Pamela & Musa Gaiya
Meet the Gaiya Family! Musa, Pamela and Gracie live in Jos, Nigeria. Pamela works for ACTS, Musa is a Church History lecturer and together they assist with the pastoral and practical aspects of the field.
After making a commitment to follow the Lord Jesus Christ at a young age, Pamela vividly remembers praying that God would guide and direct her life. Over the years she has experienced that prayer and known that particular prayer answered many times, as her Heavenly Father has lead and guided her clearly.
In 1993, Pamela joined Mission Africa (then known as Qua Iboe Fellowship) and was appointed as PA to the General Secretary in the Belfast office. She spent 10 blessed years in the Belfast headquarters which involved her being part of the Mission's first short-term programme (STeP) to Nigeria in 1995. A solo visit to Nigeria was made in 2000 during she visited all the Mission stations and knew the Lord's protection and care over many miles she travelled. She returned to Nigeria in 2003 with a long-term commitment in sight and began working in an administrative role with African Christian Textbooks (ACTS) at their headquarters in Jos, Plateau State. ACTS had been in existence for 10 years; now almost 20 years later the aim and vision of ACTS remains the same - to strengthen the church in Africa by providing Bible-based literature that is relevant and affordable. Many church leaders and pastors, tutors and students, as well as libraries, are richly blessed by the ministry and mission of Africa Christian Textbooks. ACTS is also a publishing house and so actively trains and encourages African writers and editors.
To date, ACTS continues to play a significant role in Pamela's ministry in Nigeria. She has assisted in their now well-established Publishing Department, continues to be Secretary to the Management Action Team and is currently adjusting to her latest role as International Relations Director. Most of Pamela's time is still spent doing administration. She believes she has grown in her work. Her desire for the people of Nigeria to be blessed and strengthened in the Word of God through good theological literature has also developed and deepened.
It was in 2008 that Pamela exchanged her surname 'Johnston' for 'Gaiya' by marrying Musa; a Nigerian university lecturer. Musa has been warmly received as an associate of Mission Africa. As a lecturer in Church History at the University of Jos, Musa's interest has always been in missions. He has a busy timetable with both undergraduate and postgraduate students. He has participated in a number of international research collaborations, which have given him the opportunity to learn more about Islam - the faith that he was born into. Musa has participated in writing 20 biographies of Nigerian Christian leaders, as a Project Luke fellow at the Overseas Ministries Study Centre, New Haven, Connecticut (USA). In the past, Musa has helped to assess some local manuscripts for publication by ACTS. He recently co-authored Early Christianity: A Textbook for African Students with Langham Publishing under ACTS. Musa is presently the Director of the University of Jos Office of Research and Development, which has exposed him to innovative research methodologies. Musa is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and serves on the EWCA Board of Trustees. Musa's first wife passed away in 2005 leaving three grown up sons: Samuel, Luther and Calvin. Sadly, Samuel passed away in 2015. Pamela and Musa's daughter, Gracie, was born in 2009. Gracie is in Middle School at Hillcrest School, Jos. The family continues to expand with the addition of 2 daughters-in-law and 3 grandchildren.
Together Musa and Pamela assist with the pastoral and practical aspects of the field. They help to organise the Mission's retreat which holds every 2 years. Pamela bears the responsibility of being Mission Africa's Field Facilitator. Pamela has seen many changes in the Mission over the last 25+ years; and while things may be done slightly differently, she bears testimony that the God she came to serve when she was just 21 years old is the same God who never changes, fails or disappoints. He remains faithful and true. Pamela and Musa would highly recommend Mission Africa to anyone seeking to serve the Lord in Africa. There are many opportunities (both long and short term) to be explored; prayerfully consider how you can be involved in this vital work. Know for sure the Lord will lead and direct.
Proverbs 3:6, In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.
