“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” — Isaiah 60:1–3 (NIV)
The glory of the Lord shone brightly over the city of Awka on September 20, 2026, as the Awka Church was officially planted, marking the 20th ICOC church in Nigeria since the planting of the Lagos Church in 1989, and the 36th church in the English-Speaking West Africa Missions.
More than 64 disciples from neighboring cities answered the call to join the mission team in the days leading up to the inaugural service. Their presence demonstrated once again that church planting is a collective effort—requiring the prayers, sacrifice, generosity, and participation of disciples across the nation.
A City Ready for the Word
Known for its hospitality, Awka presented numerous opportunities for evangelism. The mission team discovered that many people were open-hearted and sincere in their desire to understand God’s Word.
Several Bible discussions were conducted at strategic locations throughout the city, including Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). As the studies progressed, hearts became increasingly receptive, and the team witnessed encouraging victories.
Each day, disciples gathered at strategic locations across the city for devotionals, prayer, praise, and worship before going out to study the Bible with people. In the evenings, they returned to break bread, share victory stories from the day’s evangelism, encourage one another, and prepare for another day of mission.
Interactive discussion groups were also hosted at various locations across Awka.
Serving the City
The mission was not limited to Bible studies and evangelism. On Saturday, September 19, disciples visited Awka General Hospital, where they distributed food items to people in need.
The benevolence outreach was a deeply moving experience as disciples had the opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ in practical ways and become vessels through whom God could meet the needs of people around them.
A Historic Inaugural Service
The week culminated on Sunday, September 20, with the official inaugural service of the Awka Church.
Early that morning, torrential rainfall swept across the city. Yet, rather than allowing the weather to discourage them, disciples continued to make their way to the venue.
Their perseverance was rewarded with a beautiful day of celebration, joy, and thanksgiving.
Despite the heavy rain, more than 170 people attended the inaugural service, and God crowned the prayers, sacrifices, and hard work of the mission team with incredible fruit as three women were baptized into Christ.
“When God Opens a Door, Step Through It”
The sermon was preached by Kemi Olufowobi, Leader of the South-East Bloc.
Drawing from Acts 16:11–15, the message emphasized that when God opens a door, believers must step through it with faith and obedience.
Using the story of Lydia, the sermon reminded the church that church planting and evangelism begin with willing hearts, people who are prepared to go where God leads, and a church that is ready to welcome those whom God brings.
Key Lessons
1. God Sometimes Leads Us into New Territory
Faith does not require us to see the entire path ahead. It requires us to trust God enough to take the next step. Even when questions remain about growth, resources, and future challenges, we move forward because we know who is leading us.
2. Look for the People God Has Already Prepared
God’s Kingdom work can begin with one person whose heart is ready. We should never underestimate small beginnings—a single Bible study, visitor, student, or prayer could become the beginning of something much greater.
3. God Opens Hearts — Acts 16:14
Human effort cannot transform hearts. Our responsibility is to faithfully share the gospel, love people, teach the Word, and pray, trusting God to do what only He can do.
4. Lydia Didn’t Keep Her Faith to Herself — Acts 16:15
Lydia’s response challenges believers to become people who communicate, “There is room for you.” This means making room for visitors, seekers, young Christians, struggling disciples, families, and students.
5. One Open Heart Can Help Open a City
One disciple can influence an entire family, workplace, campus, or community. Though the Awka Church may begin with small numbers, its influence can ripple throughout the city and beyond.
Lessons from Lydia
The story of Lydia reminds us to:
- Follow where God leads.
- Never despise small beginnings.
- Pray for God to open hearts.
- Share the gospel faithfully.
- Allow our conversion to impact our homes and families.
- Use whatever resources God has given us for His mission.
- Become people through whom others encounter Christ.
The Challenge to the Awka Church
As the new church begins its journey, it carries a clear challenge:
Be a Praying Church — Consistently pray for God to open hearts.
Be a Welcoming Church — Make both physical and spiritual room for everyone God brings.
Be a Discipling Church — Focus not merely on gathering people, but on helping them grow into mature followers of Jesus.
Be a Sending Church — Never become complacent. Continue reaching, planting, and sending.
Awka is God’s mission, not merely a human project. God is calling disciples to offer their feet, mouths, hands, homes, resources, and lives for the advancement of His Kingdom.
Celebrating God’s Faithfulness
Several highlights marked the inaugural service, including the Benevolence Offering by Sam Onuoha, the presentation of the Awka Church History by Lucky Orumwense, the official inauguration of the Awka Church by Jide Ojo, and the recognition and award presentation to the family of Chinedu Nwosu.
The service also featured the introduction of the Awka Church leaders, a Thanksgiving by Stanley Damabide, and a vote of thanks by Chinedu Nwosu and Celestine Ugwu.
And then came one of the most joyful moments of the celebration.
Following the Thanksgiving Service, three women—Ifeyinwa Onuselogu, Divine Ibekeme & Agatha Moses—publicly confessed Jesus as Lord and were baptized, becoming part of the Lord’s church.
Three Baptisms. One New Church. A City with a Future.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who sacrificially gave their time, prayers, resources, energy, and presence to make the Awka Church planting possible.
To the disciples who travelled from different cities, those who evangelized tirelessly, those who prayed steadfastly, those who gave financially, those who served behind the scenes, and everyone who supported this mission—thank you.
Above all, we give glory to God, whose Word continues to spread from city to city and whose light continues to shine in places where the gospel is proclaimed.
May the story that began in Awka continue to grow, reach families, transform lives, raise disciples, and bless generations to come.
May the new Awka Church experience God’s abundant grace, protection, strength, and fruitful growth as it shines as a light in Anambra State.
“Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” — Isaiah 60:3
To God be all the glory! 🙏🏽🌍🔥
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