The Maskeys in Nigeria

April 2016

 

Dear Fellow Laborers,    

 

Church Growth and Multiplication

We thank God not only for the growth we have experienced over the years in our first church plant (now over 660 in attendance), but also for church multiplication.  From that church in Port Harcourt, God has helped us to start three more churches, and it has been a blessing to see them experience church growth and multiplication as well.  In 2005, our first Bible institute graduate, John Abili, started the Eagle Island Independent Baptist Church and they have grown to around 150.  They also have their own Bible institute, and one of their first graduates, Augustine Okoye, is now going out soon to start a new church in his home town of Onitsha.  This area is literally the center of Catholicism here in Nigeria and it will not be an easy place to start a church, so he will certainly need our prayers.  What a blessing it is to see one of our church plants now planting churches!  Another one of our graduates, Royal Idakari, is also planning to start a new church, with the help of Independent Baptist Church of Calabar, in the town of Ogoja in July.  Please be much in prayer for him as well.  On March 20^th, the Igwuruta Independent Baptist Church (our third church plant) celebrated their 4^th Anniversary with a record of 398 in attendance, 83 souls saved, and 14 baptized.  I was invited to preach in that service and God blessed in a great way.  Continue to pray for Pastor Elvis Ohwojero and this church.  Also pray for Pastor Dennis Osueke and our fourth church plant, Grace Independent Baptist Church in Omoku, as they celebrate their First Anniversary this month. They have been doing very well and have grown to over 60 in attendance. 

 

Other News & Prayer Requests...

1.  We have raised about $10,000 towards property for our 5^th church plant, but unfortunately, the places we have found are all demanding at least $15,000 now.  Please help us in prayer for either a less expensive place to be found or for the remaining $5,000 to come in.

2.  In March, it was a blessing for us  to meet with Pastor John Wilkerson from our sending church, First Baptist Church of Hammond, IN, for his first time to Nigeria.  Our family and about ten of our church members attended the Soul Winning & Leadership Conference in Abuja, hosted by Missionary Mark Holmes, where Bro. Wilkerson was one of the guest speakers.  We had a wonderful time with them, and the preaching was a great help and encouragement to all of us.

3.  Please be praying for our 6^th Nigerian Ladies Spectacular Conference, 19-20^th May.  Rose and our church ladies will be hosting this as other Independent Baptist churches from all over Nigeria will be coming, along with special guest speakers.

 

THANK YOU again for your prayers and for having a part in our ministry.  God bless you all for your faithfulness!

                                                                 Yours for His Service,

                                                                 David, Rose, Cayla & Justin