Daily Topic for February 08, 2008
The book of Micah foretells the impending fall of Israel and Judah, as well as the glorious coming of the Messiah. But the theme of the book is not the doom of Israel so much as the fact that “many nations” (4:2) will begin to look to God as their rightful King. It is an encouraging vision that Micah sees-of nations changing their implements of war into farming tools. Yet that day is still in the future. And so is the day when people from “every tribe, tongue, people, and nation” will honor God.
Lord, help us to work and pray while it is still day!
How does one measure the spiritual health and vitality of a country? One looks at its attitude about missions as evidenced by its outreach. One West African country’s mission efforts are exploding exponentially. Nigeria has seen a remarkable population explosion going from 16 million people in 1900 to over 140 million today and is projected to reach 200 million by 2025! However, its spiritual statistics are equally outstanding with half its population made up of mission-minded believers.
Once Nigeria was the focus of mission efforts, but a Wycliffe report estimates that for every one missionary who enters Nigeria, five nationals are going out as missionaries to other fields. These believers have done some good planning to maximize their efforts.
The Nigerian Evangelical Mission Association (NEMA) was organized 25 years ago as an umbrella agency to coordinate and support the mission efforts of more than 100 African denominations and mission agencies. It equips mission agencies with the tools they need to move forward effectively. It assists with leadership training and strategy planning. Its director, Tim Olonade, says, “We serve as a catalyst to the church and mission agencies to strengthen their world evangelization goals.”
Learn more at joshuaproject.netPray for the Lord to direct their plan to mobilize 50,000 Nigerians over the next 15 years to take the gospel through all the African nations and the Arabian Peninsula “Back to Jerusalem.”-JS
Next day: Muslim Hausa People
Previous day: Tamacheq People of Niger