West Africa Theological Seminary

2006 Springboard Update

Every year from June through August, selected students go out on Springboard, WATS' short-term missions internship program. Students get practical experience in cross-cultural church planting among unreached groups in West Africa. Students serve under the supervison of experienced missionaries on the field. Springboard is required for those in the missions track. Those training as pastors are also encouraged to join Springboard teams so that they will learn first-hand how to mobilize their congregations for involvement in world-wide missions.

Because of the move of the campus this year, Springboard was shortened to two weeks. One team went to the Refugee Camp not far from Lagos.

On the way to the camp, the front tire of the car burst. The car swerved and ended up facing traffic the wrong way. Miraculously, a large trailer stopped within a few feet from the car! Thank God for his protection!

The team arrives at the camp.

Getting "fueled" for the day's work:  WATS students preparing Bible studies for the refugees.

Sharing the gospel with Muslim refugees from Sudan who are charcoal sellers. The brother of one Muslim refugee was in the hospital with a broken leg. The team went and prayed for him in the name of Jesus. He was healed!

Helping and witnessing at a nursery in the camp.

The refugees appreciated the second-hand clothes donated by the WATS family.

WATS students Elias and Umanah, sharing a meal during Springboard. Elias came to WATS as a refugee from Sudan. All his personal history and training at WATS prepared him for ministry in the camp. Umanah is a very gentle pastor who listens and speaks with a compassionate heart. They made a very good team.