“One who never visits the neighbour’s farm always thinks that his is the biggest”. I was struck by this Nigerian observation that transcended borders and cultures. Expressed differently across the world it carries the same meaning regardless of geographic location. Some, never given an opportunity, do not ever get to see across the fence. Others never bother looking. Those, who get to see the neighbour’s farm, are driven by various factors. Some force the issue by summoning the power of selfish ambition; others prepare and pray, waiting for God to use them when their time comes. Chris unquestionably falls into the latter category. Calm and almost serene, his godly humility is palpable as he confidently recounts his life, or rather his service to the Lord.
In the world, the words humility and confidence typically clash with the ferocity of bitter and irreconcilable rivals. In God, they can co-exist in an amazing harmony. Chris Ishola’s walk with the Lord started early as he grew up in a Christian family with his father running a Baptist mission near Lagos, Nigeria. At about twelve Chris knew that he wanted to serve God. But going directly into the ministry was not exactly on his mind. With financial hardships commonplace this path was not always a viable option with many a church relying on volunteer leadership.
After contemplating his academic future, Chris chose accountancy, a profession that offered not only a rewarding career but also a chance to support Chris’s passion – missions. His professional career and missions came to satisfying fruition after joining The Christ Embassy in Lagos. This large and growing church offered opportunity aplenty. Chris, together with five others, decided to start a satellite church and spread the gospel in one of the suburbs of the huge metropolis. They were undaunted, renting a building and spending much of their after work hours in the neighbourhood evangelization campaigns. God rewarded their efforts with many a convert to Jesus. Chris thanked God and continued praying for God’s will in his live.
Sometime in the late 1990s, Chris was sent by his employer, a bank, to set up a new branch in Port Harcourt, the capital of the burgeoning Nigerian oil industry. Going to this, not the friendliest of places, Chris could have been puzzled with new destination God called him to. Instead he welcomed the opportunity. As he arrived one of the first people he met there was someone special. Now the purpose of his trip was clear and few moths later Chris returned to Lagos with his wife Augusta.
By 1999, God was calling Chris and Augusta to a different mission field – Canada. So in 2001, after spending a couple of years in Britain, they arrived here. God was first in their hearts and Chris, after re-establishing himself as professional accountant, received his new mission assignment. This came in good time, as Chris was asked to help with the teaching of Starting Point at Calvary. Once again, God rewarded Chris with a chance to serve him.
“What’s next?” Chris just humbly raised his eyes toward heaven and placed himself in the hands of the Almighty. Assured and confident in divine providence, he knows for sure that whatever he will be doing next will have God’s seal of approval on it.
In the world, the words humility and confidence typically clash with the ferocity of bitter and irreconcilable rivals. In God, they can co-exist in an amazing harmony. Chris Ishola’s walk with the Lord started early as he grew up in a Christian family with his father running a Baptist mission near Lagos, Nigeria. At about twelve Chris knew that he wanted to serve God. But going directly into the ministry was not exactly on his mind. With financial hardships commonplace this path was not always a viable option with many a church relying on volunteer leadership.
After contemplating his academic future, Chris chose accountancy, a profession that offered not only a rewarding career but also a chance to support Chris’s passion – missions. His professional career and missions came to satisfying fruition after joining The Christ Embassy in Lagos. This large and growing church offered opportunity aplenty. Chris, together with five others, decided to start a satellite church and spread the gospel in one of the suburbs of the huge metropolis. They were undaunted, renting a building and spending much of their after work hours in the neighbourhood evangelization campaigns. God rewarded their efforts with many a convert to Jesus. Chris thanked God and continued praying for God’s will in his live.
Sometime in the late 1990s, Chris was sent by his employer, a bank, to set up a new branch in Port Harcourt, the capital of the burgeoning Nigerian oil industry. Going to this, not the friendliest of places, Chris could have been puzzled with new destination God called him to. Instead he welcomed the opportunity. As he arrived one of the first people he met there was someone special. Now the purpose of his trip was clear and few moths later Chris returned to Lagos with his wife Augusta.
By 1999, God was calling Chris and Augusta to a different mission field – Canada. So in 2001, after spending a couple of years in Britain, they arrived here. God was first in their hearts and Chris, after re-establishing himself as professional accountant, received his new mission assignment. This came in good time, as Chris was asked to help with the teaching of Starting Point at Calvary. Once again, God rewarded Chris with a chance to serve him.
“What’s next?” Chris just humbly raised his eyes toward heaven and placed himself in the hands of the Almighty. Assured and confident in divine providence, he knows for sure that whatever he will be doing next will have God’s seal of approval on it.
No comments:
Post a Comment