A BRIEF REFLECTION OF MY CALL INTO MISSIONS
In 1993, I was involved in prayers for labourers to fill vacant posts in SU (Nigeria) then. I was convicted to be one of the ‘answers’ to such prayers. With the consent of my wife and further clarifications in prayers of dedication and knowing the will of God, I applied to Scripture Union (Nigeria) then. I was interviewed along with others. The National Council of Scripture Union of August, 1993 approved my appointment as the Pioneer Missions’ Director of newly established Missions Department of the Union. The appointment coincided with the Scripture National Conference. I was called forward as ministers and leaders of the Church present laid hands on me for grace and dedication unto this new appointment. This was when I knew and marked as God’s call upon my life into full-time ministry. I resumed the office as Missions Director on 4th January, 1994.
The Scripture Union Missions Board was inaugurated on 19th February, 1994 at Portharcourt. By my new appointment, I was challenged to seek God the more in earnest prayers and consult books on missions’ strategy so as to give direction to the Union in missions’ involvements. I attended Nigeria Evangelical Missionary Institute between 1994 and 1995 for one year training in missions’ courses. This training meant a lot to equip me for the new assignment as a missionary leader. During the course of training, I have been able to receive of the Lord sense of direction in leading the missionary work of the Union. Our trainers then: Mrs. Lois Fuller (Dean), Rev. Segun Adekoya (Principal), Femi Lewu (now FemiOluwafemi) and Sam Are all contributed to the making of a man that God could use. My prayer partner, Jeromme Aresse from Togo agreed with me on issues and used to pronounce in prayers enlargement for me in the ministry.
The courses we offered were all embracing for life and callings into missions and ministries. We enjoyed seasoned lecturers who gave us in-depth knowledge in Missiology. Actually, what I learnt at NEMI then apart from helping me to lead well as Head of Department; prepared me well for my Master in Missions six years later (that was in year 2000 – 2002 at Africa International University, Nairobi, Kenya formerly Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology, Kenya). Moreover, I know that NEMI experience and exposure was part of God’s preparation for me to become the General Director/CEO of Scripture Union (Nigeria) from 2004 till 2013 completed two tenures of five years each.
I have recommended NEMI to quite number of Christians who have missionary call. Scripture Union had sent some of her missionaries to NEMI. I am a current visiting Lecturer to NEMI. I feel so indebted to God for what He has used NEMI to contribute to my life and calling.
Currently, after retirement, with my wife, Rev. Dr. Mrs Oladeji Adenike Felicia we registered Joyous Innovations Sixty-seven enterprise focusing on running holistic theological and leadership training institute both online and real life time, vocational institute, Literacy Development including Community Library services, and Consultancy.
I am committed to mentoring and reproducing leaders for both religious and secular organizations. For more details and resources, please visit my website: www.oriyomioladeji.com.
