The Anglican Students Fellowship OAU has missions at the core of its identity. In this article, we present the second semester missions’ trip to Ogbagba Village tagged “The Gospel”.
Day One (Arrival and Preparation)
On a calm Tuesday evening, hearts full of expectation and bags packed with supplies, we set out from campus toward the quiet and welcoming lands of Ogbagba Village. This was not just another trip, it was a mission. We were students but we carried something far greater than books, we carried the Gospel, hope and a burden to touch lives.
The journey itself was filled with excitement and shared anticipation. As we approached Ogbagba, we were greeted by the warm smiles and curious eyes of its people.
The mission commenced with a heartfelt session of thanksgiving and worship. This was followed by an informative address from the Prayer Coordinator and he outlined protocols, safety measures and the etiquette expected during our stay. Then we went into a session of prayers and we brought ourselves to the consciousness that that our efforts in spreading the gospel are divinely ordained. We affirmed that God, who strengthens those He calls, would be with us, and signs and wonders would follow our mission. After that everyone was permitted to rest a bit before the President came up and equipped us with answers to potential questions from the curious villagers, ensuring we were ready for meaningful engagement.
Day Two (Evangelism and Town Cry)
Following the dawn of a new day was an outreach in group of twos with a morning cry, a door-to-door evangelism effort, followed by personal devotion and a fresh start to the day.
We prayed with families and encouraged the hearts of the weary. Messages were simple yet profound and they reminded us that ministry is not just about open spaces but about meeting people right where they are. By the time we prayed together after the outreach, Ogbagba was no longer just a location on a map, it had become part of our hearts.
After we had our something to fill our bellies later that afternoon, we continued with evangelism and reminded the villagers of the revival coming up later that day and how God wants to minister to them through the revivalist. As the revival approached, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and various expectations.
The crusade began and the revivalist preached the message of the Gospel with children and adults paying attention and gaining clarity. Many people were healed of their infirmities while some gave their lives to Christ. It was a productive night for the kingdom mandate.
Day Three (Revival through the Arts)
The third day dawned with hearts eager and minds alert. We began the morning gathered under the shade of the word, opening the Scriptures for a deep Bible and theme exposition. It wasn just another study, it was a moment of light and it broke into our understanding. Together, we walked through the Word, wrestling with truths and then moved into a special session where we handled difficult questions cleared doubts off wearied minds. Nothing was off the table. From life’s practical struggles to deep theological insights, we searched the Scriptures and encouraged one another in faith. This afternoon carried a different rhythm. First came our male and female discussion groups, safe spaces where we could speak freely, share burdens and learn from one another’s journeys about things that were peculiar to us and it was real, honest and refreshing. This was followed by our routine town cry and awareness of the drama night to come that evening. The evening opened with Drama Night. Laughter echoed and silence fell at all the right moments as each performance carried powerful lessons wrapped in creativity. It was ministry through art, and the message reached both heart and mind. Night came and a night watch was called. Under the absence of sunlight, we pressed into God’s presence. Worship lifted like incense, prayers rose like fire and the hours passed unnoticed. It was a night of surrender, intercession and divine encounter. When dawn approached, we knew Day Three had left its mark in the village, in the mission and in every heart present.
Day Four (Departure)
The final morning came quietly, yet the air was filled with the weight of all we had experienced. Bags were packed, but our hearts were far too full to contain the faces of the Ogbagba people. We prayed together, committing the seeds sown into the hands of the Master Gardener. There was gratitude for every conversation, every prayer, every shared meal. There was also a gentle ache, knowing that though our bodies were leaving, a part of us would remain there. As we waved our goodbyes, the road ahead felt different from the one we came on. We were not simply returning home; we were returning changed. Ogbagba had left its imprint on our hearts, and the mission had reminded us that the Gospel’s reach is limitless.
This article was provided by the current citizens to keep Senior Friends aware that the fellowship continues to keep the fire burning in Ife