From the Superintendent's DESK

Our team in Benin observed the Lord’s Day at the Jericho church, beginning with Sunday school. During the general assembly, the elementary school children sang in French, inviting everyone, “Come and go with me, to my Father’s house, where there’s joy, joy, joy.” We did have a joyful time.

The devotional service was well-attended by perhaps five hundred or more, as all three levels of the church sanctuary were full. It began with a children’s program, in which the younger Sunday school students marched in while waving various national flags and singing “As a Volunteer (for Jesus).” The older students were dressed in costumes, some as soldiers, and presented a skit. At the conclusion of the program, the younger children again marched while waving their flags and singing, “A call for loyal soldiers comes to one and all.”

The service continued with the choir and orchestra performing “The Marvelous Work,” which featured a solo. Then the choir sang “Let’s Preach the Word, Brothers.” Following the congregational singing and opening prayer, the choir provided another song featuring a solo: “There is No Other.”

The Scripture reading was taken from Acts 16:25-31, which tells how the Philippian jailer came to ask Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Then, before the message, the choir sang “Back to Bethel.” The sermon was taken from Acts 16:32-34 and focused on the impact of the Gospel on the Philippian jailer and his household. A good prayer service followed the message and was still ongoing when it was time for us to leave.  

We returned to the Jericho church at 6:00 for an evening of music. It began with the orchestra number “Praise the Lord” followed by a violin solo, and both were inspiring. Though I could not understand the words of the choir, they made a joyful noise unto the Lord. First, they sang in French “Affermis Mes Pas” or “Strengthen My Steps” and then presented two songs in the Ewe language, including “Akpe na Mawu,” which is “Thank God.” During the evening, we also heard from a men’s choir singing “Glorieuse Liberté” (“Glorious Freedom”), and a sextet singing “Dis à Jésus” (“Tell Jesus”). In addition to the music, we appreciated hearing Stella Adigun, the wife of Brother Isaac, give her testimony. The concert was a wonderful way to conclude the Lord’s Day.  

On Tuesday, we are scheduled to return to Nigeria before continuing to Ghana for the remainder of the camp meeting which began on Sunday, August 28.