As many of you know, the flu bug has hit most of America in epidemic proportions. While traveling, we have had pastors verify that this has been a problem in their churches. Well, that flu bug finally hit me. In the almost 39 years we have been married, I have never been sick for 5 days like I was earlier this year with the flu. It got me good. Thankfully, I was able to get over it, and it did not cause me to miss any meetings. Maybe me being 63 years old made the difference? It could be.
As I mentioned in my previous letter, I took a trip to Nigeria from April 20 to May 5 (I had the wrong dates in the previous letter). I, along with Brother Mark Bosje, landed in Nigeria on Saturday, April 21. I had the privilege of preaching for Pastor Victor Thompsons at the Spring Valley Baptist Church, located in a suburb of Abuja. His brother, Israel Thompsons, started this church a few years back and left his new church early so he could be in the services with us. What a blessing to get to know these men of God. Here we are at the church location.
That night I preached at the Truth Baptist Church, which is the church started by Missionary Mark Holmes. From Monday night through Thursday night, I was privileged to teach about seven hours and preach five times at the National Soul-Winning and Leadership Conference held at this church each year. Dr. Mike Cox, Dr. Mark Bosje, and Missionary Mark Holmes also participated in the conference. There were 37 churches represented at the conference. This conference has helped pastors, not only with the fellowship of likeminded pastors in attendance, but with materials they take home with them. This is a picture of all the preachers and delegates at the conference.
After a day off, Dr. Cox, Brother Homes, and I flew to Calabar, Nigeria, to participate in a regional Soul-Winning and Leadership Conference. On Sunday I preached for Pastor George Ouhmo at the Living Spring Baptist Church. Then from Sunday night to Wednesday night, I preached four times and taught seven hours of classes during the conference. There were, I believe, 10 churches represented at the conference. Here is a picture of the pastors and preachers who attended the conference.
I cannot thank you enough for supporting me so I can help these men of God reach their areas for the cause of Christ.
Missionary Evangelist James Belisle
