A Missionaries Memoir
Prologue Excerpt
Africa - the land of intrigue, beauty, and witchcraft. My family and I were a part of this grand setting for years ministering to the Ukele people of Nigeria. Our lives became a hodge-podge of experiences - some made us laugh; some made us cry.
At times we were were amazed. At times we were perplexed. And yes, at other times simply puzzled. But these experiences always brought with them opportunities to learn and understand the ways the Ukele people thought, behaved, and felt.
We learned how precious these people were. Though primitive by some standards, by the Holy Spirit, we endeavored to love them and bring them the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Many received this message and believe it.
I hope that through this book you may share in our feelings and experiences while were were in Nigeria.
Chapter One Excerpt
The Call
Five Missionaries Needed in Nigeria, West Africa. This was the title on a bulletin released while I was at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis by the Placement Committee of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod.
As I read those words, I knew at that moment this was where the Lord wanted me to go. I had no doubt as a deep inner joy and happiness enveloped in and around me. In those very few moments that I had doubts, they would be silenced as the Lord would confirm this call on my life again and again. As you read the rest of these pages, may you too, see why I had confidence in this call.
I can remember the day that clearly. A strong feeling permeated me as I felt the lord calling me be a missionary in a foreign country. More specifically, He was calling me to Nigeria. Yes, Nigeria, a country considered to be uncultured, where people were not educated and could not read and write and where people lived in places difficult to reach.
Chapter Three Excerpt
Hey, Drummer, Start the Drums
The moon was full and bright, the air was still without a rain cloud in sight.
"Hey, Drummer, Start the drums. Play them slowly, then faster and faster. Let me immerse myself in their rhythm. I want to forget the toils and worries of today and tomorrow. Let me forget the sickness' and misfortunes that can kill me at any time. Friend, bring out your wine. Let's drink. Drummer, hurry and start the drums. The moon's full and high."
Two months after we had moved into our American-style ranch house that contrasted sharply with the round and/or square mud huts in the Ukunde Village, a dance was held. It was on such a night noted above, where the moon was full and bright and the air was still without a rain cloud in sight.
Norma and I had just gone to bed. It must have been almost 11 p.m. when the first sounds of the drums began. Then came the shouts, the boisterous laughter of young men, and the squeals of young women. I could hear the older crowd shouting at the dancers their encouragement. The drumming grew louder and louder, then abruptly stopped altogether. Norma and I both sighed with relief and settled down in bed for a peaceful sleep.
But within minutes the drumming, the dancing, the shouting, and the laughter began all over again. We tried to sleep but it was in vain.
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