Valuable experience in the field in Lagos, Nigeria
LAGOS TEAM WORK QUARTERLY REPORT (May–August 2026)
Introduction
Success means different things to different people. For me, success is moving faithfully in the direction of the vision and mission God has given us. Being involved in helping shape the future of the church in Nigeria, particularly through leadership development and ministry training, is a great privilege. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to work alongside missionaries who recognize the importance of building capacity within the church.
The Sabo-Oniba program, established in June 2022 through the support of Bro. Joseph Okonta, the pioneer minister of the congregation, began with 22 students. Today, 12 of those students have completed the requirements for graduation, while nine students continue in the program. We remain hopeful for continued growth and enrollment.
The past three months have included extensive visitation, discussions concerning the establishment of a new study center in Kano, and planning for coordinated evangelism in Kano and Lagos. I am also grateful to the leadership of Mesquite & Rusk Church of Christ for their decision to support and participate in the ministry.
Academic Activities in Sabo Oniba/Lagos Island.
Academic programs continued steadily at both study centers. At Sabo-Oniba, courses included African Traditional Religion, taught by Suleiman Yusuf; Old Testament IV (Joshua–Esther), taught by Okoro Chinyere; Old Testament I (Genesis–Deuteronomy), taught by Noel Brain Otuwho; and New Testament Church, taught by Suleiman Yusuf.
At Lagos Island, courses included Bible Geography, taught by Femi Adewuyi; 1 & 2 Peter and Jude, taught by Ibanga Udoh; 1 & 2 Thessalonians, taught by Tim Iwe; and 1 Corinthians, taught by Augustine Ani. Plans are underway to relocate the Lagos Island Center to Ikota during the final quarter of 2026 or early 2027. The congregation’s new minister provides a favorable opportunity for this expansion.
Outreach and Evangelism
Our students participated in evangelism in the Mile 2–Badagry area and visited the Egudu-Baale congregation for a quarterly outreach campaign. The effort resulted in two baptisms and provided valuable practical evangelism experience.
Digital and Online Ministry
The WBS online ministry recorded 118 active students and a total of seven baptisms during the quarter. We are also participating in a pilot initiative with the WBS office in Texas. Our first batch of lessons was submitted and returned after two months. We hope for improved processing times as the program develops.
Events and Engagements
Bro. Chad and I visited Kano to explore opportunities for evangelism in Northern Nigeria. The church at Aba Street, Sabon Gari, hosted us and shared its work in prison ministry, Bible training, and church planting with us. The congregation has agreed to host a BVBIN study center on its premises.
I also participated in the 72nd Annual Lectureship of NCBC, Ukpom Abak, which provided valuable insight into church programming, event management, and crowd coordination. Additionally, I served as a speaker at the SWSE Annual Lectureship, presenting on the theme “The Unknown God” and addressing the question, “Why Does God Allow His Children to Suffer?” Bro Mojima Etukudo offered me the chance to worship with his congregation on the last Sunday of the outing. Two souls were brought into the faith after the service.
Lagos Team Development
We are building a ministry team and hope to have our first official team outing in September. Future reports will provide updates on this developing initiative.
Conclusion
We sincerely appreciate everyone who continues to pray for and support the work in Nigeria. By God’s grace, the work continues to progress, and we remain committed to strengthening the Church through training, evangelism, and coordinated ministry.
Tim Iwe
Coordinator, BVBIN Extension Program in Nigeria