For the past three or four months, I have been mostly at home in Lagos. It has been a wonderful season of spending quality time with my family and serving our local congregation. While I haven’t been travelling physically, I’ve been very busy teaching online; working with the School of Missions in Central Africa, the Ministry Training Academy (MTA) program, and the School of Missions in Haiti, along with a few other activities in between.
But this past week marked my first official trip of the year, and what a blessing it has been!
The Gilbert Kimeng Teaching Ministry (GKTM) exists to strengthen churches across Africa and beyond, with a special focus on smaller and less frequently visited congregations.
Celebrating in Benin & A Personal Milestone
Right now, I am writing to you from Cotonou, Republic of Benin. I’ve been here for the past week celebrating a massive milestone with the local church: their 30th anniversary and the inauguration of their brand-new building! Finally, they have a permanent place of their own.
This country holds a very special place in my heart. Exactly 14 years ago this month, my wife and I travelled right here to Benin for our honeymoon. In fact, our 14th wedding anniversary is coming up in just a week! Coming back here has been a beautiful opportunity to reminisce and see how God has worked over the years.
A Quick Stop in Accra
Just before arriving in Cotonou, I took a quick two-day road trip to Accra, Ghana. A dear brother visiting from Chicago recently lost his wife, and I wanted to spend some time with him just to provide some encouragement before heading back on the road to Benin.
Looking Ahead: A Whole New Season
It looks like my time here in Benin is officially launching a brand-new season of travel, conferences, and teaching for the second half of the year!
Here is a quick look at where I am heading next:
- This Week: Upon return to Nigeria, I will prepare for my next journey.
- Next Week: I will be heading to the US to attend the CHORD Forum and the Church Builders Conference.
- The Months Ahead: God willing, I will be going on a “Footsteps of Paul and Peter” trip through Turkey and Cyprus.
- Across Africa: For the rest of the year, my destinations will include The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, and the Republic of Niger.
As you can see, there is quite a lot of travelling ahead!
I just wanted to share this quick update with you all. Thank you so much for your continued support, and thank you for your prayers; believe me, it makes all the difference.
God bless.
Gilbert Kimeng