Solomon Ishaku August 2025

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Greetings from Nigeria!

As we round up the first half of 2025, we are stunned by all that God has done. Instead of bombarding you with pictures and stories, we want to first share a glimpse of January to April. Do not worry, we will share more next month! It was not until recently that we realized our partners are eagerly reading our newsletters. It is such a sweet encouragement for times when our service feels forgotten or even in vain. When sin plants those seeds of lies, we are comforted by 1 Corinthians and it’s reminder that work for the Lord could never be nullified by human lacking. Pray that God would constantly remind us of His faithfulness.

Like most Januarys, we headed to the Village to see our family. Many of them we only see around this time because the family house is quite far from where we live. They were disappointed that “Kaka (grandma) Carla” did not come again! It is always a sweet time for Ishaku to check on his nephews and encourage them in godliness. Pray for the salvation of our extended family. May God use us to share the gospel truth in a village where ritualism, cultism, and ancestral worship thrives. 

Ishaku, his brother, and his nephew

In February, Shakiyla left for the U.S. where she attended three classical Christian education conferences, spoke at five churches, and visited many Christian schools. It was extremely busy, but bore great fruit. We were blessed to get more prayer partners and meet with faithful donors from the past seven years. (WOW! SEVEN.) Pray with us that with every year of service in Nigeria, we fall more deeply in love with Him and His Word.

Geneva School in Boerne Texas

The Sound Church

Ishaku stayed back and was busy with all the current renovations, projects, and updates happening in the school. We were able to install solar panels in four places on campus. Electricity in Nigeria is hugely inconsistent. There are times when we can go weeks or even months without consistent power because of transformer issues. Although we accept it in God’s providence, it also means that food in our Dining Hall runs the risk of spoiling if we do not use the generator often. Solar panels are much more practical and affordable in the long run, so we thank God for sponsors who made purchasing the panels possible. 

Installing the new solar panels

In March, Shakiyla was still in the U.S. but the work in the school did not stop. The students were diligent in starting the semester off well and the staff continued painting and repairing all that needed attention. We are exceedingly grateful to every employee on campus. They make this service even more of a gift. Pray that God would go beyond their expectations in providing all their needs.

By April, Shakiyla’s visit was ending, and she spent much needed time with her family and friends. She met with people she had not seen since 2018!

Shakiyla and her family

In that time, Ishaku and the team built two greenhouses on campus to help with maintaining vegetables during the dry season when rain ceases for seven months. He shared online how special the work is, but more than any project, he shared how much he loves starting each day in the study of God’s Word with the staff. It recalls the reality that all these things are only of any value if they are led by the Lord, and done for His glory, and saturated in His truth.

Ishaku and the staff having their morning Bible study

As soon as Shakiyla got home, she was welcomed by the students showing what they had been practicing. The sixth graders went to the first grade class and read to them. They modeled the importance of teaching with the audience in mind. They were animated, calm, and engaging with their juniors. After their class, they met together to debrief on what worked and what needed improvement. It was the most precious “Welcome Back.”

Students doing read-alouds to the first graders

Overall, we have never run out of thanksgiving to God. Even when things in Nigeria get to be overwhelming and fear creeps in, God reminds us of His sovereignty, and that blessed assurance keeps us steadfast. We want to thank you again for your support, be it financial, emotional, or spiritual. It means the world to us.

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