What We Can Glean From The First Black Bishop, Samuel Ajayi Crowther?
There comes a special moment in everyone’s life, a moment for which that person was born. That special opportunity, when he seizes it, will fulfill his mission — a mission for which he is uniquely qualified. In that moment, he will find greatness. It is his finest hour.-Wilson Churchill
Young Samuel was a boy born out of due to time, at a time slavery was sweeping across the length and breadth of Africa.
Born in 1809, Sam was unluckily captured alongside his family members, by a Muslim Fulani Army. He was sold into slavery at a very young age of 12, much like Joseph in the scripture.
But for the strong hand of destiny he found himself purchased and taken care of by a Church Missionary Society, in far away Sierra Leone. There, opportunity presented himself for his educations, as a linguist.
Due to his hard-work, he rose through the ranks to qualify as the first Black Bishop in his race. He was sent for further education in London, and eventually trained as an Anglican Bishop.
In his later years, he pioneered the interpretation of Yoruba Bible from English version to his native language. He contributed immensely to Bible translation to other African languages including Nupe, Hausa to name a few.
Besides, he saw to the writing of first ever Yoruba dictionary, as well.
Undoubtedly, it is not out of place to say that Samuel Ajayi Crowther, Shepherd of Niger, was one of the important figure of 19th Century. How?
Because of his immense contributions to Africa, every major tribe is able to have access to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in their mother tongue. Through this effort, Christianity religion gained speedy influence all across Africa and beyond.
Take away
There is a spot for everyone reading this post to occupy in his race.
You might not be lucky to occupy same position as Samuel, but you’re certain to have a gift to offer. You can reexamine your life and discover what drives you every morning and night you go to bed. Thereafter, arise from what you found out!
‘Are you a school teacher, Engineer, Doctor, Scientist, or what have you?’ your eternal value far outweigh what you currently do. Find out what you can offer beyond your present job role and begin to work on. Perhaps, it can be a defining moment capable of being your finest hour in your generation.
The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems. — Mahatma Gandhi
