I have received an extraordinary privilege at the formal invitation from Pastor David Erber, a colleague and friend in the ministry, to represent our Grace Lutheran Church at the 75th Diamond Jubilee celebration of the founding of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria. The formal celebration is being held this September in Obot Idim, Nigeria.
Through the Together in Ministry program, Grace, Auburn, has supported Pastor Erber’s missionary ministry in Nigeria throughout the 25 years he has been in Africa. Every year since 1986, Grace has partnered with others in support of the Christian missionary efforts which God has blessed through Pastor Erber.
The Lutheran Church of Nigeria was founded in 1936 and has been richly blessed by God. The week-long celebration of her people will culminate Sunday, September 11. I have been invited to participate not only at the celebration in Cross River state, but thereafter to travel to the mission station at Bashwoo and on to Jos for a week at the missionary school.
It is a humbling honor to be given the privilege to support Christian missionary work, and Grace, Auburn, has been blessed to do so for many years. This invitation is an acknowledgement of that partnership and all of the people of Grace are more deserved than I to travel to Nigeria. But I will remember that I represent all of you.
Also attending the celebration will be my friend Pastor Bob Smith, emeriti pastor from Frankenmuth who has served in the mission field, and coincidentally was ordained into the ministry at the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria. Now it is 25 years later. I was fortunate to be his partner back in the 90s in planning youth mission trips from Valley Lutheran High School to Novgarod, Russia, and again to Hong Kong. This time we travel together from Flint to Lagos, Nigeria, and thereafter to points inland.
It is a recognition of the alliance of support congregations like Grace with the Lord’s work in Nigeria that this invitation was extended. I only came to know of the opportunity recently, but the occasion is too special to pass. My thanks to those who have given encouragement and support. I thank you for your prayers for the Lutheran Church of Nigeria and for those gathering to rejoice in God’s grace upon her.
