Lausanne World Pulse – Nigerian Church Takes the Gospel Back to Jerusalem with Vision 50:15

June 2006

By Timothy Olonade

NEMA is presently expanding its joint training institute to accommodate more students. Faculty members are preparing for the full operation of the vision and missionary training evaluation is progressing. In some cases, the vision is helping some of the large denominations rethink their missionary candidate training to enable them to train Nigerians for out-of-Nigeria postings.The most difficult part of the vision is the absence of adequate research. NEMA is currently working on a comprehensive research of the Nigerian harvest. Because of the need for a qualified research team, NEMA is seeking to mobilize and equip a team with the necessary Internet and computer resources so that they might supply the information needed to fulfill the vision.The fulfillment of Vision 50:15 could move forward if all the Baptists in Nigeria (who have over 3,200 local congregations) commit to raising 4,500 missionaries in fifteen years. It could also be accomplished if the Anglicans (who have more than twelve million adherents nationwide) commit to at least three thousand missionaries.

The huge capital required for this vision must come from all stakeholders of missions in Nigeria, both missions agencies and churches. NEMA has recently invested in a functional operational base and is currently seeking assistance to make sure the centre has all the technology it needs to fulfill its task. We trust that the bulk of the funds for this vision will come from the Nigerian Church; however, since this is a global vision that seeks to put Nigerian missionaries in thirty-eight countries, we pray that friends of the Nigeria missions movement from around the globe will come alongside us as well. Our prayer is to see Vision 50:15 fulfilled by 2020. Our prayer is that many people will be ushered into the kingdom as we make our way back to Jerusalem.

Timothy Olonade is executive secretary for the Nigerian Evangelical Missions Association (NEMA). He can be reached at [email protected]. He is also a missions mobilizer and publisher. Olonade has authored and co-authored over a dozen books on discipleship, missions, evangelism, human resources and missions strategy.

Comments on this article

Our church in the United States has been praying for two specific people groups in Chad. I hope and pray that Vision 50:15 will sweep through Chad with a powerful movement of the Holy Spirit. May God bless your efforts. In Christ’s service, Pastor Steve AckermanMariner’s Bethel United Methodist ChurchOcean View, Delaware

Steve :: 31 May 2007

I believe this is the cry of the hour for the Church of Nigeria. I know with God it can be accomplished with every local assembly playing active role.

victor Amosun :: 25 Sep 2006

This is terrific news. It is amazing how the Lord has raised up the Chinese Church with a similar vision to take the Gospel back to Jerusalem from the east (see www.backtojerusalem.com) and also Christians in southern Africa have a vision to take the Gospel up through Africa to Jerusalem as well. Come, Lord Jesus!

Jeff :: 22 Sep 2006

There is huge potential in the Nigerian Church for mediocrity or excellence, for disappointment or success. The challenge of Islam must be met in a biblical way and few know more about that than Nigerian believers in the north. We are fully persuaded that the right mixture of prayerfulness, humility and boldness will not fail to yield national, international and eternal results; ‘soli deo gloria’!

Gareth :: 30 Aug 2006

Dear Timothy, Thank you for this amazing report and vision; may the Lord bless you, NEMA and the Nigerian Church. I have the sense that you and your people are indeed able to lead this vision and pay the price that will be required. May I add a caution regarding pride? Your statement, in one paragraph, seems to make claims for the Nigerian Church that is better left unsaid. Surely the Nigerian Church has a rich history of struggle and faithfulness, and much to teach and offer. Nevertheless, it is better for us to say,”wortheless servant that I am” and then let the Lord say,”Good and faithful servant.” Let us humble ourselves before the Lord and he will exalt us in his own good time. Lovingly in Christ,Alex Araujo

Alex Araujo :: 14 Aug 2006

I thank God for the bold plan of the Nigerian Church to send out fifty thousand Nigerian missionaries to thirty-eight Muslim countries of North Africa and the Middle East in fifteen years. This is good news for the Church worldwide that a sizable chunk of the task of reaching the unreached is being shared by one of the dynamic Christian nations of our time.” Chacko Thomas, Missions Mobilisation network.

Chacko Thomas :: 8 Aug 2006

Way to go! With God nothing shall be impossible. The importance of prayers cannot be overstressed. Learning that it is not his will that anyone perish is such a comfort to challenge us to pray his will concerning this mission be done.

Tunde :: 8 Aug 2006

Thank God for such a vision. I am ready to be part of it with my whole heart. Brother Edward Otache. Kano State.

edward :: 7 Aug 2006

Great Vision!I believe Project 50:15 is very much achievable. A lot of prayer must be mobilised to stir the hearts of today’s leaders in the body of Christ,to rally round and ensure that this project is achieved. God has already given us all that it will take. May God make this project be accomplished in our days. Amen!

Ihezie Imo :: 7 Aug 2006

The challenge of ministry to the middle-East and the Islamic world is growing by the day as we see more hostilities across that region. It has to take passion, compassion and the sort of “let’s-go-for-it” boldness as NEMA’s Vision 50:15 charges to build up and maintain momentum. God is able; we just have to be willing and available.

Patrick :: 1 Aug 2006

Project 50:15 is one that must unite the Nigerian Church. It is my prayer that God will move leaders from every part of the body – mission leaders, prayer leaders, denominational leaders, leaders of student/youth ministries,leaders in the market place, etc… – to harmonise around this vision. O Lord, make this happen and take all the glory.

Madukauwa David :: 22 Jun 2006