Although no one (at least no one over here in Africa) believes that I am in danger, we have taken certain prudent steps so as not to invite danger. For one, instead of staying in Efa I am now staying at Martin’s house and driving to Efa when I can for meetings with boards and people. Furthermore, I am leaving the area as soon as possible, namely next Tuesday, instead of remaining the rest of next week. The Pastors in Efa insisted that there was absolutely no danger at all, but Martin who has a better idea of what is going on and has talked to a number of policemen and other government officials thought it was a prudent step. Besides all that this will allow my sisters and mother to sleep more soundly at night knowing I am surrounded by high thick walls, in a well guarded community, where no one knows where I am. There is of course always risk, but having done what was prudent we continue in our work knowing the Lord is at hand.
This unfortunately means I will not have a lot of time to do the work of preaching and teaching. When I do go to Efa it is mainly for the purpose of more administrative work. This means also that I will not have a lot to report as far as encouraging news concerning the preaching and teaching of God’s Word here in Nigeria. Even, however, when we do not see it we stand thoroughly convinced that that Word which is being preached is producing faith. One small sign of that here is the continuing need for catechisms for the instruction of adult classes, concerning which a number of the pastors here have inquired. Thankfully I was able to move some money around in the budget for the NCLC and provide them with a small sum to be used each month for the purchase of Bibles and Catechisms.
This was due in a large part to the fact that the Nira has significantly decreased in value as compared to the dollar over the last year. Meaning there is more Nira to be spent without increasing the amount of money we send over. Although on the flip side it means the pastors are able to buy less staple provisions with the money they get. We pray that the Lord may provide for their needs and that the bible and catechisms may be put to good use.
Meanwhile, although being at Martin’s house means less time visiting churches, it does mean more time with Martin. Martin and I have spent the time plotting and scheming various ways to help the NCLC as well as speaking to a certain Pastor Isaiah from Cameroon, who is interested in our church. At the moment there is little money or time for pursing more contacts and we do not know yet the nature of this man’s inquiry, but as the Lord provides doors or windows we continue to pursue them. May He be glorified through them.
Being in Africa even when I have internet connection it is slow and I have limited time, so I have not been able to keep up with Nathanael Mayhew’s adventures in East Africa. But I pray that his work may be fruitful if he is still there and would encourage anyone who hasn’t yet to take a look also at his blog https://nmayhew.blogspot.com
Safe In Christ,
Matthew R Ude