WHY I LOVE NIGERIA

“For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the LORD” (Hab 2:14; NLT)

To many people I sound strange… I am an expatriate living in Nigeria since 1980. I am an ‘oyinbo’ (that is how white people are called in Nigeria). I came here as an unbeliever. I worked as a doctor for almost twenty years. I am now born again and in full time ministry with my husband of forty years, Pastor Richmond Leigh.  We have started a church in our hospital building. God has surprised us with His mercies and grace beyond our wildest dreams. We are very happy as a couple, as parents and grandparents. Most of all we are blessed to be the leaders of a living church filled with the most wonderful people on the planet. If you do not believe these words, it is easy, come and see…

One of the things I love about the Holy Spirit is that when He ‘comes down’ and moves in our church, everybody knows that it is HIM! All doubts flee! This is the testimony of our church: Each Sunday visitors come. They are from different denominations and many ideas about the doctrines of the Bible. But one thing is sure, once the Wind of the Holy Spirit begins to blow, they all, in one accord, bow their heads and knees in worship and adoration. In the presence of the Holy Spirit each one searches his heart to look for sins hidden from the eyes of men.

You feel the need to confess and repent. You feel this strong desire to repent and change your life. You feel the need to come to know Jesus, to come closer and serve God. Stingy people suddenly become generous and make pledges that sound crazy an hour before.  The weak becomes strong! The shy ones receive courage to propose marriage. And other wonderful things like that…

As pastors, our main purpose is to acknowledge, honor and host the person of God the Holy Spirit. Once that is done, the rest is easy and all things fall into place. I have not seen any man too strong for the Holy Spirit to bend. This is the secret of our lives, ministries and church. If you are a tourist and you want to visit Warri Nigeria, there is no much help I can give to you. Even after more than 34 years living here, I still find it hard to recommend a particular place, park, restaurant or hotel. But one thing is sure, God loves this place and the people here are wonderful. In the US, where our children live, if you want to watch a movie you go to the movie house. If you want some entertainment, you go to the down-town where some action is taking place. If you want to hear about God then you have to drive to a church, during their service (not too early and not too late). But in Warri, things are much simpler.  You go and visit your friends (and you area always welcome) or just go along the streets. Do not be intimidated by the noise and the crowds. You will see action and you will hear prayers from morning till night. It is true that not all things are edifying, but one thing is sure, you will never be bored in Nigeria. CNN may not quote my letter, but this is the truth, I love Nigeria!

Revival’s wind is blowing in Father’s House Bible Church Warri Nigeria. As one of the senior pastors and as one who lives in the building I confirm that God loves Warri Nigeria! I confirm that all is not a tragedy here! That there is light at the end of the tunnel! That against all odds, the hope of glory has taken abode in this strange and beautiful land called Nigeria! Amen!

In Christ I declare:

God loves Nigeria!

There is hope for Nigeria!

Nigeria shall be filled with the awareness of the glory of God!

In Jesus name

Amen!