A life of miracles

Miracles still happen – sometimes quietly, in ways only the heart understands, and sometimes so loudly that even unbelievers are left in awe. In missions, miracles are not merely divine interruptions; they are signs of God’s presence, power, and faithfulness in advancing his mission.

Mission amid persecution

I have served in missions since 1997, mostly in Northern Nigeria and across Africa. Serving in the North is, by itself, a miracle of survival. There is hardly a year without persecution, hostility, or hardship for believers and those who witness for Christ. Yet, even in these dark places, I have seen God’s light break through in ways that cannot be explained.

When I first responded to God’s call into missions, I faced heavy criticism. I was labelled irresponsible and foolish for leaving a secure salaried job for a path with no material prospects. Even to me, the journey looked uncertain. I entered missions with no expectations. Today, many who opposed my decision are among my strongest supporters. Looking back, I see that my perseverance itself was a miracle shaped by God’s grace.

Miraculous conversions

Coming from North-West Nigeria, I have witnessed the cost of following Christ in hostile communities. New converts often face intense persecution. Yet, God continues to confirm his gospel with power. One tool that transformed our work was the Jesus Film. Communities that resisted preaching agreed to watch the film out of curiosity. Afterward, many began experiencing dreams and visions of Jesus calling them and numerous people surrendered their lives to Christ.

I recall an idol priest who vowed we would never show the film in his community. Unknown to us, he had prepared charms to attack us during the screening. Earlier that day, we met him while inviting people to the show. He was sick, and out of courtesy he allowed us to pray for him. God healed him instantly and everything changed. He confessed Christ, surrendered his charms, and the community opened to the gospel.

Perhaps the most astonishing miracles are the conversions of persecutors, especially among the Fulani. Over nearly three decades, I have never seen such widespread encounters with Christ through dreams and visions. One former jihadist leader was tormented by repeated visions of Jesus until he surrendered his life to Christ. When men were sent to kill him, they too encountered Christ. Three of them became evangelists, and within a year, more than forty believers emerged, planting churches among their own people.

Miraculous provision

God’s miracles are not limited to conversion alone. I have experienced divine protection and provision in moments of danger. I once escaped a close-range gunshot by a split-second swerve on a steep road. Another time, God provided accommodation and care in an unfamiliar city through a stranger who had simply heard about our mission work. Survival itself often bears witness to God’s preserving hand.

In March this year, we mobilized 1,000 participants for a mission saturation campaign in Taraba State, trusting God despite having no clear resources. At the last moment, God provided the funding, personnel, and support needed. The outreach resulted in the planting of 101 new churches. An organization later committed to supporting 100 missionaries, and today 87 are serving full-time in Taraba. Only God could have orchestrated this.

In our ministry to the widows of the persecuted, God has provided in ways that defy logic – homes rebuilt and businesses revived. Through our girl-child rescue and substance-abuse recovery work, we rescued two young girls after a violent attack. We cared for them and educated them. When their mother witnessed this love, she and her family gave their lives to Christ. What began as tragedy became a doorway to salvation.

Miracles in the Lord’s service

There is also my personal miracle. I am a cancer survivor. From diagnosis to surgery and radiotherapy, God provided abundantly. My entire surgery trip to the United States was funded without my asking. Though I still carry weaknesses, I continue to serve in difficult mission fields. That strength is a daily miracle.

I have learned that miracles in missions are not always thunderous. Sometimes they are the quiet endurance, the daily provision, and the lives transformed. Every survival, every healing, and every soul saved testifies that God is still at work. The God of miracles has never stopped working, and he continues to advance his mission across Africa.

PRAY FOR

• Believers in persecuted areas to receive the support they need.
• Growing strength and complete healing for MacPhillips.