Lagos, Nigeria

Akwa Ibom, Nigeria

Asaba, Nigeria

Calabar, Nigeria

Accra, Ghana

THANK YOU

“For the ministry of this service [giving] is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God.”

[2 Cor 9:12]

Thank you to the brothers and sisters who have labored with me in this great cause in Africa. You have supported my needs in such abundance that we’ve been able to help others, including Patrick Ochieng in Kenya, orphans in Nigeria, and the preaching of the gospel in Ghana. Thank you for your labor of love, encouragement, and lifting my burden. Paul says, “And they will have deep affection for you in their prayers on your behalf because of the surpassing grace of God in you [vs14].” It is God’s grace that makes us generous and willing to lay our life down to serve this gospel.

The work is going well, and I’m encouraged. A pastor here, Victor, has stepped aside to be taught the gospel message. He saw me preaching on the street, and I’ve been preaching for him since late May. I’ve occupied his pulpit Sundays, Tues, Weds, and we do open air preaching on Thurs. We meet with a few others for Preacher’s Class on Saturdays, currently going through Romans, after studying Eph 1-2. I believe Ephesians is a clear testimony of grace, and Romans is the most important book in Scripture to understand the doctrine of Christ. I’m preaching Romans at the church 3 days a week, and the men review the chapter verse by verse each Saturday. I find this helpful to them and myself: it is a time to get at the Scriptures and make sure that we understand.

We’ve dealt with imputed righteousness in Romans. This is contrary to the religion of Nigeria, which is a hodgepodge of paying for blessings and making yourself righteous by all night prayer meetings, superstition, and hyper emotionalism. Most have never heard the gospel and trust themselves to be better than others.

I’ve also been particularly struck by Rom 6-8. Paul tells us about the newness of life - that we cannot take Christ’s death without the resurrection life that He also gives. This brings us to the necessity of the Spirit, as the flesh has not improved, and we need God’s help through the gospel to overcome. This has been my most profitable time in Romans and perhaps any study of Scripture.

We are planning a pastor’s conference Aug 23-24, 2019, which we hope will expand to other places in this area. Elders Taye and Enyioko from Crown Reformed Church, Lagos, as well as one or two others, will assist in the teaching. The theme is Preaching Christ: Who is He, and How Do We Preach Him? Victor suggested a conference, so others could hear what he is learning.

False prophets run rampant in Nigeria, infiltrating every part of life with corruption and deceit. It is a horrible scene. False promises are made, lying signs and wonders are trusted, and the gospel message of the early missionaries, like Mary Slessor (who helped end the killing of twins,) is forgotten. It can, however, be heard in the hymns, and I can boldly say, “See. What I’m preaching has been here, but it’s been taken away long ago and replaced with prosperity preaching that only prospers the preacher.”

The gospel, however, is the most powerful force in the world - used by God to give salvation - to convict, convince, warn, and recover [Rom 1:16]. It is eye opening and life giving. Do not despair in your own community, but keep going day by day. Get the gospel into your heart, and serve God in whatever way He directs you.

I am publishing a book for the conference (80 pages), so that people will have something to read, take with them, and they will be encouraged to attend. I believe the gospel should be free. “Freely you have received, so freely give.” I cannot imagine Paul charging. How valuable would the book of Romans be, if he sold it? I believe it is the responsibility of the saints to band together to support the gospel reaching the lost. We will collect an offering, but we will not charge for the conference or the book. If you are able to help, then thank you!

My health has been good. I had one scare with about 400 “bites” on my legs, back, and arms. The doctor was not sure of the cause (perhaps bed bugs while preaching somewhere more remote, sand fleas, or an allergic reaction). Nevertheless, I eventually got medication, and I have been doing well since. I seem to get sick less often than the locals.

I feel safe, and I’m greatly encouraged by preaching with surprising boldness. My motto has been the stunning words of Micaiah, the little known prophet, who said, “As the Lord lives, I will say whatever my God says [2 Chron 18:13].” He was told to agree with the lying prophets, and he would not, at great cost to himself. I’ve seen God bless this kind of preaching.

May the Lord bless you richly for Jesus Christ’s sake. May He cause His face to shine upon you and comfort you. May you be encouraged by the work in Nigeria and Sub Saharan Africa.

Here is a link to pictures. I preached the gospel to almost everyone in these pics, and I’m encouraged, thankful, and humbled by it. What an opportunity!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QTejrVPXRNdaY6E6A

Heshimu Colar, Evangelist

The Gospel Fellowship Africa

PayPal: heshimucolar@gmail

Mailing address: 592 Blom Dr, San Jose CA 95111 USA

Whatsapp: +234 817 125 5603

Audio Sermons: www.sermonaudio.com/thegospelfa