“I go where God leads. Nigeria is actually a perfect fit to my personality and abilities.”
--Brett Binder, CCO missionary in Nigeria
Small Beginnings, Big Growth
If you've met Brett around Olympia, you may get the impression that he's a shy guy. But on the streets of Abuja, Nigeria, he is transformed.
“I...prefer to share with strangers. I can share the gospel with someone and generally I don’t see them again, but God brings the faithful to Himself.”
Brett sees his main ministry as evangelism. “For those who come to church, there are many there who can help them in their Christian walk. I’ve seen very few people who can just go share with people they don’t know but that’s easier for me and a gift God has given me.”
Brett has served as a CCO missionary in Nigeria since 2006. He draws on his past life experiences to enhance his ministry there. Brett's computer programming degree has helped him design Calvary Chapel Abuja's website, and troubleshoot technical problems for other missionaries. He also records weekly sermons, produces Christian audio CDs and sermons, Christian music, and movies. Prior to moving to Abuja, Brett served in the U.S. Navy for nearly six years. He then studied at Calvary Chapel Bible Colleges in Murrietta, California and Vatja, Hungary. He began attending Calvary Chapel in Olympia in 2001.
“Calvary Chapel brings the freedom of Christ to reality, by not judging any one based on religious traditions of men. You can just be yourself and this allows for you to be more effective in reaching others for Christ in the everyday gifts and talents you posses. It also gives you boldness to witness to others and an avenue to reach them by relating to people on their level.”
Brett says he never planned on going to Nigeria; he just followed God's lead. “Nigeria was a big challenge at first, with the culture, ministry, and starting out as a missionary. Over the years, God has done great things.”
Brett helped to found Calvary Chapel Abuja with Prince Lawrence in 2005. What began as a handful of people meeting in a rented hotel room, has grown to a congregation of up to 200 at times, now meeting on their own land.
Send a message of encouragement to Brett in Nigeria.
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