From the beginning of our ministry in Nigeria, our heartbeat has been to see churches started here in Nigeria. We praise the Lord that He has opened several opportunities to do so.
We are excited about two church-planting opportunities that we have coming up soon. Just a week ago, I took a survey trip to northeastern Nigeria to help start a church that will be the first independent Baptist church in that entire five-state region of Nigeria. It was definitely a long way to get there with the deteriorated roads, but God helped all along the way. We arrived safely and were able to meet with one of our college graduates who has been holding some Bible studies. We were able to secure a meeting place for the church plant; they should have their official launch within a couple of months. Please pray that this new church will be a launching point for more churches in the entire region. Much of the northeast of Nigeria is Muslim-dominated, and there is a huge need in the region.
While on furlough, our sending church voted to adopt and help support the starting of a church in southern Nigeria. We are excited, as the pastor will be a man whom one of our Bible college graduates has been training in his church. The Word of Life Baptist Church is planning to hold its Grand Opening in early March. Please pray, as we have been able to find a place for the pastor to live in the new area, but we are still praying and looking for a more stable place for the church to meet. Much work, prayer, and preparation will be going into the start of this church.
These are but two of the situations we are working with now. Currently, we have many men who have been trained to start a church and want to do so but would be greatly helped and propelled if someone were to provide funding. We regularly have people who ask how they can help us. One big way is if any of our supporting churches would be willing to “adopt” a new church plant. Situations vary, but usually, we can get a new church plant in a very good launching position, with a place to meet, literature, and other materials for the church, for about $8,000. Most new churches that start in Nigeria struggle greatly with all of these things. Having these things provided can give a new church a huge boost, as the new pastor and church will have fewer struggles with the materials and be able to better focus on spreading the Gospel and growing the church. Many of these churches will be started with or without outside help, but you may be in a position to greatly help these new Nigerian churches. If any church is interested and able to “adopt” a church plant, please contact me. I’d be happy to discuss details or answer any questions that you may have.
I know that I ask you to please pray for us in every prayer letter, and here I am asking again. God does so much through your prayers. God is working in Nigeria, and as He works, the Devil fights. Please pray for our family and all that God is doing through us here in Nigeria, West Africa.
That all the world may know,
Caleb Christiansen
