Hungry for the truth
In November 2024 Colin Grimwood visited Nigeria with Chris Buss (from Hilperton) to speak at a Reformed Baptist conference in Port Harcourt on the south coast. Amidst poverty and distortions of the gospel, it was a joy to meet many people hungry for the truth of God’s word.
With a population of almost 235 million, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country. The north is mostly Muslim, but the south is predominantly Christian (in the broadest sense of the word). Almost everybody (except Muslims) in the south attends a church. However, the economy is in a bad way, with high unemployment and inflation running at over thirty percent. There is unrest and sporadic violence, and kidnapping is not uncommon. It was not safe for us to walk the streets, and we are grateful that the Lord protected us from all harm.
The airport is quite an experience! One person after another confronted with the same question, ‘Do you have anything for us?’ People would take our suitcases before we had time to object, hoping for a tip. Rather than give them money, we gave out Ultimate Questions. We met some of the same staff when leaving the country; they remembered us, and one showed us her copy of Ultimate Questions, which she had read. Her comment was, ‘This book is serious, isn’t it?’
Driving can be hair-raising (although not as bad as India). It’s probably best to close your eyes, or just trust that your driver knows what he is doing! Most of the roads are dual carriageway. I think it is the only way to keep traffic separate—although it doesn’t always work, as some vehicles still drive the wrong way down the carriageway! Some of the potholes are extreme. There is some development though, as a flyover has recently been built, which has eased congestion. If you have a powerful politician in the area then money flows in and things can get done.
Reformed influence
At the end of a little, unpromising back street, we came to a gate. Once it opened, we were in a different world, with the Grand Venice Hotel greeting us. What a contrast to so many who live in dire poverty! Often whole families live in just one very basic room, without any facilities.
We were invited by Aniekan Ekpo (or Ani as everyone calls him)—pastor of Reformed Tabernacle, the first Reformed Baptist church in Nigeria. That was only twenty-six years ago, when Ani returned to the country after studying at the Reformed Baptist Theological Seminary in London. He is a delightful character. He has been running a theological seminary at his church since 2007. The students come from a variety of church backgrounds. We were introduced to a group of them, and they spoke of how helpful the seminary has been. Some had been seeking true biblical teaching and were so thankful to find it here. Some have become church planters and others now lecture at the seminary. One of them, called Christian, had been church planting before his wife died a year ago. He has now been taken on as an assistant to Ani.
A pivotal moment
Reformed churches are being established around southern Nigeria, but it is still a fledgling movement. Sadly, there is some disunity between the churches, which only hinders the spread of the gospel. They face huge challenges from extreme Charismatic and Prosperity Gospel churches. They are everywhere. We saw numerous posters advertising meetings such as ‘Miracle Crusade’, ‘Meeting of Millionaires’ and ‘Limitless Glory’. They attract large crowds with their false promises of health and wealth, while the pastors fleece the flock and become rich at the expense of the poor. Some have private jets and big mansions. One pastor gave a Rolls Royce as a gift to another. We saw one church which seats 100,000 people! It is so tragic, and such a travesty of the gospel.
One pastor we met believes that people are beginning to become disillusioned with these false messages. Some are put off Christianity altogether, but others are seeking the truth. It could be a pivotal moment for sound biblical churches.
Covenant theology
We were taken to a local radio station where we advertised the conference and introduced the topics. I got dubbed ‘the radio man’ when the presenter heard I worked in radio. Ani encouraged people with the promise of free books, including some of the Serving Today booklets. One of the titles was ‘Poverty and Prosperity’—so relevant to their situation.
The conference title was ‘God’s Eternal Covenant: Redemption and Grace in Christ.’ Perhaps not the snappiest title! Just over 200 people attended, including over 140 pastors from various churches, although not all at the same time. Chris spoke on some applications of God’s sovereignty. I gave an overview of the covenants in the Old Testament leading to the New Covenant in Christ. Other lectures were given by Nigerian pastors dealing with other aspects of covenant theology. The conference was greatly appreciated. We were measured up for Nigerian shirts to wear on the last day, which certainly added colour to the occasion!
Great resources
100Fold had provided one hundred SD cards to give to the pastors. These are such a great resource to help them in their understanding of God’s word and to model good preaching (they include many of Stuart Olyott’s sermons). The SD cards were eagerly received, as were copies of a book on the covenants, kindly donated by a UK church. Many also signed up to receive Serving Today programmes and booklets.
The Sunday was the church and pastor’s anniversary service. It lasted four hours, with ten hymns and both Chris and I preaching. We had to contend with the noise of a neighbouring charismatic church for a while, and then just as I stood up to preach we had yet another power cut. What a blessing—it silenced their PA system, so we could carry on without disturbance!
Over 200 people attended, many from other churches in the area. Some came when their own church services had finished. It was a testimony to how well Ani is loved and respected. He has laboured long and hard in the gospel and has been a great blessing to so many who have been hungry for the truth. However, he faces great difficulties. He receives criticism for his Reformed doctrine and his rejection of the false teaching that is so prevalent. He also has many personal problems. His wife is chronically ill and his daughter died suddenly earlier in the year. He lives in poverty, having no regular salary. However, he retains his vibrant enthusiasm for the Lord and his work. His fellow elders are really supportive of him and he has good fellowship with other pastors. He found our visit a great encouragement to his soul.
Mixed emotions
In the afternoon, I spoke at the Sunday School, where 260 children gathered from the neighbourhood—more than usual because of the promise of biscuits! To see them clutching a small packet of biscuits and think of what that meant to them in their deep poverty was very moving. Many of them also attend the day school that is run at the chapel.
I left with mixed emotions—valuing the fellowship I had enjoyed with Ani and others during the week and rejoicing in the fact that the true gospel is being preached and churches being planted, yet feeling for Ani in the trials he faces and saddened by the widespread false teaching that is robbing the people spiritually and physically. May the Lord visit Nigeria with revival power!