Out of Africa Missionary Journey to Lagos, Nigeria October 1-12, 2007 By Dr. John A Evans, Sr.

Pastor’s Travel Journal to Lagos Nigeria -2007     

Monday, October 1, 2007: 

The time (believe it or not) has finally come to pack the car and head to Tampa International Airport . Prior to my departure, during Sunday morning service I was blessed by the cordial and kind words of The Friendship Family, particularly the Intercessory Prayer Ministry.  Sunday was also designated as “Mission Emphasis Sunday”. I was humbled by the array of white attire. The Matrons Ministry spearheaded the event in conjunction with several ministry leaders. Dinner was also prepared. The Culinary Ministry was awesome, thanks a million.   As I started to say, the time has come to depart for the airport. The car is packed and it’s about 3:30 p.m. Before I go further with this task, first and foremost, I thank God for this once in a lifetime opportunity to go preach the gospel of Jesus Christ on the continent of Africa and share with our brothers and sisters good tidings from America .  In addition to that, I give God praise for my lovely wife First Lady, “Precious,” and our children Chesmon and Princess for their support. I know that without  Precious’ support I would have had at least ten (10) bags. Thank you.

We arrived at TIA on time. As I departed, I have etched in my memory my beautiful wife who did a super job trying to keep her composure as we bid farewell. Job well done  Precious.All aboard and now, ready for take off. Looking realistically at almost twenty plus hours of flight time. God showed favor from TPA to Memphis . It’s 6:30 p.m. Memphis time when we touched down. To my surprise, the plane is already loading passengers to Amsterdam, Netherlands . I had no time to tarry. I walked off one plane directly on to another. As I find my seat,  the enemy attempted to get me to complain about my seat. I then thought about my commitment to humility.  I must say from take off to touch down the flight and crew was stupendous. Once we deplaned, I met up with my team of which four were on the Memphis flight.  

Tuesday, October 2, 2007:

·         The boarding procedure is not as controlled as it is in the states.

·         To my amazement there were well over three (300) hundred Nigerians flying from Amsterdam to Lagos, Nigeria .

·         The meals were decent.

Finally, upon arrival, again I was also amazed at how dry it was from my window view from the plane. I also noticed while coming in for a landing how many residences didn’t have lights. This was another reminder of what we take for granted over here in the United States . In Lagos, Nigeria lights are a cherished commodity. Now the customs protocol was less than to be desired. However, once we received our luggage and leaving the A.P. there were throngs and throngs of people just standing out side the airport. Here, we were escorted by fifteen to twenty armed police and security guards to our vehicles and hotel. Yes, while I’m penning these thoughts security guards are in the courtyard.

Finally, we are en-route to our hotel destination. I must say the Nigerian people are very happy and humble people, regardless of their deplorable conditions. They appear to be “tickled  pink” to have us and they possess the Spirit of Christ. Once we arrived at the hotel “The De Prince Guest House” (Don’t let the name fool you), we received our rooms and partners. Soon dinner was  served. Our host and hostess were very  gracious and most wiling to serve us.  Seeing us eat gave them such joy. Menu you ask?  Our first meal consisted of yellow seasoned rice, chicken (I hope/smile), fried plantains and plenty of water. Later, we were cordially greeted by our host, Dr.  &  Mrs. Joe Solomon and  his church staff.  Several times while eating dinner we lost power. I later discovered that this is not an un-common occurrence. Nevertheless, their sweet spirits made our dining experience one to remember. At this particular time, I am somewhat weary from the travel but attempting to wait up for    Precious to give her an update. Africa is five (5) hours ahead of eastern standard time.  Good night.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007:

I heard a knock and voice stating “wake up call for breakfast.” As I prepared to go up stairs the breakfast smelled good, however I’m apprehensive . Our first day settling in comprised of a tour of the city. The weather today is much similar to Florida , very warm and humid. I thank God the sun is shining today as we prepare to do ministry in Lagos, Nigeria , Ibandan and several villages. Returning from our tour of the city and familiarizing ourselves with the city is a story in itself. Throngs and throngs of people.  In retrospect  it  reminded me of  growing  up  in  the ghettos of Akron, Ohio but ten (10) times worst,  i.e.;

·         Hundreds of tent cities every where you can see.

·         Young  people, and old alike trying to sell their goods. Here they call them the “Market.”

·      I  often pray for “traveling grace and arriving mercy. I cannot tell you how many times I have prayed this prayer. Why?, because not only are there no stop signs in Lagos , etc. there are no traffic lights. I did notice on what they call “the way” the speed limit was 100 miles per hour.

The Nigerian’s are amazing people to me. They are not concerned with luxury. The sections we saw (for instance our hotel) was a place of luxury to them. I can’t describe (and I’m sure there are many) one to compare to our residences. Nevertheless, and through it all we experienced the challenges of cold showers. We had cooked meals brought to our hotel twice daily.  To my surprise the food wasn’t as bad as I expected.  The cook (Mrs. Matthews and staff) attempted to prepare American dishes i.e. chicken and rice, spaghetti, egg omelets, oatmeal, toast and sausage. The evenings come very quickly. Before you know it the close of another day has come. Later that evening we had our first team meeting to work out the logistics of our team work. Dr. Guns asked me to close the meeting with prayer. 

