In January 1988, in conjunction with Northern California Bible College, West African Advanced School of Theology (WAAST) began classes in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The project was three years in the making and represents a major step in the challenge of "making disciples of all nations." The Moslem government of Nigeria miraculously approved the school, and even provided the buildings at no charge and gave the college 10 adjoining acres for future development.

WAAST carries the vision to biblically educate those who pastor congregations, but were never able to receive formal education and training.

In May 1991 the college celebrated its first commencement, as 12 graduates received Bachelor (4 yr) and Associate (2 yr) degrees. The school currently has over 130 students enrolled from 52 denominations (primarily existing pastors and Christian Leaders), from countries throughout Africa.

The Government of Niger has even asked the college to train high school teacher's how to teach Christianity in the public schools. Truly, the vision to train Africans for Africa is alive.

The college is directed by Rev. Casmir Ihegworo, a man with a vision for training Africans to reach their nations for Christ. He was born in a rural Nigerian village and heard the call of the Lord Jesus Christ at the age of 15. After graduation from high school, he attended S.I.M. Bible College where he completed his four year training course. Additionally, Casmir has earned his B.A. in Communications and English from Simpson College in San Francisco, and has completed his graduate studies at San Jose State University. Casmir was ordained by the Missionary Full Gospel Ministerial Association in 1979.

WHY NIGERIA?

Why Nigeria? Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with more than 120 million people, almost 3 times more than any other country in Africa. In fact, Nigeria is the 7th most populous country in the world. Although the central government is principally Moslem, they are surprisingly open to Christianity.

Nigeria is a political and economic leader in the continent of Africa. This comes from having a land rich in agricultural, mineral and oil resources. They export oil and are a key member of OPEC. Nigeria is therefore a strategic center in Africa for training pastors and Christian workers for the body of Christ.

Nelson Augustine Nannnah

At the age of 18, Nelson felt God's call and began pastoring his first congregation at Umunkwo, Nigeria. In his hunger to receive quality Bible training he has since entered WAAST and is currently finishing up his Bachelors degree in Biblical Studies. When his ministry began, Nelson pastored a group of 57 people meeting in a temporary building. Today, his church has just finished a permanent building with a seating capacity of 2000.

As Nelson began praying for the spiritual needs of the church in Nigeria, the Lord led him to a serious commitment toward evangelism. He began gathering with other pastors who shared his vision for prayer and active evangelism. He also involved other student pastors at WAAST, and is currently leading an interdenominational evangelism group, geared to help Evangelical and Pentecostal churches grow. Future plans for this ministry include, training and sending evangelists into rural areas of Africa, creating missionary awareness among pastors in Nigeria, and raising funds for assisting handicapped pastors.

Each year this group hosts a city-wide crusade and sends the proceeds into the existing churches within that city. Through this ministry, hundreds of people from different parts of the nation have came to Christ and have been set free from demonic oppression. Nelsons wife, Beloved, is also actively involved in full time evangelism.

YES, I want to know what I can do to share the vision of Reaching Africa for Christ
Contact: African Christian Nationals P.O. Box 51780 San Jose, CA 951 51-5780 (510) 846-6557

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