The Groundbreaking in Omoku, June 17, 2014

Digging the foundation for a new church in Omoku

A Sunday during our "Visitors Month" in June, 2014 

The Maskeys in Nigeria

July 2014

Dear Fellow Laborers,    

Almost a Catholic Priest…

Although most churches here now are Charismatic, there are still many that are Catholic.  (They were among the first missionaries to come to Nigeria many years ago).    A young man, by the name of Innocent, was an altar boy and servant to the priest in one of those Catholic churches here in Port Harcourt, and was even preparing for the priesthood.  However, in spite of being very devout in that religion, he had begun to realize that much of it was just empty ritual and there was something missing in his life.  He had also attended some of the many Charismatic churches here, but they didn’t seem to have the answers he needed either.   Finally one day, a friend invited him to our church several years ago, and he came.   All of his life he had been trying to work his way into Heaven, as he had been taught.  That Sunday, however, for the first time he understood from the Bible that salvation is not by works or by doing rituals, but by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, and during the invitation he came out to receive that salvation.   Since then, he has become one of our most faithful members and is now a student in our Bible institute.  He is also a good soul winner, a bus captain, and one of our best preachers….who almost became a Catholic priest!  Pray for Bro. Innocent, and all of our Bible institute students, that God will continue to do a great work in them as they prepare to serve Him.  

Update on the Boko Haram…

The Muslim terrorist group, Boko Haram, continues to cause havoc in the northern part of Nigeria with more bombings, killing and kidnappings.  On the other hand, there are reports that the 200 kidnapped schoolgirls may soon be set free, and some have already escaped.  We are praying that the situation there will be brought under control soon and will not spread to other parts of Nigeria.  So far, it has not affected us here in Port Harcourt, thankfully, but we still need your prayers for God's protection.

Praises and prayer requests…

1.      The Omoku church groundbreaking was held on June 17^th , so the work on the buildings there has finally begun, and we are rejoicing about that.  Be sure to visit our website (maskeysnigeria.blogspot.com) for pictures of the event.   Please continue to pray for God’s provision and strength as we prepare to start this new church plant.  The other properties we were looking at did not work out, unfortunately, but we are hopeful that more open doors to start new churches will come soon.

2.      To God be the glory, our annual “Visitors Month” at the main church was a big success, as we saw a total of 462 first-time visitors come to the services, with 248 of them receiving Christ as their Savior throughout the month of June.  We also had some great attendances with a high day of 796 on June 15^th.   Our other churches have had some good reports as well, but they still need your prayers for God’s provision, strength and growth.

Once again, we thank you for standing with us in prayer and your faithful support of our ministry.  You are a blessing to us!

                                                             Yours for His Service,

                                                             David, Rose, Cayla & Justin

Joshua and Carissa at HAC , Missions Week

                                          The Maskeys in Nigeria

November 2013

Dear Fellow Laborers,    

“Fine and beyond imaginations!”

That was how one of our men in Nigeria described it when I asked him how our churches did during the month of October.   In our absence, the main church in Port Harcourt averaged 667 in attendance, with a high day of 774 on “Outreach Sunday”, Oct. 13^th.   The bus ministry had a contest that day and had a total of 529 come in on the 15 bus routes.   They also reported over 800 souls were saved through all the church ministries that month.  That is the best they’ve ever done in all of our furloughs, and it is very encouraging to us.  The Eagle Island church, pastored by our graduate, John Abili, also did well, celebrating their 8^th anniversary on Oct. 27^th with 350 in attendance and 53 saved.   The church in Igwuruta, pastored by our graduate, Elvis Ohwojero, had a great month as well, averaging 85 in attendance, a total of 48 saved, and a high day of 104.  We really miss our people in Nigeria and are looking forward to getting back there as soon as we can.  

On the furlough trail…

So far, we’ve been to 11 of our supporting churches and 12 new churches, with four of them taking us on for support.  We are encouraged by that, but still have a ways to go yet before we have what is needed to get back to the field, so your prayers are needed about that.   Once again, all of the churches have been a blessing to us and we’ve seen many decisions for Christ in these meetings, for which we are thankful.

Continue to pray for our newlyweds, Jonathon & Jenny, working in their new positions at the church in Maryland.  They both seem to be doing well there.  For those who would like to send cards or notes, their new address is: 7823 Oakwood Rd., Glen Burnie,  MD  21061.   Also, remember our college kids in prayer, Carissa and Joshua, for provision and God’s will in their lives.  Their address is:  Hyles-Anderson College, 8400 Burr St., Crown Point, IN 46307.  

“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thess. 5:18).   There is so much for us to be thankful for this past year.  God has been so good!   We also thank God for you and your prayers and support that helps make it all possible.  We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a Blessed New Year in advance!

                                                                          Yours for His Service, 

                                                                          David, Rose, Jonathon, Carissa, Joshua, Cayla & Justin