David Jatta, WATS alumnus, based in his native country, the Gambia

Many of us may not be aware that most of the cross-cultural missionary work in Africa today is done by Africans. David and Jeanne Jatta are a great example. David has a BA in Theology and his MA from WATS. He serves as director for Campus Crusade for Christ in The Gambia. Now he spearheads outreach into the neighboring Portuguese-speaking Guinea Bissau, as indicated in his report excerpted above. It is because of the richly fruit-bearing ministry of men like this that we are encouraged again and again to forge ahead at WATS and to continue to prepare men and women for the reaping of Africa´s great harvest fields.

Praise Notes

Prayer Notes

1. Pray for quick clearing of four overseas containers, including the World Missionary Press container with 1.5 million scripture booklets, the household goods and personal effects of Dr. Ogunyemi, building materials for the chapel, and other seminary properties, including our new tractor! May God see us through successfully!
   
   
2. Our BIG NEWS this month is the long-awaited TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY events taking place May 19 – 23. Please join us to pray for the outpouring of God´s help on the following events:
   
   
   1. Tuesday, May 19: All-day think tank brings together thirty participants encompassing all segments of WATS stakeholders, to discuss our past, present and future. We want to know where God is leading WATS over our second twenty years, and how we can get both his leading and anointing for our future. Sessions will be moderated by Dr. Edward L. Beaver. Pray for clarity and boldness of vision!
      
      
   2. Wednesday, May 20 – Friday, May 22: The Power of the African-American Pulpit, preaching conference for 2,000 pastors, under the BIG TOP. Dr. Ralph Douglas West (Church Without Walls, Houston), Dr. Maurice Watson (Beulahland Bible Church, Macon, Georgia), and Dr. Sola Aworinde (WATS adjunct preaching faculty, Lagos) will lead this intensive conference. Pray for maximum impact!
      
      
   3. Friday, May 22, 4:30 PM: Annual meeting of WATS alumni - hopefully our biggest ever!
      
      
   4. Friday, May 22, 6:30 PM: First annual meeting of the WATS General Assembly. This body is responsible for the appointment of WATS trustees. Membership is open to all WATS stakeholders who accept and support the WATS vision.
      
      
   5. Saturday, May 23, 10:00 AM: A triple-header involving:
      • Graduation of 130 WATS students
      • Cutting of the WATS birthday cake
      • Awarding of honorary doctorates.
      Some 2,500 guests are expected. Pray for the manifest presence of God among us!
      
      
3. This year for the first time ever WATS is awarding honorary doctorates. We look forward to the awarding of doctorates to the following people who have both distinguished themselves in various ways as public servants and who have been of special help and blessing to WATS across its twenty-year history:
   
   
   1. Brigadier General Samuel L. Teidi (rtd), Doctor of Humanities. General Teidi has excelled in public service since his retirement from the Nigerian Army in 1992, and has been an outstanding supporter and trustee of WATS for many years.
      
      
   2. Chido Nwangwu, Doctor of Humanities. Chido is the editor of USAfrica newspaper and CLASS magazine, a CNN correspondent, and generally the leading African journalist in the US, as well as a fifteen-year supporter of WATS.
      
      
   3. Rev. B. C. K. Obiako, Doctor of Divinity. Kofi has been with WATS since its very first day, and has served in multiple capacities, especially representing WATS to the public both inside and outside of Nigeria, and faithfully serving as a trustee for many years.
      
      
   4. Rev. Leroy Adams, Doctor of Divinity. Leroy served as WATS’ first Academic Dean, music teacher and missions leader, and now has a distinguished fifty-year history of mission service all over the African continent, as well as in Europe.
      
      
   5. Rev. Donald R. Plemons, Doctor of Divinity. Donnie and his church in Illinois have shipped more than forty overseas containers to WATS. He has served on the Friends of WATS board for many years.
      
      
   6. Rev. Bernard Dawson, Doctor of Divinity. Bernie served on the WATS Governing Council for eight years, and has supported WATS with vigor both financially and by sending many international students.
      
      
   7. Rev. Alan Bullock, Doctor of Divinity. Alan is assistant to the president of Daystar Television Network, and has been a widely sought-after evangelist and supporter of WATS for several years.
      
      
4. Finally, pray with us that God will send in the 11th-hour finances needed to make these events highly successful! God´s hand is on WATS, and we look forward to greater things in the future.