The title of this article is taken from the book written by R.L. McKeown in 1912. At the time of writing all Qua Iboe missionaries were in Nigeria. To God be the glory we have expanded into Burkina Faso, Chad, and Kenya, hence the change of name to Mission Africa.
This September I celebrated my own ‘25 years in Qua Iboe’! I remember vividly the Rev Bill Leach coming into the Evangelical Bookshop (Belfast) where I was working and asking if I’d like to use my secretarial training in a mission setting; would I consider coming to work with Qua Iboe Fellowship as his secretary. And so, in the providence of God, on 6 September 1993 I started my work at 14 Glencregagh Court; this was to be my working environment for the next ten years. During this period, I was privileged to be part of the first Step team the Fellowship sent to Nigeria in 1995. In 2000, another visit to Nigeria helped me appreciate the many opportunities there were to serve – seeing the work of Africa Christian Textbooks in Jos made a big impact on my life. This time the conversation was with Rev Dr Sid Garland regarding ACTS needing admin assistance. Those dangerous words, “I’ll pray about it” were uttered. And so, in the providence of God, and sure of His call, on 6 January 2003 I set off for Nigeria for full-time service. Fifteen years later here I am, still trusting God, resting in the knowledge that His grace is sufficient (this verse in 2 Cor. 12:9 was on my first prayer card).
As I’ve developed as a Christian I’ve grown to appreciate how vital and necessary it is to pray; when we pray we show our dependence on God; our focus is on Him. I realise too my own need to pray – when I’m standing at the ATM and feeling rather conspicuous; at the dentist or doctor; driving to the office or doing the school run; when there’s a security issue! These are times when I can feel in particular need of the Lord’s help.
‘Prayer is the greatest power God has put into our hands for service – praying is harder than doing, at least I find it so, but the dynamic lies that way to advance the kingdom’
I am humbled that people pray for me and have kept praying over these 25 years: individuals I know very well, those I don’t know at all; churches – particularly my sending denomination, the Evangelical Presbyterian, others such as Strand Presbyterian and Kirkpatrick Memorial Presbyterian; Mission Africa Council and prayer groups who meet to pray monthly; faithful friends and dear family members who WhatsApp or phone weekly. African life is all about people and relationships and I’m blessed by the network of people who encourage and support both from the home-end as well as in Nigeria. It’s the joy of two worlds coming together.
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the works of your hands … let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Isn’t it interesting to think back, to ponder how things used to be and then to remind ourselves of God’s steadfast love! I remember the Castle Erin residential conferences; I remember praying as an office staff for God to supply needed funds; I remember hearing of Leon Griffith’s accident in Nigeria; I remember that journey in January 2003 and the problems I had at the airport with my luggage; I remember the sharp edge of home-sickness. I remember God’s gracious guiding hand as I considered joining Musa’s family, all the intricacies of a cross-cultural marriage; being part of a blended family, becoming a mother of then 3 sons with Gracie (named after Samuel Bill’s wife) coming later; after some time becoming a mother-in-law and then a grandmother! The memory of leaving our home in Rikkos because of trouble in our area comes to mind; the assurance of Romans 8:28 when we prepared to build at Zarazon (where we live now). Surely God’s steadfast love has been stamped on all of these remembrances.
In the providence of God, the Mission Africa Council placed me to serve at Africa Christian Textbooks (ACTS) and this has been my primary assignment since 2003. I’m grateful to God for the dear friends there. They see me at my highs and my lows; they support and care in ways that, through them, I see God’s faithfulness. Seeing the work of ACTS grow and develop has been such a blessing – a new HQ building; our Writers Retreat Centre; Sid handing over to Rev Luka Vandi Uti as the Managing Director. Reading the Bible and having good Christian literature available has helped my own spiritual development. And so to be part of a work that strengthens the church by providing Bible-based literature that is relevant and affordable is truly a blessing.
Celebrating 25 years is a moment to celebrate God’s faithfulness. I started out as a youth; there have been many changes along the way but surely we hold fast to Heb. 13:8, ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.’ I can look back, look at the present and be confident that in the future the Lord Himself will continue to be faithful. Surely RL Mackeown had the same testimony in 1912. What a joy and privilege!
Let us then pray that God will call out more workers through Mission Africa. There are many opportunities. Pray for visitors to come just to encourage – those who have already visited please be assured you have been a blessing! Pray for more who will support financially – maybe you could contribute £10 (home office years) or £15 (Nigeria years) or £25 (total years, to date). The Lord has been faithful over my 25 years. I have been showered by the Lord’s goodness; His grace and mercy are sure; He alone deserves the honour and glory.
