PREACHERS’ HELP, NIGERIA, 2019 REPORT
We thank God for how He has been using the Preachers’ Help ministry to bless Pastors and gospel ministers in Africa, especially in Nigeria. The ministry has contributed immensely to the theological and ministerial training of rural pastors equipping them for ministry through the different modules of Preachers’ Help Courses. Here is the report of Preacher’s Help ministry in Nigeria.
WORK IN PROGRESS
This year, we have eleven (11) new enrolments from Benue State and Oyo State respectively. Benue State is situated at the north central of Nigeria, a region that is prone to Fulani herdsmen attack, while the clients from Oyo State, the Southern part of Nigeria, are missionaries in the rural area of the state.
In April, our African Director, Pastor Innocent Okonkwo, in the company of Pastor Miracle Chukwu, a staff member of The International Christian Growth Foundation organised a two- day conference for our clients in Benue State featuring introduction to Preachers’ Help Courses, workshops, training sessions, and the establishment of a Preachers’ Help Centre in Aliade, Benue State.
This conference increased the awareness of Preacher’s Help work in that region; we now have fourteen (14) active clients besides the 9 new intake. Another Preachers’ Help conference is scheduled for March 2020.
PREACHER’S HELP CLIENTS
Currently, three (3) clients are in the last module of the study in Hebrews, eight (8) clients are on the fourth module, the study in Romans, while six(6) clients are on the third module of the Leadership Course, eight (8) clients on the second module, and eleven (11) on the first module. Altogether, we have thirty – six clients.
Our vision for Preachers’ Help is to establish more training centres. Kindly pray for committed pastors. All of them testify to the impact of the Preachers’ Help courses in their lives and ministries.
Kindly pray as we discuss with the clients the possibility of setting up a Preachers’ Help Centre in their locality. We hope that this will help in the spreading of the Preachers’ Help Courses. We also trust the Lord to help and strengthen them in their studies and ministry.
THE EVANGELISTIC/MEDICAL OUTREACHES.
In April 2019, we engaged in rural evangelistic outreach to the Horo Community, Ogoniland, Rivers State, where we previously held a free medical outreach in August 2018. The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is gaining ground in the hearts of these villagers. We organised two months follow-up for the young converts. The Preacher’s Help Basic Course was very useful in exposing them to the basic doctrines of the Christian faith.
In August 2019, we returned to the same village with free medical service as a means of furthering the ministry of the love and gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. A total of seven (7) doctors, Pharmacists/pharmacists-technicians (3), two (2) nurses and twenty-eight (28) volunteers who are involved in counseling and logistics. The doctors diagnose the ailments, the pharmacists and nurses administer the medicines, and the counselors witness to the gospel and prayed for the people one–on-one. Over 350 patients received free medical service.
THE FOUNTAIN BIBLE INSTITUTE
Our Bible Institute had a successful year in 2018/19 and the first trimester of our 2019/2020 session. The Institute will resume for the second trimester on the 20th of January 2020. The training is an avenue to expose the participants to sound biblical teaching, and equip them for Christian service.
THE BIBLE CONFERENCE
In His Service, We had the Bible conference in July, and recorded an attendance of over 100 Christians from different denominations. This is an avenue to expose Christians to the Scriptures and grow in the knowledge of God’s word. The Lord refreshed our hearts as we reflected on God’s sustaining grace from the exposition of 1 Peter. It was a refreshing moment in God’s presence.
We are grateful to God for His grace and strength to serve Him in 2019; and we are thankful to you all for your prayers, encouragement, and financial support. We consider your act of love and encouragement as great service to the Lord, and have been a great support to us in the service of His kingdom.
May our good Lord continue to strengthen, bless and uphold you in your love and commitment to Him and His kingdom.
In His service,
Pastor Innocent Okonkwo
Preachers’ Help Director, Nigeria.