Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 19
March 28, 1968
NUMBER 46, PAGE 2b-3a

Going To Nigeria

James E. Link

To My Brethren in Christ:

At the end of the summer the Lord willing, my family and I will be going to Nigeria to labor in that fruitful vineyard of the Lord. Our decision was based on the need for gospel preachers to go to this fruitful area and continue the good work already started there by others, along with much thought and prayer.

We were engaged in a study of Ghana, and was planning to go to work in that area. Since I could not find all the information I needed in books, I wrote to brother Diestelkamp for certain information on the way of life and the people of Africa. He immediately answered my letter, and told me all the reasons why I should consider Nigeria, if I were interested in Africa. One letter led to another, and soon I was on the phone to brothers Pennock and Speers about this. The word began to spread of my interest in Africa, and the encouragement and enthusiasm these men showed for the work there was indeed rewarding. My desire is to be where the Lord can best use me as His steward, and presently I feel Nigeria has that need. Much has already been accomplished here by brethren Leslie Diestelkamp, James Sasser, George Pennock, Robert Speer and James Gay, not to mention others. There is still much to be done.

Look At The Advantages There:

1. In two years in Nigeria, one preacher will proclaim the gospel to more people who have never heard it than the average preacher will in a lifetime in America.

2. One preacher will baptize more people in two years there, than will twenty five preachers here in the states in the same period of time.

3. The people are receptive to the gospel. Street preaching is very productive. There are many of these meetings that draw crowds of one hundred or more. Many of these have never heard the gospel, and will stay long after the meeting to ask questions. How much would we pay here in the states to preach to that many aliens?

4. One gospel preacher will hold more Bible classes and train more men to go out and preach the word than can be done by a dozen average preachers here in the states. This information has been stated before in the Guardian by other men that have been to Nigeria. This is indeed one of the most prosperous country's in the world today for the Lord's church. I am sure many of the Guardian readers will want to help in this effort.

Our Needs And How You Can Help

We will need $650.00 monthly personal support, as many things in Nigeria are much higher than in the U. S. For travel and working fund we will need $6,000.00 for a 2 year period. This may seem expensive to some, but consider the unlimited opportunities, and the fruitfulness of this work. This is surely one of the best investments in souls that can be found anywhere.

Ways You Can Help

1. Personal contributions, any sum of money will be acknowledged, and greatly appreciated.

2. Bring this matter before the congregation in which you worship, in that others may know of this good work and be able to help.

3. Congregations that have money on hand for preaching the gospel, will you help in either my support, or my work and travel fund? Some may have helped before in this work, and may want to help again in the need. All contributions may be sent on or before June 15th. All funds will be used as wisely as I know how to handle them. We will give reports of our progress and expenses monthly to those who contribute, and also to others that are interested. "Ye sent once and again unto my need. Phil. 4:16."

4. Put this to work in your budget for any amount, and I am sure the Lord will reward you many times over.

My brethren let's do the Lord's work in Nigeria. I will go, will you help to send me? There is indeed a tremendous need for preachers to go. Brother Diestelkamp has already returned to the U. S., and brother Gay will be leaving this summer. I am doing what is necessary on my part to prepare myself and my family to go, and the rest we will leave to the Lord. An article written by brother Diestelkamp in the Gospel Guardian, March 31, 1966: "The generosity of God's people amazes me. Less than three months ago I appealed for support and travel funds so that my wife and I could return to Nigeria for the gospel work. Without making a single trip or writing even a second letter, our minimum requirements have been promised." "MY CUP RUNNETH OVER" I trust I will be able to say "My cup runneth over."

Sincerely, James E. Link, 13065 110th Ave. N. E. Kirkland. Wash. 98033, Va 2-9049