by Joe Ranney

SIM (formerly Sudan Interior Mission) has been tremendously used of God all across the Sudan of Africa from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean. In Nigeria, a nation of about 120 million people, SIM's ministry has seen a phenomenal growth in the 100 years plus they have been ministering there. By using Johnstone's Operation World statistics, we can reasonably estimate the evangelical churches of West Africa to total a remarkable four million people!

To build this church infrastructure has required the training of many national believers through the years. Think how many church leaders are required-the number of pastors and teachers to carry out the local ministry. Then think of how many professors, district, and national leaders are required to train the pastors and teachers. This need is what brought Timothy Adebayo to Omaha, Nebraska about 40 years ago. He arrived at then Grace Bible Institute to learn the skills he needed to serve the people of his country.

As strong supporters of the school and my being a member of the Board of Directors, Virginia and I were active in all aspects of the school, especially in the lives of the students. We sought out and made many friends through the years with many of them, including Timothy. Upon graduation in 1962, he continued on at the University of Nebraska-Omaha for a Master's Degree in Education before returning home to Nigeria.

Because of our continuing friendship and contact through the years, we received a letter from Timothy in January of 1999 asking for our help. He asked if we could locate a number of books or commentaries for him. His two specific requests were for "McClintoch and Strong and as many books of H.A. Ironside as possible." As for other books and commentaries, he said; ". . . If Grace recommends a book, I shall have no problem with the doctrine of such books."

Dr. Stan Udd, at the Grace Library, helped me tremendously in selecting a broad range of study books and commentaries (single and multi-volume editions). Since many of these were used or surplus library books, their cost was insignificant. By March, and with a number of our own choice additions, we had over 150 pounds of books to ship in five boxes. We mailed them and waited. Two months and then three months passed with no word. July, August, September, and October all passed by. Now we were really praying, "Lord, please keep the books safe in transit. Lord, please get them to Timothy." November passed, then on December 28, the enclosed letter arrived from Timothy--Praise the LORD!

What a joy it was that the Lord allowed a couple of Iowa nobodies like us to have such a major influence in world missions and in Nigeria specifically. About 53 years ago now, we were students at Wheaton College. The Lord called us at that time to be "senders," not "go'ers" to the mission field. Little did we realize how we could "go" even while staying and sending from our own home here in Iowa.

Have you ever made a commitment to the Lord's "Great Commission" call to "go ye into all the world and preach the gospel?" I warmly invite you to join us in making that great commitment right now. Bring your Treasure, Talent, and Time to the Lord.

If you would like to "go" like we did--to use a popular phrase--"Just do it!" Here are some ideas:

1. Your church may know of a person like Timothy that needs books and other materials to further their vital work. They just need a catalyst on this side of the world to make it happen. Ask your pastor or missions committee if you could organize a book drive. You could collect books and donations for shipping costs. What an incredible way to teach "outreach" in your own congregation.
   
   
2. The purpose of the Back to the Bible Foundation's International Education Fund is to afford students, primarily from under-privileged circumstances outside of North America, the educational opportunities that promote excellence in knowledge, character, civic responsibility, and leadership. Your gift of cash, stock or mutual fund shares can help provide needy young people with opportunity to improve their future. Private education in secondary, elementary and pre-elementary schools, theological seminaries, youth camps and other opportunities are available in places like India, Poland, Jamaica, and in the countries within Africa and South America. Please consider putting your gifts to work through the Back to the Bible Foundation's International Education Fund. Education and training are essential for all.
   
   
3. Remember that my friend Timothy requested copies of the McClintoch commentary, the Strong's Concordance and any books by H.A. Ironside. If you have these specific titles and would be willing to give them to the Lord, please send them to the Back to the Bible Foundation at 6400 Cornhusker Highway, Lincoln, Nebraska 68507. They'll forward them to Timothy for his work. These books are needed as well as cash gifts to provide for the shipping costs.
   
   
4. One final idea is channeling your evangelical books through Christian Resources International. They specialize in this exact kind of ministry--connecting published material to missionaries and nationals that can put the resources to good use. They are located at 200 Free Street, Fowlerville, Michigan 48836. Phone them at 517/223-3193, fax them at 517/223-7668 or e-mail them at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you wonder why the three T's are listed in that particular order, the answer will follow in the next issue of Stewardship Solutions. Watch for it! Here's a hint to whet your appetite: the answer comes from Exodus 35. It's a chapter that describes the greatest revival the world has ever seen.