TITUS DAVIS IS STILL MISSING
“CHECKMATE!” THE ENEMY LAUGHS
MASTER TRAINERS ON THE GO!
African Church Leader, Titus Davis, Still Missing
On June 24, 2021, over five weeks ago, Titus Davis was last seen about 10:00 am when he went for a walk, wearing casual dress, from his home in Caldwell, a suburb in Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa. At least eight people reported seeing him walking alone, some stating they saw him enter a yellow mini-taxi. Presently, nothing more is known of his whereabouts. The local police were notified, but minimal efforts were made to find Titus.
Earlier the same day, Samuel Yarmo, a Meridian Master Trainer, made a brief visit to talk with Titus. When Samuel left, both Titus and his wife Dorcas were standing in the yard.
Pastor David Kaimu, one of the leaders for the Evangelical Free Church of Liberia, announced upon Titus’ disappearance that he was abducted and being held. During the five weeks following his disappearance, no ransom was demanded. Kaimu reported last week that the National Security Agency (NSA) has been actively working to find him. Kaimu said, “We are sure he is still alive, but where and who is holding him and for what reason are things the NSA is establishing.”
Titus Davis has been a trusted partner with Meridian University for ten years and has taken Meridian Training to 25 African countries. He has drawn the respect of African leaders and was elected by the Evangelical Free Church of Liberia to become its president. He was later named president of the Evangelical Free Church of West Africa. His latest appointment was to become the leader for ReachAfrica, a global missions organization for the Evangelical Free Church and was given an open door to reach the 54 countries of Africa with the Gospel.
Titus Davis’ family is praying and confide that Titus will return home safely. They are surrounded by many believers and friends who are providing comfort, financial assistance and spiritual support. Believers around the world are continuing to pray for Titus and his family.
Written by Ralph Speas, president of Meridian University
“Checkmate!” the Enemy Laughs. So What is Our Next Move?
Benji, the 11-year-old son of Meridian Master Trainer Michael Underschuetz, is learning to play chess. His father explained, “The objective is to surround your opponent’s king so that you can conquer him on your next move, leaving no space for him to wiggle out and free himself. Lately, it seems like many of the values we hold dear have been put in a checkmate crisis by a carefully crafted plan in which the enemy has given us no room to move forward.”
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was surrounded by 32 captains of the Syrian army. Checkmate! But Jehoshaphat cried out. Sometimes the only thing we can do is cry out to the Lord in sheer desperation. It worked, and the captains “turned back from pursuing him” (1 Kings 22:32-33).
Sometimes the only thing we can do is cry out to the Lord in sheer desperation.
During the last year-and-a-half, the Church has been in a state of checkmate. COVID-19 has blocked us. We have felt helpless in carrying out the Lord’s Great Commission. However, Meridian has made attempts to go forward by training with Zoom in ten additional countries. And when we saw an opportunity to make an international trip, we eagerly traveled to Liberia to encourage and provide advanced training for our Master Trainers. We are currently contemplating the start of training in three countries: Peru, Mexico and Kenya. There are also indications that Meridian University should consider increasing our stateside training and develop training videos in English to be accessed internationally for the purpose of evangelism, discipleship, church planting and biblical leadership. Additionally, we are pursuing the possibility of offering training for bi-vocational leaders to sustain ministry through agriculture.
Please join us in praying: “Lord, we know the game is not over! Help us to make the right moves to fulfill your redemptive gameplan for the nations.”
Master Trainers On the Go!
BREAKING NEWS! God knew our concern about transportation for our Master Trainers who are venturing out into dark places to train and share the Gospel in villages that are predominately Muslim. As they go, many are turning to Jesus and following Him.
GOOD NEWS! Ralph Speas was preaching at Creede Baptist Church, small mountain church in southern Colorado, on July 18, 2021. The pastor, David Gale, wanted to take a love offering for Meridian University and asked what Meridian’s greatest need was. Ralph replied that Meridian has many trainers who need motorbikes to reach remote places to train and evangelize—places where other vehicles may not be able to go. The believers in that little church responded with an offering of $12,606. Now, Meridian is able to buy motorbikes and, in some cases, three-wheel motorcycles with a bed on the back like a pickup truck! Purchases will be made in early August. Eventually, Meridian wants to make transportation available to other Master Trainers serving multiple communities in remote areas.
STILL GOING! Whether on motorbike, bus, foot … or whatever, the troops in Africa will not be denied in pressing forward—despite not having a leader. Musa, in Sierra Leone, is taking the Gospel to 200 villages this year. (He has already visited 150.) Gomet, in Cote d’Voir, is taking training to Bloléquin City, Cote d'Voir. Samuel is continuing master training in Domagbamatina, Liberia, the first week of August. Pastor Roby and Pastor Victor are conducting training for the Fulani in Nigeria this week. During August, Pastor Wali is conducting training for approximately 30 leaders in two villages.
Master Trainer Musa Kpaka astride a motorcycle he uses to spread the Gospel across Sierra Leone.
Prayer warriors have told us they like to know everything we are doing. Click the links below to download this month's prayer requests or to support the expanding ministry of Meridian University. As always, thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support!
6400 South Sooner Road • Oklahoma City, OK 73135 • (405) 570-7099
If you found this newsletter inspirational and informative, click the Appreciate button to let us know. We’d love to hear from you! If you want to contact us directly, use the Contact Us form under the ABOUT tab on our website.