Gems Found in the Light of Truth

“Are you sure you’ll be okay? I’ve heard it’s not easy.”

I often heard these words from Zion members as I prepared for my short-term mission to Africa. I knew that sowing the seeds of truth in a spiritually barren land would be far from easy, and whenever I heard such concerns, my resolve wavered. Even so, I could not turn back, because the souls there kept weighing on my heart.

Ever since returning from a mission trip to Kenya a few years earlier, I had remained deeply interested in the gospel work in Africa. My heart ached for those who fervently believed in God yet wandered without knowing the truth. I earnestly hoped that God’s word would quickly spread throughout the continent so that everyone could receive salvation. Nigeria, in particular, stayed on my mind. Although it was Africa’s most populous country, with around 230 million people, there was only one Zion in the entire country. As I continued praying to God for the blessing of overseas mission work, I was finally given the opportunity to join a short-term mission to Nigeria.

After a 21-hour journey via Qatar, I arrived in Lagos, the industrial hub of southern Nigeria. After going through some unexpected difficulties at immigration, we finally reached Zion in Lagos, which was much smaller than I had imagined. Holding back the emotions welling up inside me, I clasped my hands in prayer in the sanctuary and earnestly prayed that God Elohim. Though Zion was still small and humble, I asked God to accomplish a great work of the gospel in that place where the truth was being preached. With more than 15 million people living in Lagos alone, there seemed to be boundless potential for the gospel.

There are many Christians in southern Nigeria, where Lagos is located. The people we met had deep faith in God and readily listened to the message we shared. Their love for the Bible and their faithfulness in keeping Bible study appointments revealed a sincere and unspoiled heart. Although the weather was extremely hot and electricity and running water were frequently cut off, I hardly noticed the fatigue as more and more people began seeking the words of life. Each day was simply filled with gratitude.

However, many eventually returned to their former faith, even after acknowledging that the new covenant was the truth of salvation. I realized how important it was to help them establish firm faith and turn their hearts wholeheartedly toward God Elohim. All we could do was continue teaching them God’s word with compassion and patience, following the example Heavenly Father had set for us.

Though we were not fluent in the language, we opened the Bible and taught them again and again. At times, I felt pressed for time knowing that we had only about ten days. Yet what mattered most was finding even one soul who would sincerely follow God to the very end. So we did not give up. We explained God’s commandments one by one and helped them discern between truth and falsehood. Some came several times to study the Bible, and one person returned more than six times.

On Friday, just two days before our return to Korea, the precious soul we had been waiting for finally received the blessing of new life. The sister had taken notes as we taught her God’s word, then looked up the passages in her Bible at home and became convinced that what she had learned was the truth. The following day, on the Sabbath, she came to worship neatly dressed. She also shared God’s word with her children and brought her youngest daughter to Zion that same day.

Beginning with the sister’s youngest daughter, two more people came before God that Sabbath. All three had studied the Bible in depth and joyfully come to Zion to receive the Second Coming Christ and Heavenly Mother. How could we have found such precious heavenly sisters in just ten short days if it had not been for the power of God? Even now that I have returned to Korea, wonderful news continues to reach me from across the sea that those who had been studying God’s word have received the blessing of new life. I can only give thanks to God Elohim.

Africa had once been an unfamiliar land to me. Judging only by outward circumstances, it might seem like a barren field for the gospel. Yet what I experienced firsthand was entirely different. It was a land filled with people who knew how to worship God, a place rich with souls ready to hear the gospel. One Sunday during our mission, I was amazed by how quiet the streets were. I was told that it was because everyone had gone to church. They simply did not yet know the truth. If only they could hear the true teachings of the Bible, they could serve God Elohim with their sincere faith. For us, entrusted with the mission of preaching the gospel, Africa was a land of prophecy where we could find souls as precious as gems in the light of truth.

The gospel work in Nigeria continues with great fervor even now, and I too try to lend what little strength I can through prayer. I earnestly pray that the light of truth will soon spread throughout all 36 states of Nigeria.