As a single woman in 1888, Mary Slessor moved deep inland to Okoyong, a remote area in Nigeria that had claimed the lives of all other missionaries before her. Everyone believed Mary would also perish, but she knew her unmarried status as a woman was to her advantage, as she appeared less threatening than the male missionaries who had attempted to go before her.
Acclimating to the Okoyong region was not easy. She adopted the lifestyle of the Okoyong people, living in mud huts among insects and rodents. She changed the way she dressed, realizing a Victorian dress was not culturally relevant in the rainforest. Mary even broke out in boils on her face several times causing hair loss.
For the next quarter of a century, she would continue to pioneer missions in Okoyong. Despite her difficulties, the local people trusted Mary. She worked with the orphan children, adopting several as her own. They even elected her to serve as their first Vice-Consul, presiding over court cases.
Though Mary Slessor did not see many conversions, she considered her work to be preparatory, planting seeds for future missionaries in the Okoyong region. In 1903, the first baptism service was held and a church was organized with seven charter members.
Mary overcame many obstacles throughout her lifetime and lived a life of bold obedience to God.
what would bold obedience look like for your life?
Let us know what step of bold obedience God is calling you to take by commenting below.
Dare to Ask God,
God’s passion for His people can not be extinguished. Do you embody this same passion?