Catching Up on Mark43 in Nigeria
In 2019, we launched The Mark43 Development Initiative in Nigeria with a bold vision: revitalize Nigeria. All of Nigeria.Thinking small has never been our weakness.
This wasn't haphazard, we knew it would be a long journey, but we also believed God called us to join him in the work he’s been doing in Nigeria. knew God was with us. We know from Scripture that if the Lord builds the house, nobody can stop him from completing the job. (Psalm 127:1-2).
So, with our confidence rooted in God, we cast the vision, assembled a team in Nigeria, began researching property — all the due diligence required to pull this off. Lastly, we worked with an artist to help us share the vision with potential donors.. (A picture is worth a thousand words, after all.)
Greenhouse farming community vision
Then the pandemic happened.
I used to blame COVID for disrupting our plans. I believed the vision we have could've been reality by now. But when the Bible says, “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” that includes pandemic things too.
Since we couldn't travel, survey land, or build relationships, we prayed about how to make the most of the disruption. As the saying goes, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” We realized that Mark43 was unknown in Nigeria. While we had the financial resources to build and buy land, we did not have the trust needed for people to buy in and partner with us. So we started smaller. Instead of building toward our vision, we sowed into existing Nigerian organizations struggling to realize theirs.
We partnered with:
Two orphanages (Amazing Tots and Adorable Angels Orphanage Home)
Manoach Missions and Training Center in Gboko
Our partnership provided reliable transportation, built playgrounds, purchased appliances, repaired and painted facilities, replaced windows, and supplied food, clothing, and much needed medicine. We also helped with school fees, small business supplies, and housing assistance.
Now Mark43 isn't unknown—we're building a reputation as seed sowers. To God be the glory!
Meanwhile, the original vision lingered.
Partnering with others taught us something: there was a way to get closer to the vision now instead of waiting until we had all the resources. So we partnered with a local farmer who was starting her own greenhouse and we provided resources to help her launch it.
She was gracious enough to provide video updates, documenting the challenges and progress.
Water tank installation. ☑️
Progress!
They’re growing!
Listen to the joy in her voice!
What's happening now:
The seeds we've sown are bearing fruit. The greenhouse is producing. Orphanages have hope. Relationships have deepened. What started as a pandemic pivot has become something beautiful — a network of partners in Nigeria doing kingdom work together.
And now, the vision expands.
In 2026, I'll begin using The Mark43 Institute as my primary ministry outlet in the U.S. My focus will be on discipleship and spiritual formation, teaching people to obey everything Jesus commanded. Yes, this will require more financial resources, but here's what's exciting: as our work grows, so does our capacity to support mission work in both America and Nigeria. Twenty-five percent of all donations will go toward local missions in the U.S. and the Mark43 Development Initiative in Nigeria.
The work in Nigeria taught us patience, partnership, and trust in God's timing. Now we're applying those lessons stateside. Everything is coming together — not the way we originally planned, but better.
Thanks be to God.
