MISSION UPDATE • NIGERIA 2026
From the heart of Lagos to the riverine communities of Epe, we encountered courageous church planters, gifted Bible teachers and a growing sense of what God may be opening up for our Commission family.
A young church with deep roots in Scripture
Our second visit to Nigeria in two years began in Ikeja with Love Squad, a two-year-old church plant led by Dr Kay and home to around 40 mostly young adults. We joined their anniversary celebrations and Gathered Around Scripture (GAS) conference, “The Other Worldlies – Men from Another World”.
Love Squad, Ikeja- celebrating two years of gospel-centered ministry.
Through studies of Abraham, Joseph, Mordecai, Gideon, Paul and others, young local speakers demonstrated impressive biblical depth and a clear love for Christ. In a setting where distorted teaching can be prominent, their commitment to Scripture was refreshing. These are leaders under whose ministry I would gladly sit and serve.
We also met a prospective church planter preparing to plant in Sagamu within the next 12–18 months. He shares many of our values and is already involved in Commission’s pioneering training. It is early days, but the potential for friendship and partnership is exciting.
Faithful witness in difficult soil
In Epe, Pastor Kunmi Ojo and Abundant Life Assembly welcomed us into a very different setting. For more than 30 years, this church has served a predominantly Muslim community, planted three further churches and continued to dream of reaching surrounding villages.
The Abundant Life Assembly choir in Epe, with visiting friends.
At a one-day “Fresh Fire” leaders’ conference, I spoke from 1 and 2 Peter about perseverance and hope; Les Wheeldon spoke from Isaiah 6 about God’s purifying fire. Our encouragement was simple: sometimes fresh fire is not something entirely new, but God causing old truths to burn brightly in us again.
Kunmi’s ministry is a compelling picture of love in action. He has welcomed many orphans into his home and helped children through education, including university. His standing in the community reflects decades of patient, sacrificial service. We have much to learn from him about reaching Muslim neighbours.
A family on a mission
Our travelling team was Segun, Chester and Les, joined by Theresa and Teacher from our Commission family in Ghana. Across both visits, we sensed that many gifted leaders are not seeking a bigger platform: they are looking for a spiritual home and a family with whom to advance the gospel.
Theresa from Ghana joined the mission visit.
The next question is how to nurture these relationships well. Could churches across our hub partner with emerging African churches through prayer, visits, encouragement and appropriate financial support, while strengthening local leadership and long-term sustainability?
We came home grateful and hopeful. The gospel flame in Nigeria is not out; in many places it is burning brightly, far from the spotlight. Our privilege is to recognise what God is already doing and stand alongside those He has raised up.
