spread the word about the new church. On the way back to Port Harcourt, one of the vans got a flat tire. While waiting, I noticed a group of boys nearby playing soccer, so I led a group of our teenagers over and asked them to gather the boys together so I could preach to them; 16 boys raised their hands for salvation and prayed to accept Christ. Hope in God Independent Baptist Church of Aluu had 10 in their first service, with 5 accepting Christ.
I was able to get my Nigerian driver’s license, which paves the way for a vehicle. We are praying and looking; however, with the adequacy of the public transport, we are not in a hurry. After experiencing numerous problems on deputation related to our van, I want to be extra cautious about selecting the right vehicle here. (Nigeria is not a good place to have a vehicle break down on you.) Please pray with us in regard to this. The owner took care of some of the repairs at the house we are renting, while we took care of the rest at minimal cost. Thank you all for praying. Please continue to pray for our health. Carina was recently diagnosed with malaria and sepsis, as well as an allergic reaction to some of the medication. She has made a full recovery, and after researching sepsis, it seems that is likely what I experienced back in April that the doctors couldn’t pinpoint.
I’m now in the book of Titus during our midweek service, and I’m teaching on “Winning the Invisible War,” a study on spiritual warfare (a topic that is much needed here). Imo State is directly north of Rivers State where we reside. It is home to close to 6 million people with no independent Baptist church. I am taking 2 men from the church to the capital city of Owerri with me on September 4 to go soul winning and canvass the area. Please pray for wisdom, protection, and the Lord’s leading for all of us.
Working hard to bring fruit to your account,
Jeremy, Sandra, Carina, Barrett, Henry, Alex, & Joanna Barker
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- Mother and daughter I invited
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- Michael from my neighborhood
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- Visitor that rode the bus
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- At Oroworko Junior School
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- Soul winning with Pastor Suku
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- Carina at Altahaus Medical
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- Group of friends came together
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- Teaching midweek service
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- Soul winning while waiting for tire to be changed
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- At Oromenike School 2
