As a church teacher and agent of the Gospel, I have come to understand that mission is not just an activity or program—it is the very heartbeat of the Church. The call to go out, preach, and disciple nations is what gives the Church its purpose, its life, and its direction. For me, mission is not something that can be left to a few; it must be the concern of every priest, every leader, and every believer in the Church. My own experience serving for eight years in the Mbamili mission, under the Anglican Diocese on the Niger, has taught me just how vital this is.
Understanding Mission as Central to the Church’s Identity
The Church exists to fulfill the Great Commission given by our Lord Jesus Christ:
“Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
This directive is the core of our identity as the body of Christ. The Church is not meant to be static, focused inward on its own survival, but outward, reaching out to the lost, the marginalized, and those who have yet to experience the transformative power of the Gospel.
As a church agent, I have come to see that every priest must take this commission to heart. Without mission, the Church loses its purpose.
The Call to Mbamili: My Experience
When I was sent to serve in the Mbamili mission, I knew it would be a challenge. The area, located in the riverine parts of Anambra State, presents difficult terrain and lacks basic infrastructure. Life there is hard, with poor access to healthcare, education, and other essential services. However, as a church teacher, I understood that this was precisely the kind of place where the light of Christ needed to shine.
For eight years, I had the privilege of walking with the people of Mbamili, sharing their burdens, celebrating their joys, and helping them to see how much God loves them. It was not easy. There were days when I wondered if I could make a real difference, but God’s grace was always sufficient.
I saw firsthand how mission, when pursued with a heart for service, can transform lives—not just those of the people being served, but also the servant.
Highlights of My Time in Mbamili
1. Spiritual Growth and Renewal:
One of the greatest joys of my time in Mbamili was seeing the spiritual hunger of the people and being able to nurture it. As I preached the Gospel, taught the Word of God, and administered the sacraments, I watched the local church grow in faith. There was a hunger for God’s Word that inspired me to keep going, even when the challenges felt overwhelming. Mission work is not just about numbers; it’s about seeing lives transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. Education and Community Development:
Being a church agent is not just about spiritual matters; it is about addressing the whole person. I realized early on that the lack of educational opportunities in Mbamili was a serious barrier to the community’s development. We worked together to establish schools and create learning environments where children could thrive. Education, I believe, is one of the most powerful tools of mission because it equips people to rise above their circumstances and achieve their God-given potential.
3. Advocating for the Marginalized:
Mbamili is a region often neglected by government services. Part of my role as a priest was to be a voice for the people, advocating for better infrastructure, healthcare, and access to basic amenities. The Gospel message is one of justice and love, and I felt called to ensure that the people of Mbamili received the dignity and support they deserved. Being a church teacher in such a context means stepping into the gap and ensuring that the community’s needs are met, not just spiritually, but physically and socially.
4. Raising New Leaders:
One of the key aspects of my mission work was mentoring young priests and lay leaders. I firmly believe that mission is not a one-man job; it requires the collective effort of the whole body of Christ. Over the years, I had the privilege of working with many young leaders, helping them to grow in their own understanding of mission and preparing them to take up the mantle once I moved on. A church without strong, mission-minded leaders will struggle to sustain itself. My goal was to leave behind a church in Mbamili that could continue to thrive long after I was gone.
Mission: The Responsibility of Every Priest
Through my experience, I have learned that mission is not just a job for a few passionate individuals—it is the responsibility of every priest. As a church agent, my role is not to sit within the walls of the church, waiting for people to come in, but to go out into the world and bring the Gospel to where it is needed most. Mission work is demanding, but it is also deeply rewarding because it aligns with God’s heart for humanity.
I believe that every priest is called to be a missionary in their own right. Whether serving in a rural area like Mbamili or in a bustling city, the mission field is all around us. The Church cannot afford to be complacent. We must be willing to go where others won’t, to serve where it is hard, and to speak where others are silent.
Conclusion
My time in Mbamili was a defining chapter in my ministry as a church teacher and agent of the Gospel. It reinforced in me the conviction that mission is the heartbeat of the Church, and that every priest must make it their concern.
If we are faithful to this call, we will see the Church grow, both in numbers and in spiritual depth. Mission is not easy, but it is necessary, and it is the very thing that will keep the Church alive and thriving in the years to come.
