Born into a Muslim family in Nigeria, Samson Fidimaye never dreamed that one day he would be studying at a Christian school in the US. Even in 2015, as a Seventh-day Adventist with a comfortable government job, it was far from his mind. Then a voice spoke: “I want you to be a missionary.” Samson comments, “The idea scared me. I tried valiantly to quiet the voice by reasoning that every Christian is a missionary, though in my heart I knew God was calling me to a life of dedicated service outside my comfort zone.”
After resisting for months, Samson surrendered, resigned his job, and “stepped out by faith into the unknown.” He began with medical missionary training at Elim Lands, an Adventist training ministry in Nigeria. Here he heard about Hartland. At first, studying in the US seemed impossible. He had no money, and the American Embassy refused him a visa. But Samson persisted. After a prayerful six-month wait, he finally gained the visa. He was also approved for financial assistance from the Missionary Training Fund. God was making the impossible happen!
Samson, a published author on Christian apologetics, is studying Christian Media Ministry. He explains, “I chose it because Christian media ministries are hugely successful in Nigeria, but none of them are Seventh-day Adventist. Also, this is the major that employs to the uttermost my natural gifts for writing, attention to detail, and a deep longing for effective communication with others.”
Samson believes Hartland is shaping him for his mission: “I have been learning to be diligent, faithful, and to give my best even when my feelings suggest otherwise. Both in and out of the classroom, in interactions with others, in camp meetings and convocations, in the dorm, in my practical training duties, Hartland has been preparing me for my life calling.”
To MTF donors, Samson says, “You have no idea what a blessing your giving is. Simply because of your giving, one like myself will acquire a solid Christian education, and many souls will come to the knowledge of the gospel as a result. Your gift to one is a gift to thousands, maybe millions. Only eternity will tell.”
Is he still a reluctant missionary? “Every day, I am progressively discovering God’s will for my life as a missionary. Life has never been more meaningful, happy, and fulfilling!”