Here is a letter I sent to my own parish family as a few did not know the background to my new vocation as a missionary. It's a little bit about my story.
Dear Resurrection Family~
In Jesus Name. Amen!
I have been asked to write the story on how I have been called to serve in Nigeria. So I thought it best to put it all down in writing. I am quite sure there will be many details left out but let us remember that God is in control of all things and He is to be glorified above all!
Back in 2010 God called me into a new season as I moved back to Atlanta to help my sister take of our mother who only had a few months to live as her cancer became untreatable. I knew The Episcopal Church was no longer welcoming of evangelical and orthodox clergy and an old acquaintance of mine, The Rev. Foley Beach welcomed me into the new Anglican Diocese of The South. He invited me to seek out the CANA churches on the south side of town and there I met our Vicar, The Venerable Ugo Okoroafor, who welcomed me into the Resurrection family.
For the past couple of years I have been in search of a parish where I could receive a stipend even interviewing three times for various positions. But alas, our good Lord did not call me to any of those positions. So in the meantime I worked various secular jobs and serving Resurrection Church under the leadership of our Vicar. And it was he who opened up an opportunity for me to go to Nigeria, specifically The Diocese of Isiala-Ngwa South to assist The Rt. Rev. Isaac Nwaobia. As you know the Anglican Church in Nigeria is growing. After meeting with Bishop Isaac last summer, he invited me to come and work with him on some projects subsequently honoring me a preferment as Canon. Those projects are unfolding but he has a vision for a high school so the youth do not have to go out of the area for their education. They already have DINS Academy for the primary grades. So funding for this will need to take place! I spoke with Bishop Isaac last week and he is very keen on helping his clergy 'see the world'. One aspect of this to enable his clergy to come to the States for a short period of time. This I believe is essential. Obviously I did not really know Nigeria at all until I went there last fall. I think it would be helpful for the clergy as leaders to see how a country can operate with roads and power that are consistently in good shape for starters. I have also been invited to teach at Trinity College, Umuahia by the Rector, Ven. Michael Nwoko. Those details are being worked out now as I understand it!
For the past couple of years I have been in search of a parish where I could receive a stipend even interviewing three times for various positions. But alas, our good Lord did not call me to any of those positions. So in the meantime I worked various secular jobs and serving Resurrection Church under the leadership of our Vicar. And it was he who opened up an opportunity for me to go to Nigeria, specifically The Diocese of Isiala-Ngwa South to assist The Rt. Rev. Isaac Nwaobia. As you know the Anglican Church in Nigeria is growing. After meeting with Bishop Isaac last summer, he invited me to come and work with him on some projects subsequently honoring me a preferment as Canon. Those projects are unfolding but he has a vision for a high school so the youth do not have to go out of the area for their education. They already have DINS Academy for the primary grades. So funding for this will need to take place! I spoke with Bishop Isaac last week and he is very keen on helping his clergy 'see the world'. One aspect of this to enable his clergy to come to the States for a short period of time. This I believe is essential. Obviously I did not really know Nigeria at all until I went there last fall. I think it would be helpful for the clergy as leaders to see how a country can operate with roads and power that are consistently in good shape for starters. I have also been invited to teach at Trinity College, Umuahia by the Rector, Ven. Michael Nwoko. Those details are being worked out now as I understand it!
Each one of us has been endowed by our good Lord with certain gifts and abilities. I pray that my presence in Isiala-Ngwa South will impart some knowledge and experience to further equip the clergy as servants of Christ and ministers in His Church.
I hope this helps you understand how I came to be called to be a missionary to Nigeria. As Dr. Ugo reminded us New Years Eve, God has used him to birth people into new ministry and his life has been very pregnant. So I owe him much gratitude.
I know there will be many challenges ahead. Having spent six weeks earlier has helped me have realistic expectations on my future trip which should begin in February. I do not know how long I will stay although the Bishop has asked that I be there a year. As we were reminded Sunday in our Bible Study, when God asks us to do something we should be ready to say 'Here I am'.
There are many needs I have such as luggage and other expenses to help alleviate burden of my new hosts. Your prayers and gifts will be appreciated. You can hit the DONATE button on the upper right hand side of this page and donate any amount possible. The New Testament exhorts the churches to give generously for missionary activities. If you ever wish to talk to me more about this mission, you may reply to this email at padreallenp@aol.com I am quite sure there is more to say!
In Christ, A+
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