Missionary Series – Nigeria Tour 2024

By Mr. N. J. Zinyama (Executor)

INTRODUCTION – THE HAND OF GOD ACROSS THE NATIONS

This report records the Nigeria Missionary Tour of 2024 led by Reverend P. D. Zinyama, affectionately known as Captain. It is written so that we may clearly see that God works today in the same way He did in the days of the apostles. This journey was not simply about travel, meetings, or conferences. It was about obedience, resistance, holiness, and the unmistakable confirmation of God’s call.

THE INVITATION AND THE CALL

During his university years in Northern Cyprus, Reverend P. D. Zinyama pastored Bethesda Chapel, a multinational church that quietly prepared him for international ministry. Before leaving Cyprus, he mentored three men to continue the work. One of them was Pastor Innocent James Mangut from Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Years later, Pastor Innocent began a movement in Nigeria called Ragging Flames. As he prepared for its first Revival Conference, he felt strongly that his spiritual father should preside over the meeting. An invitation was sent, and after prayer and discernment, the Captain accepted.

This would be our first journey to Nigeria, a nation with deep spiritual hunger but also intense spiritual resistance.

PREPARATION, OPPOSITION, AND FAITH

Nigeria required visas on arrival, but permission to fly had to be approved before departure. We used an agent to assist with the process. Almost immediately, pressure to pay a bribe arose. We were told that permission for one of us had been approved, but money was required to release the Captain’s clearance.

We refused.

At the same time, one of the revival meetings was scheduled for Bokkos, an area known for terrorism. During preparations, reports came in of armed attacks on worshippers during Christmas celebrations. The danger was real, but obedience to God mattered more than fear.

DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL

Despite the risks, the Spiritual Movement Crusaders escorted us to the airport with joy and celebration. Our flight left Zimbabwe at 2:30 a.m., exhausting but filled with purpose.

There was no direct flight, so we travelled via Ethiopia before continuing to Lagos. The journey took about nine hours. It was a Monday, a day set aside in our Movement for prayer and fasting, so we declined food on the flight.

At Lagos airport, corruption was immediate and obvious. Immigration officers attempted to separate us and solicit bribes. The Captain remained calm and unmoved. Suddenly, a senior officer arrived, removed those acting corruptly, and order was restored. We were granted 30-day visitor visas.

Even after this, airport staff demanded payment for luggage trolleys and delayed baggage. Yet delays had been caused in the Immigration offices

WELCOME IN JOS – GOD’S SURPRISE

The following day, we flew to Jos. At arrival, we noticed unusual activity. Security personnel were present, and suddenly a Nigerian Army officer saluted the Captain. A delegation welcomed us with flowers, secured our luggage, and escorted us in a convoy to our residence.

It was completely unexpected.

Security personnel inspected the premises, saluted, and said, “Welcome to Nigeria.” It was a clear reminder that when God sends you, He also goes ahead of you.

FIRST ENCOUNTERS AND TESTING OF HEARTS

Pastor Innocent introduced us to his core team: Pastor Roland, Pastor Godwin, Pastor Amen, Kannang, and Kannang’s wife Esther.

While seated with Pastor Roland, it quickly became clear that he was trying to establish spiritual superiority. He spoke at length about extreme prayer rituals, criticized other pastors, and attempted to portray Nigeria as spiritually overwhelming. His aim was clear: to intimidate and discredit.

He later criticized unmarried pastors, not knowing that the Captain was married and had simply lost his ring during travel. When the truth emerged, his confidence collapsed. It became apparent that he desired prominence and recognition, even hoping to replace the Captain as guest speaker.

God required no argument. At a restaurant later that evening, Roland was humbled publicly when he could not tolerate the food as it burnt his proud tongue. Pride was corrected without words.

THE REVIVAL CONFERENCE – HOLINESS CONFRONTS PERFORMANCE

The Revival Conference was held in a large hall. Attendance worried the organizers especially Pastor Innocent, but we insisted on starting on time. The program involved many ministers, some paid to participate. There was much performance and display of “spirituality”.

When the Captain preached on sanctification and holiness, everything changed.

A delegation from CAC Hwolshe attended to assess the preaching. Their response spoke louder than words when their Lady Evangelist came forward for prayer, convinced that God’s power was present.

The next day, Gospel minister Brother Lot publicly testified that the message had convicted him to confess wrongdoing in a business relationship. This confession disturbed some leaders, as holiness demands accountability. But it confirmed the authenticity of the message.

CAC HWOLSHE – CONFIRMATION OF APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY

On Sunday, the Captain preached at CAC Hwolshe, Nigeria’s first independent church. Worship there was sincere, not performative. The message reinforced true worship and identity in Christ.

Afterward, Captain prayed at their construction site, committing the work to God. Pastor Mgidi later visited us, torn between inviting the Captain back and the weight of the standard he carried.

BOKKOS – LIGHT IN A PLACE OF FEAR

We then travelled to Bokkos, a known terrorism hotspot. Delays attempted to disrupt the trip, but God provided another driver.

When we arrived late, the church was full. Brother Lot had gone ahead to invite people, like John the Baptist preparing the way.

Before preaching, the Captain apologized publicly for being late, demonstrating true sanctification. God moved powerfully as holiness was preached. Leaders were convicted, and the Fellowship requested further teaching.

Apostolic instruction was given on stewardship and funding God’s work without burdening congregations. Though they wanted the Captain for Easter, prior commitments prevented it.

BELIEVERS MEETING – SEPARATION OF HEARTS

During preparations for another meeting, resistance increased. Pastor Godwin openly opposed the gathering, disliked the holiness message, and withdrew support. The Captain instructed Pastor Innocent to work with willing hearts.

Despite fears, attendance was strong.

During this time, Pastor Amen submitted himself fully to instruction regarding marriage and holiness. Though Pastor Innocent resisted this counsel, Amen obeyed. His engagement was conducted in a godly and joyful manner, bringing great celebration.

On the final day, Pastor Innocent requested commissioning. The service firmly established the Captain’s apostolic authority as he called ministers of God’s Word to order admonishing them to be responsible husbands and fathers much to the relief of their spouses who were present.

ABUJA – FINAL LEG AND FINAL CORRECTION

In Abuja, further ministry took place, including at Assemblies of God and the University of Abuja. Considerable resources were invested to ensure order and excellence.

Conflict arose when Pastor Innocent sought approval from influential people rather than protecting holiness. This backfired publicly, leading to repentance.

The Captain gave final instructions to Pastor Innocent concerning consistency, accountability, and marriage. These words marked the end of the journey.

RETURN HOME

We returned to Zimbabwe wiser, strengthened, and grateful. Despite a late arrival, the Spiritual Movement Crusaders welcomed us home.

CONCLUSION

This journey confirmed that God still sends, still corrects, still separates hearts, and still confirms His word with power. Holiness remains the mark of true ministry.