Serving the north-east of Nigeria (week 2) and more …
When you walk into a church and there are maps on the walls showing unreached people groups, then you know there is something different about this church and why they invited you to come and equip their leaders. And what a mix of young and old we found during this 2nd week of training (last week of July) in north-east Nigeria.
It remains a privilege to serve the church in West Africa in this way … we are looking forward to seeing what God’s plans are for the next steps with these churches in the north-east of Nigeria, but also other parts of the country and region.
And slowly, but surely people are coming alongside the ministry to serve their own people, like the group of leaders in Nigeria in the photo below. God is busy in each one’s life in a different way and growing and using them.
Hillary, Joe, Philips, Pam, Fola, Ivan, Samuel, Mba, Musa (a few others could not join us)
And in Benin there is a group of leaders who have taken up the challenge to start training others themselves. Two trainings have already taken place and a third is on its way. We are looking forward to hearing the feedback from the facilitators and participants when we meet them in person in October.
Benin training
During the time in Nigeria in July we also trained with the Ready Set Go students in Abuja. This training in the past happened online through Zoom, but this year we could do it in person. Always exciting to see young men and woman stand up for what they believe and getting equipped to do more in the Kingdom. Some of them trained with us in the north of Nigeria earlier in the year and last year - so it was good to see familiar faces and take another step in their growth with them.
Ready Set Go students
During August we also served ALICT students (29 from 29 countries) with basic Bible interpretation skills. It must be close to 20 years that I have been doing this every year. Always a privilege and a time of personal growth.
ALICT students
With all of the ups and downs of life and ministry we are again and again just amazed at people’s obedience to God in supporting TWT and also us (the Skinner’s) and other staff personally. Every step of our ministry is a step of faith, built on God’s sustaining love and care for us and His work. Thank you for walking with us in our call to serve the Church in this way!
Pray with us:
Thank God for his provision and care in so many ways these last few months.
For the people who obeyed His call to give and support in different ways - some themselves going through difficult health and financial times.
For the local facilitators and their families who train others in Nigeria, Benin, South Africa, Malawi and now it seems even in Zambia. Who knows what these small steps of obedience will harvest …
For in-person trainings in September (Nigeria), October (Benin) and November (Nigeria) - that God will go ahead of us in preparing His people’s hearts and minds for our time together.
For protection of our hearts and renewing of our minds as we keep on moving forward in obedience.
Mark Wednesday evening, 23 October in your calendar. God willing, we want to celebrate with you in person in Stellenbosch and online God’s amazing work through TWT this past year!
