How ALIVE-Nigeria Unearthed the Gifts I Never Knew I Had and Unleashed a Harvest I'll Never Forget
"The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." — 2 Timothy 2:2
A Heart Overflowing with Gratitude
I am deeply grateful to God for the opportunity to share this testimony. If joy could be heard, you would hear it in every word written here.
My name is Pr. Sylvester Simon, a fellow servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. Looking back over my journey, I can only say that God used ALIVE-Nigeria to transform my life, awaken my calling, and prepare me for a lifetime of soul-winning.
Before I encountered ALIVE-Nigeria, I never knew the gifts God had placed within me. I didn't know the boldness I was capable of. I never imagined that one day I would stand in predominantly Muslim communities, preaching Christ and witnessing entire families surrender their lives to Him.
To me, ALIVE-Nigeria became my University—not a university of certificates, lectures, and examinations, but a university of faith, fire, prayer, discipleship, and practical evangelism.
Discovering My Calling
When I first came to ALIVE-Nigeria, I was simply someone who desired to serve God but lacked confidence. I had a burden to share the gospel, yet fear often kept me silent.
The ministry welcomed me with open arms.
More than teaching biblical knowledge, they helped me understand my identity in Christ, my responsibility as a Christian, and my calling to win souls.
Through intensive training, practical evangelism, door-to-door witnessing, Bible studies, and mentorship, they equipped me with tools that forever changed my life.
They also helped me discover spiritual gifts I never knew I possessed.
Slowly but surely, I moved from hiding in the shadows to boldly proclaiming Christ in the streets. The fire that was ignited in those days still burns within me today.
A University Beyond the Classroom
I often describe ALIVE-Nigeria as my university because everything about the ministry resembled a school for the Kingdom of God.
There were study materials.
There were lectures.
There was practical training.
There was mentorship.
There was fieldwork.
But unlike conventional education, the lessons did not end inside a classroom. Every teaching followed me into villages, communities, mission fields, and places where the gospel had scarcely been preached.
Those lessons continue to shape my ministry to this very day.
My First Mission Field – Gusau, Zamfara State (2018)
In 2018, I received my very first pastoral posting to Gusau, Zamfara State.
Anyone familiar with northern Nigeria understands the spiritual realities of this region. It is a predominantly Muslim area, and many would naturally feel intimidated.
But I remembered everything ALIVE-Nigeria had invested in me.
I reached out to the ministry for Bible study guides, evangelistic books, and mission materials.
Without hesitation, they provided everything I needed.
Armed with those resources and depending completely on God's power, I stepped into the mission field.
What happened next still amazes me.
Within just two months, God gave us twenty-five precious souls.
- 15 Muslims surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ.
- 10 others joined from different church backgrounds.
Many of those who accepted Christ did not come alone—they brought members of their families.
I watched entire households experience the transforming power of the gospel.
It was not because I possessed extraordinary ability.
It was because I had been equipped to serve.
Another Mission, Another Harvest – Matazu, Katsina State (2024)
In 2024, I was transferred once again—this time to Matazu in Katsina State as a Global Mission Pioneer.
Like my previous assignment, this was also a predominantly Muslim community.
My wife and I understood that success would never come through human effort alone.
So before beginning the work, we dedicated two weeks to fasting and prayer, asking God to prepare hearts and go before us.
We placed ourselves completely upon His altar.
And heaven answered.
Within only one month:
- 27 precious souls accepted Christ.
- 17 of them came directly from Muslim backgrounds.
- Others came from churches including ECWA, Deeper Life, and several other denominations.
Regardless of where they came from, they all encountered the same Saviour.
God glorified His name in a remarkable way, and I remain forever grateful that He allowed me to witness His mighty hand at work.
Every Soul Has a Story
Whenever I mention these numbers, I do not see statistics.
I see faces.
I see homes transformed.
I see tears replaced with hope.
I see families discovering Jesus.
I see eternal destinies rewritten by the grace of God.
Every soul represents someone for whom Christ died.
That is why these victories remain priceless to me.
The Foundation That Changed My Life
Humanly speaking, I honestly believe I would never have experienced these opportunities without the training, knowledge, encouragement, and practical experience I received through ALIVE-Nigeria.
The ministry taught me humility.
It taught me perseverance.
It taught me compassion.
Above all, it taught me what genuine, sacrificial soul-winning truly looks like.
From everything I have personally experienced and observed, I can confidently say that ALIVE-Nigeria stands among the foremost ministries passionately committed to reaching souls for the Kingdom of God.
My prayer is that God will continue to strengthen, preserve, and expand this ministry until Jesus returns.
Once a Missionary, Always a Missionary
The missionary fire that ALIVE-Nigeria ignited within me still burns brightly.
I firmly believe:
"Once a missionary, always a missionary."
Whenever ALIVE-Nigeria organizes a mission program and I receive the invitation, I will gladly come.
I still long to sit under the teachings of the men God used to shape my life.
One of my earnest prayers is that God will continue to mold me into an effective preacher like Pr. TK, Pr. Pimpim, and Pr. Samson, whose ministries have greatly inspired me.
A Heartfelt Appreciation
I would also like to sincerely appreciate members of the ALIVE-Nigeria family whose love, encouragement, and sacrifices have left lasting memories in my life.
Br. Stanley
Br. Gabriel
Sis. Franca
Sis. Uche
Br. Simple
Br. Emenike
Sis. Hauwa
And Sis. Hauwa... I still remember the meals you prepared during mission trips. They were more than food—they were expressions of love and service that refreshed weary missionaries. May God richly bless you.
My Final Word
This is more than a testimony.
It is more than a report.
It is my heartfelt thank-you letter to the ministry that God used to transform a timid believer into a bold soul winner.
Through ALIVE-Nigeria, my gifts were discovered.
My faith was strengthened.
My voice was found.
My calling became clear.
And by God's grace, my story is still being written.
To God alone be all the glory.