But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” — Romans 10:14-15
I first met Peter Bamidele through the Internet. He responded to one of my Nuggets of Truth radio programs with a request for some counsel about his future. I remember at the time encouraging him to get an education, find a job and be sure and get involved in a Bible believing church. Several years went by—until I heard from Peter again—he had done all three and was a part-time school counselor! It was at that time that Peter also shared his heart with me for a ministry to the lost, especially in the remote villages in South West Nigeria.
At the same time my wife Dorothy and I had become involved with Faith Comes By Hearing—the producers of a spectacular audio Bible devise known as a Proclaimer, which is perfect for taking into remote areas. Each one holds up to four native languages and dialects in the New Testament, plus they require no outside electricity, as they have a hand crank and solar panel plus powerful speakers for outside gatherings. When I shared that with Peter he asked for one to demonstrate at a Missions Conference in his home city of Akure. We got him one—and he did. It was such a hit with the attending pastors and evangelists that with the generous help of friends, supporters and Faith Comes By Hearing, we were able to send in over 200 Proclaimers in a year’s time to meet the needs.
Peter, who is affectionately called, “Bishop Pete” by his peers, made sure each Proclaimer found a home, even when it meant his taking a commercial bus for 4 hours until the road ran out, then getting on the back of a motorbike for another hour to reach a remote village. What a zealous and faithful servant!
Well, the story happily doesn’t end there. Peter’s diligence and commitment to God were recognized by Faith Comes By Hearing and on Easter Sunday of this year they offered him a full-time job as a team member with responsibility over South West Nigeria. They also sent in 4,000 Proclaimers to be processed on-site to meet the continuing need.
Peter got married two years ago to a beautiful girl appropriately named, “Precious,” and they now have a new little baby boy to whom I had the privilege of giving his middle name. I chose “Timothy.”
Isn’t that a great story of God’s faithfulness and love for His people? Who would ever have thought that a simple contact years ago would result in such a magnificent result, potentially affecting thousands of believers both old and new who could hear the Bible in their heart language—some for the very first time. Thank you, Peter, for a job well done. We are so proud of you and love you.
