The Home Missions Emphasis Week, which is an annual event of The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Ogbomoso held from February 24 to 28, 2025. The theme, “Expanding God’s Kingdom through Fasting and Prayer,” guided a well-packed schedule of sermons, evangelism, mission updates, and strategic discussions. The programme reinforced the urgency of global missions and the believer’s role in advancing God’s kingdom. Monday, the opening day, laid the foundation for the week’s events. Pastor Abiola Adetunji set the stage with a sermon. He called believers to embrace every moment as an opportunity for service. The plan for the week was also introduced.

The second day, Tuesday, provided an opportunity for practical missions. Faculty members and students were divided into groups. They moved through the neighbouring streets of Ogbomoso, shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, and demonstrated the mission theme in practice. Thereafter, a follow-up team consisting of missions students and volunteers was saddled with the responsibility of following up on those who made decisions. In the evening on Tuesday, Rev. Dr Edward Nnanna, a lecturer in the Department of Intercultural Studies, represented NBTS at the institution’s ‘Moment of Encounter’ on Parrot FM 101.1. He spoke on the mission’s theme for the year to the radio audience. The programme was anchored by our committed anchorman, Mr Soji Abiojela.

On Wednesday, Rev. Dr Moses Olayode Ajibade, principal of the School of Missions, Oke Bola, via Ogbomoso was the Guest Minister who delivered the Missionary Day message. A missionary with decades of field experience, he underscored the believer’s personal responsibility in expanding the gospel. He challenged attendees to recognize that mission work does not rely on human effort alone but requires spiritual discipline. He pointed to prayer and fasting as indispensable tools for breaking barriers, igniting revival, and sustaining missionaries in difficult terrains. He also led participants in making commitments to missions and praying for more labourers in God’s vineyard. Thursday provided a short interlude for Student Body Day.

The final day, Friday brought the focus back to mission fields. Women from the Women’s Training Centre (WTC) in Ogbomoso presented updates on mission efforts in Gbaramotu, Escravos, Katsina, Sagbama, and other Home Mission fields of the Nigerian Baptist Convention. Their reports detailed the realities on the ground. They spoke of communities receptive to the gospel and others struggling with resistance, limited resources, and harsh conditions. They stressed the ongoing need for prayer, financial support, and committed personnel willing to serve in difficult places.

Faculty members remained active throughout the week. The Seminary President Rev. Prof. S.O. Ayankeye and Rev. Dr. Akinyemi Alawode, Head of the Department of Intercultural Studies, led other faculty members and students from the Department of Intercultural Studies in shaping conversations, mobilizing outreach, and reinforcing the theological foundation of mission work.

Missions Week ended with a call to deeper commitment. Expanding God’s kingdom requires more than attendance at events. It demands faith, action, and dedication.

Debo Odunlami

For NBTS Advancement Centre