Last fall the Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria (CRCN) commissioned Rev. Ezekiel James Sudu, his wife, Tabitha, and their children to serve in Sierra Leone for at least two years, beginning in February. Excitement for the Sudus’ new ministry is so high that by the time of their commissioning service, the family had received more than 15 months of financial support.
The Sudus’ appointment to Sierra Leone shows the growth of the Nigerian church since Christian Reformed World Missions (CRWM) began ministry in Nigeria almost 70 years ago. Churches that began out of North American evangelism efforts are now sharing the gospel with others.
“[Rev. Sudu’s] service in the Eastern Kambari Area (EKA) and passion for cross-cultural work led the CRCN to appoint him to work in Sierra Leone,” says Matthew Lanser, a CRWM missionary who met Sudu in the EKA. Sudu had worked in the EKA for five years, encouraging the evangelists there.
The Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria is one of CRWM’s ministry partners in Nigeria. In 1974 CRCN formed a missions department to work with some of Nigeria’s 60 unreached people groups. This marks the first time it has reached into a mission field outside Nigeria.
Sudu joins Rev. John Phiri, a CRWM-supported missionary from the Christian Reformed Church of Zambia, in ministering to the rapidly growing Christian Reformed Church of Sierra Leone (CRCSL). CRWM, CRCN, and CRCSL are partnering to support Sudu’s ministry.
About the Authors
Phil de Haan is a freelance writer at de Haan Communications.
Sarah Van Stempvoort is a writer with Christian Reformed World Missions.
