Exactly fifteen years ago last month, Dr. Darrell Moore came to Nigeria to visit my family and see our work. He preached a Missions Conference for Truth Baptist, taught church multiplication in our seminary, and made a dream of mine come true. During my college days, Bro. Moore was my bus division leader and became “Dad” once he learned the story of my father’s passing when I was 10. He inspired me to leadership as a young preacher, counseled me through many major decisions, and called my children his grandchildren. I would often contact him on his birthday (the day before mine) and Fathers’ Day, and I got to visit him one last time in the hospital on the week before Memorial Day during our furlough. At the beginning of July, Heaven gained a faithful servant; and, though I can no longer go to him for advice, what I’d already learned from my friend, mentor, and father figure will never die.
As Nigeria has been a frequent focus of recent news reports, we are grateful to many friends, family members, and supporters who have reached out to check on our well-being. The unrest and insecurity in surrounding areas has disturbed some of our church plants and many relatives of our members, but it has not reached our city. We request continued prayer for peace in Nigeria and comfort for families distressed by the regional conflicts. We also invite you to see how our work has attempted to help those who have been affected by persecution with our City of Refuge ministry and consider an offering or monthly support. Visit our site, and click on the “City of Refuge” page.
The middle of September saw my family return to the field after final services in our home churches and two other Missions conferences. At Truth Baptist Church during the months of September and October, a successful Vacation Bible School was conducted, a Pastors’ Appreciation Day was enjoyed, and the following new record was set: 814 people gathered for a special Sunday where Bible Club kids and their parents were invited! It is a joy to once again be serving alongside Missionary Daniel Lang; our ministry enjoyed hosting his brother and sending-church pastor in October before Bro. Daniel filled in for me in Port Harcourt to help host one of our six annual Pastors’ Conferences.
About 18 months ago, we requested help through our prayer letter for several of our preachers to have motorcycles. Supporters helped us to buy 6 okadas (“motorcycle taxi”); each went to a church planter or the pastor of more than one work. We already have 7 more scenarios where this means of transportation could accelerate the starting or the multiplying of a ministry. For anyone who is willing to partner with us for the $850 that it costs for a motorbike, we will gladly send an individual report of each purchase.
Believing God,
Mark Holmes
written 17 November 2025; WhatsApp +1.228.209.4625
vimeo.com/missionaryholmes has a brief video update based on this letter’s events
