The mission field tests faith in ways many people never see. Sometimes it is not persecution or rejection that stretches the soul, but quiet lack—needs that press heavily on the heart while there is no visible help in sight.
My son, Preach, a second-year university student, was expected to return to school shortly after resumption. However, because the funds for his school fees, welfare, and transportation were not available, he had to remain at home and wait for my return from the field. Days turned into weeks. His course mates kept calling to update him on how rapidly lectures had begun. This was the first time he had stayed home this long after school resumed.
As the days passed, I noticed a change in him. He was physically present at home, but his heart was already in Calabar. The weight of his delay was evident. As a father, I felt the burden deeply. As a missionary working among unreached people groups, I had reached the end of my resources.
I prayed and committed the situation to God. There was no immediate answer. Eventually, I told the Lord, “This matter is now beyond me.” It was not resignation; it was surrender.
Two days later, my son came into my room and said, “Dad, I have come to tell you that I will be going back to school tomorrow.”
I was shocked and asked, “Are you telling me or informing me?”
He replied, “I am both telling and informing you.”
For the first time, my son spoke to me in a way that revealed the tension he had been carrying. I asked him to leave the room. When he did, I turned to God and cried out from the depths of my heart:
“Lord, my children will not hate You because You called me into missions among the unreached. You promised to supply my needs. You said a laborer is worthy of his wages.”
I wept.
About five minutes into that prayer, my phone beeped. It was a text message from Pastor Denis Inyang—a Pastor I had known for over fifteen years, who had never before sent me a text. The text read:
“Good day, Man of God. Wipe your tears. God is able to meet your needs. Please send me your account number.”
God had answered.
The money was sent, and my tears turned to rejoicing. The next morning, my son left for school. It’s so amazing, so heartwarming to know that the very moment I was crying in my small room in Bebi, Obanliku LGA of Cross River State, God was moving a man in Lagos—over Fourteen hours away—to meet a need he did not know.
This is a reminder to every missionary and believer: God sees. God hears. God provides. He does not forget those who serve Him in hidden places.
Scriptures for Faith and Encouragement
- “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
- “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” — Psalm 34:15
- “A laborer is worthy of his wages.” — Luke 10:7
- “Before they call, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” — Isaiah 65:24