Prayer Letter
August 2011 / September 2011

Dear Friend,

We have been enjoying the rainy season and its cooler weather!  Much of the time we don’t even need to use a fan.  Hopefully the much lighter than usual rainfall we have had this year is enough for the farmers.

Recently we had occasion to meet one of our neighbors, Mrs. Akure. She came by the church and asked us to teach her the melody of a children’s song she wanted to use in her church.  During our visit in her home, she told us she had been active in church for over thirty years.  She said that in her college days in the 80’s she attended church services for three hours every single afternoon!  I tried not to let my amazement show.  Oh, that you and I and our churches would prove so dedicated! 

Last month we had revival services and I believe the Lord blessed.  Attendance was good, but fewer visitors came than we had hoped.  Our church choir has re-started and evening services have picked up.  Please continue praying for the spiritual and numerical growth of Independent Baptist Church, Lokoja.  Several of our members are reluctant to make more than just a basic commitment to the church.

An additional blessing as a result of the revival was some volunteer painting in the church in preparation for the meeting.  Also, one of our ladies donated new flowers for the front. We are always thrilled to see God move church members to make sacrifices for the church.

Yesterday the Lord led me to a man named Benadine in a nearby tire shop.  Most commercial businesses in Lokoja and throughout Nigeria are quite small.  Quick Trip or 7-11 would be a BIG store here.  Small business is the Nigerian’s way to prosperity and it is a possibility for most people.  Anyway, Benadine was very interested in the true Gospel.  He is a faith and works man, like 90% of Nigerian churchgoers and I plan to see him again as soon as possible.  Please pray that he will understand and accept the simple truth of the Gospel.

Through the combined efforts of IBC and our interns we had 22 saved in the past two months.  Please pray that that can translate into some new members for IBC.  Also, please pray for wisdom for us as we decide what to do for Ellen’s little finger which was broken in two last October and has not healed properly. 

Your fellow-laborers in Christ,
Ross and Ellen Ligon