Bro. David Steele And Sis. Sharon Norton Visits Nigeria, Fellowship With Brethren In Garkida And Kwarhi

A worship Service with Brethren in Historic Garkida: a Celebration of Faith, Heritage, and Partnership.

In a deeply symbolic act of solidarity and fellowship, Rev. David Steele, General Secretary of the Church of the Brethren (COB) in America, and Rev. Sharon Norton, Executive Global Director of Church of the Brethren Missions in company of Sis. Sharon Flaten, Head of Recruitment at Bethany Theological Seminary, Jos, and Markus Gamache, EYN Liaison Officer made an impactful two-day visit to Nigeria, strengthening the historic bond between the American and Nigerian Brethren.

The service was held at the symbolic preserved tamarind tree, where the first EYN worship service was held over a century ago, with over 500-person. The atmosphere was electric with praise, reverence, and a strong sense of transcontinental unity.

Rev. Davil Steele at the graveyard during the wreath laying for nine early missionaries who died in Garkida

A Homecoming of Faith

Under the guidance of the EYN President Rev. Daniel Y.C. Mbaya, PhD and the Rev. James K. Musa, EYN Gen. Sec. with other members of the standing committee, the visit, which included a worship service in Garkida – the birthplace of the Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN) which was described as a special Sunday of blessings to the people of Garkida community and her environs.

Rev. James K, Musa at the graveyard during the wreath laying for nine early missionaries who died in Garki

In his welcome address, Rev. Mbaya, described Garkida as not only the cradle of the Church in Nigeria but a pivotal point of national transformation. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the COB leaders for braving security concerns to visit.

“This land is the root of our identity as a church. The sacrifices made here laid the foundation for what EYN is today,” the President said, highlighting the immense contributions of early missionaries such as Stover Kulp and Hebert H. Herschler, who brought the gospel to Nigeria 102 years ago.

Rev. Sharon Norton at the graveyard during the wreath laying for nine early missionaries who died in Garkida

He lauded the enduring partnership between the Church of the Brethren in the U.S. and EYN, calling for continued unity in advancing their shared mission. “The sacrifices of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria cannot be overstated. Their commitment is a living testimony to the global Church’s resilience,” he said.

Sharon Flaten at the graveyard during the wreath laying for nine early missionaries who died in Garkida.

A Sermon of Hope and Compassion

Rev. David Steele, who preached during the service, delivered a powerful sermon centered on Christian compassion and endurance. Drawing from the Church’s theme of perseverance, he encouraged believers to be agents of hope in the midst of suffering.

“True faith,” he said, “is offering a cold cup of water to someone who is hurting. The Christian race is not about competition, but completion—each believer has a secure place in Christ.”

He also reminded the congregation not to be overwhelmed by present darkness, urging them to fix their gaze on the light at the end of life’s tunnel.

Strengthening Global Ties

In her brief remarks, Rev. Sharon Norton expressed deep admiration for the faithfulness of EYN members, many of whom have continued to stand strong despite the pressures of insurgency and economic hardship. She reaffirmed the Church of the Brethren’s unwavering commitment to standing in solidarity with EYN.

“The spirit of Garkida is alive, and the story of EYN is one of courage and unwavering faith. We are honored to walk this journey together,” she said.

Honoring the Founders and Celebrating Culture

The visit also featured a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the graves of nine American missionaries who died in service and were buried in Garkida. Their sacrifice remains a sacred part of EYN’s history.

The celebration continued with vibrant cultural presentations from the Bura and Kilba tribes, musical renditions.

The delegation also toured the Centenary Museum and other historically preserved sites in Garkida, offering a glimpse into the early days of the Church’s mission in Nigeria.

A Legacy Renewed

As the worship service concluded, it became clear that the visit by Rev. Steele who is visiting Nigeria again after 34 year and Rev. Norton was visiting for the first time, was not just a gesture of international partnership—it was a reaffirmation of shared roots, a celebration of enduring faith, and a call to renewed unity in Christ’s mission.

Indeed, in the heart of Garkida, where the first seeds of the gospel were sown in Nigeria, a new chapter of brotherhood and shared mission has begun.

Fellowship with EYN Leadership and Subsidiaries

Beyond the worship service, the two-day visit included an extensive engagement with EYN’s leadership and development arms. Rev. Steele and Rev. Norton held a Fellowship Meal with the EYN National Standing Committee and representatives of all major EYN subsidiaries, underscoring the holistic nature of the church’s ministry.

They met and interacted with:

Theological Education by Extension (TEE) – Advancing grassroots theological training.
Kulp Theological Seminary (KTS) – The hub for ministerial formation and leadership development.
EYN Comprehensive Secondary School (CSS) – Educating future leaders.
EYN Comprehensive Health Centre – Providing critical healthcare services to local communities.
Crago Bread Factory – A social enterprise empowering the church economically.
Stover Kulp Water Factory – Supplying clean, affordable water while sustaining church income.

These engagements showcased the Church’s wide-ranging commitment to spiritual, educational, and socio-economic development. The visitors expressed deep appreciation for the resilience and vision driving these institutions, pledging to continue exploring avenues of collaboration and support.

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