JOHN 11:21, 23: LORD IF THOU HAST BEEN HERE, MY BROTHER HAST
NOT DIEN. JESUS SAITH UNTO HER, THY BROTHER SHALL RISE AGAIN.
I have not met Richard Nickels in person other than communication
by letter writing and email since early 2001. Richard Nickels has been of great help to the Church of God here in Nigeria in such
a wonderful and surprising way to the point that Nickels does not care to know the name of your denomination. All that mostly appeals
to Nickels is God's name, commandments and the Bible.
Our churches and Pastors here in Nigeria lacked nothing because Nickels
is always lending a helping hand, sending books leaflets, Magazines, Tracts, Bibles and all what it takes to keep the church alert.
Nickels also made us to know the names of overseas churches, ministries and individuals that teach the true word of God. Nickels ensures
that all books of interest reaches us; just mention the book and in a very few days the book is in your mail box "free of charge".
Bible
lessons and study materials are compiled in a very interesting and educative way that Pastors from other churches are all the time
coming to us for Bible knowledge. I am not trying to exaggerate anything, all I know is that I have a right to say what I know is
true and say it to the Glory of God.
The church here in Owerri was traumatized when the news of
Nickels death reached us. Every
one of us was in uncontrollable tears, no one could look at each others face. Yes we know that every life in this world has an end
but that of Nickels was seriously and suddenly cut away from us.
Who can take up from where Nickels stopped- seeing God's children
as one indivisible body no matter the name of their congregation, creed or belief. Oh how great we miss you Richard.
We know
that the Lord was there, He saw your ill health and purposely refused to heal you so as to make you have some rest and fortified for
the work in New Jerusalem, for it is evident that He requires you more than we need you. Your rest is the Lord’s great interest in
that you have done the work and His reasons are perfect. The Lord heard Shirley and your children, saw all their depressions, agonies
and how they were all the time by your side to the end yet the Lord did nothing as His keen and humble desire was to take you. We
know you are in the Lord’s bosom and that your good works here on earth brightens everything about you to Eternity.
We the church
of God in Owerri wish Shirley, her children, relatives, members of the
Sabbath Sentinel, members of Give/Share Newsletter and all
who had the opportunity to have been or known Richard Nickels, the fortitude and courage to forge and stride ahead in the paths of
the promulgation of God’s word. By a rough calculation it will cost over 150 Billion dollars to evangelize and create a solid awareness
of the true word of God here in Nigeria but Richard Nickels in his magnanimity, has cut one third off the said sum through his God
given talent and dedication. Members and Associates of the Give/Share, Sabbath Sentinel, the Church of God News to mention but a few,
are pointers to the paths that were trod by Richard Nickels.
RICHARD NICKELS may we work like you. We know we miss you, but we
are sure we must see you face to face in New Jerusalem at the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
