Report on Nigerian Mission Trip

In early November, Higher Ground left for Lagos, Nigeria, along with Bishop David Huskins, for the convention of African leaders with Church of God Missions International. under the presiding Bishop Margaret Idahosa, the delegates gathered for several days of intense ministry in the large stadium at Benin City. What transpired was indescribable and so very powerful! The services began each evening with high praise and unstoppable passion in worship. Unexpectedly, and to everyone’s surprise, it rained each night, but the crowds grew and continued to increase with a dynamic we had never before witnessed. Young students from BIU (Benson Idahosa University) led a march outside in the torrential rain storms, bringing the whole gathering into celebratory dancing and spiritual demonstration each night. The pictures most certainly will not do justice to the vast explosion of spirit, however, we wanted to share some highlights with our partners. Tremendously anointed preaching and participatory expression to God in prophetic praise and worship took each service to a spiritual climax in every session! To encapsulate the spiritual success of the convention: many lives were transformed, captives set free, and new vision was cast looking into God’s new day! The prophetic tone of the entire convention charged the people with a strong spirit of “dominion” for the days just ahead.

The leadership there gave Higher Ground a new name, “The Three Wise Men”, and it prevailed until we left Africa. The reception for us was overwhelming, and the invitation to return was extended for next year. A real covenant connection was established between Higher Ground and the leaders on the African continent.

On a lighter note, there was time for personal and social exchange… With the band and praise team leading over 10,000 people in singing “Happy Birthday” to Wayne on November 10th at the Friday evening service — It’s all on video and it is a true celebration!

During a morning service that week, Bishop Margaret prayed for people at the altar while Higher Ground ministered “You Are Healed”. There was an eruption of spontaneous praise that took everyone higher, and set the spiritual tone for the day.

I suppose the most surprising thing of all was the reception of our ministry among the large constituency of BIU. The university embraced us with open arms, and plans are now set for us to return there for a concert and training sessions with the students. It was unbelievably electrifying to be present on the campus. We salute the students and faculty of BIU in the pursuit of excellence.

In retrospect, I believe we received a crash course in Nigerian culture each time we turned around. For us, it was preparation for global expansion and increase for upcoming ministry among the nations. Believing that each step is ordered by God, the trip was the most productive for us, and both the growth and the acceleration of apostolic ministry was readily realized as we headed back to America. The three wise men truly have a second home in Africa!

— Wayne, Eddie and Travis