Thursday, October 4, 2007:

Well, the time has finally come to engage in ministry.  However, before leaving for service we were met with countless lodging challenges. Therefore, we came to the conclusion, ministry abroad was more important than our comfort. That’s the essence of mission. Three of our team members left Lagos , for Ibandan (pronounced e-bottom). Once again, upon arrival I thanked God for traveling grace and arriving mercy. I was  blessed to preach the gospel at the Living Springs Pentecostal Church .  Pastor Sammuels was a gracious host. I must say I have seen and witnessed things unlike any place I have visited.  In America , we call them “Store Front Churches.” Yet the Nigerians are very, very  proud people. They are also very faithful people. As I witnessed earlier today, they are also very argumentative people. The message was very well received. “To God Be the Glory” and many souls won for Christ. I have met so many people - particularly Pastors. Our teams went in different directions, spread out across the Lagos , metroplex. Two brothers went to survey the branch churches.

·         Three sisters went to minister the word at the women’s conference.

·         Two sisters went as nurses to the villages to give out medicine and aide the sick and less fortunate.

·         Several of the other Pastors and Laymen went to present the gospel in Lagos , and through out the area and the “men’s conference.”  To God Be the glory!

In closing, for Thursday’s writing, I am amazed and astonished at the many, many things the Nigerians have to offer.  However, one thing that saddens my heart is the fact (the children) so many of them, do not and obviously cannot attend school. Here school is a luxury. What we assume in America or should I say “take for granted” is as different as day and night here. Every single day the Lord sends, there are children and young people day and night on the street selling products. They are called runners. When traffic comes to a stop (hold up) they run to your vehicle to sell you anything from a-z.  As I mentioned earlier, the living conditions are indescribable. There is no place I can think of that would paint a picture of the living conditions here. I don’t claim to have traveled the world or have seen all of America . I’m speaking in regards to my  limited travel. It has many resemblances of my up-bringing as a youth in Akron, Ohio but ten (10) times worse. Even that, compared to Lagos would be considered luxury.

 “Father God I am so humbled to witness what my eyes have seen. I am also ashamed of every complaint I have selfishly uttered. Please forgive me and accept this sacrificial offering of humility. In the name of Jesus the Christ Amen”. Many citizens of Lagos , live day in and out, by candle light and God’s light. Nevertheless, the Nigerians LOVE JESUS! They Love God with a passion.

In closing, we often say in America , “baseball” is the American pass time, but not here. There are countless; thousands, just sitting in front of their doors or their curtains, men and women, boys and girls just sitting, some  selling, trying to make  a living.  Also, did I tell you there are no residential street lights. So the next time you and I think we have something to complain about just think of “ Lagos, Nigeria .”

·         Publix or Winn Dixie, what is that?

                 ·         American’s money converted in Nigeria is 125.5 %

·         Public schools, what is that?

·         Lights twenty-four seven, What’s that?

·         The list goes on and on and on. Everything we consider trash is like gold to them.

·         The little lambs run and roam freely in the streets & neighborhoods.

·         Trash pick up? Just dump it in the streets.

·         Many, should I say every, transaction is on a cash basis.

           ·          I found myself giving away cash donations to so many. I gave to the workers or staff at our hotel. They receive room, board and food but no cash pay. I close today once again. Humbled for God’s goodness in my life.

Friday, October 5, 2007:

Today (Friday) I awake from about three and a half (3 ½) hours of sleep. This was one of my most restless nights.  Typically, when I minister in the word I find it arduous to fall asleep. Nevertheless, the day must begin. Preparation was made for us to visit the Zoological Center on the campus of the Ibandan University .  There, upon arrival, we met our tour guide, Mr. Peter, who was very knowledgeable. I took several pictures. What an education,  Zoological studies. Thanks to Mr. Peter.  I don’t have to mention “traffic.” Whether in New York or California, their traffic is nothing compared to the traffic in Lagos and Ibandan, Nigeria . We made it back in time to minister at the Living Water Pentecostal Church . Tonight, ministry presentations were given by Pastor Guns of Norfolk, Va.   and Pastor Solomon of Birmingham, Alabama . Tithing and an inspirational message was given. Both presenters were at their best. The congregation received the messages warmly.  As is their custom, at the close of the service they danced and danced and danced giving God praise for His son and the word. We arrived safely back to the hotel in Ibandan, only to discover we were without lights. These are the many challenges any missionary can expect when doing mission work.  I picked up several African phrases that I will bring back with me to implant in our praise and worship.

Saturday, October 6, 2007:

Today’s plans were originally made for our team to minister the word at a local church in Ibandan. Another interesting thing I’ve learned about the Nigerian culture is that the discipline of time is rarely practiced and plans can be changed at any moment. Therefore, as the day went on our plans did not come to fruition. However, we capitalized upon the opportunity to minister to the hotel staff, and to one another. In addition, we were blessed to minister the word to several in the vicinity and to encourage the hearts of the three Pastors who were traveling with us from Lagos .  I don’t consider the day lost, but a time to be a blessing to others. From this particular experience, I have learned when on a missionary trip:

·         Any and everything is subject to change.

·         You must be flexible and available at the spur of the moment to minister the word.

·         We were once again met with many challenges. The enemy was at work to discourage us, nevertheless we remain steadfast to our purpose.

To be without lights or to have rotating power is not uncommon in Nigeria . Later that evening we were privileged to meet the Pastor of one of the churches  we would be visiting in the person of Prophet  M. O. Salawu, Pastor of the Christ Apostolic Church Revival Centre. He and his     entourage came to meet us and to work out the logistics for ministering the word on Sunday. The other team members reported that God had breathed on their efforts and many souls were  saved and lives were changed.  Food and medicine were distributed at two villages by the nurses and local doctors. Another team went to minister the word in three churches. The end

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your efforts and support to make our Mission trip to Lagos, Nigeria a reality. I wish to also thank you for your fervent prayers while traveling to       and from Nigeria . Please continue to pray for the people of Africa . God used our team to touch so many lives in so many different ways I lost count. “To God Be the Glory.”

Dr. John A. Evans, Sr.