ADVENTURE
Jerry and Maxine Share Eritrean Saga
General Superintendent Osueke
Nigeria Assemblies of God
Jerry and Maxine
Malawi 1993
Nigeria Flag
God’s Curve Ball
“We invite you to speak at three minister’s seminars with near 2,500 pastors in attendance” said Nigeria General Superintendent Charles Osueke. Nigeria, land or our original calling in 1960, was now inviting me back in 1993 to honor us. I was ecstatic!
Maxine and I began making plans for the visit. She would return to the USA and I would spend six weeks during May - June in Nigeria; then meet her in the USA for our regular furlough.
I said “goodbye” to Maxine at the airport in Lilongwe, Malawi and I flew north to Nairobi, Kenya to obtain a visa at the Nigerian embassy. I presented my passport, application, photograph and the $20 fee to the receptionist. She asked if I had a letter of invitation. “Oh, yes” I responded and handed her Osueke’s letter written on official church stationery.
The young receptionist carried the documents to her superior and returned a couple of minutes later. “Your request is denied. No visa is being granted for religious work at this time” she announced.
Shocked, I tried to convince her. “But madam,” I retorted, “I will be speaking to former students and friends in a seminar setting. Surely you will not deny me that privilege!”
Five fruitless minutes later, I picked up my passport and documents, turned and walked out of the office. Tears streamed down my cheeks. I was angry, frustrated and in total disbelief that such a wonderful opportunity was being snatched from me.
I reported immediately to our East Africa Area Director. “What am I to do? My furlough doesn’t begin for six weeks” I exclaimed. He wisely asked, “Do you have any ideas?”
A month earlier, Eritrea had been recognized by the United Nations as the newest African Republic. Following 30 years of guerrilla warfare, it appeared the society would be fertile soil for church planting. Since the Assemblies of God had not yet entered Eritrea, Ethiopia or Sudan, I asked to survey those three countries. My Area Director agreed.
God threw a curve ball and turned me toward the horn of Africa.