The Cross River Home Mission Field was opened in the year 2009. The field covers the area where Cross River State borders Cameroon at Ikom. Ikom is also the headquarters of Ikom Local Government, a thriving business town and one of the major cities in Cross River State. Other Local Government Areas under the Cross River State Mission Field are Obudu, Obanliku, Obubra, Ogoja, Yala, Bekwara and Boki Local Government Areas(LGAs). It has a population of about 3million people.
Christianity is the most predominant religion practiced on the field including those who are nominal Christians. Many people do not take God too serious, but are mere church-goers. African Traditional Religion is also very much practiced on the field. A lot of people are involved in all forms of idolatrous practices such as masquerading and many others. The culture of the people and practices have direct bearing on their way of living over the years. Marriage takes place in most cases informally and without the permission/consent of intending parents from both sides. The high level of promiscuity and immoral attitudes among the teens and adults does not help the matter in any way. As a result, many children are born without proper parental guidance and upbringing. Teenage pregnancy, abortion, divorce and high level of infection with venereal diseases are very rampant.
Too much money and fortune is wasted on burial not regarding the financial status of the persons involved. Burial ceremonies are seen as another avenue of “enjoying life”. Some families after burial ceremonies live the rest of their lives in abject penury. Another unfortunate aspect of the people’s culture is the fact that the widows are generally maltreated. When a man dies, the wife is subjected to untold hardship- a development that has made many people to rather not get married .However, the people of Cross Rivers Home Mission Field are generally hospitable as they warmly welcome visitors/strangers.
People Groups on Focus: Bisu, Bishiri, Basange, Bendi, Utanga and Bebi
Mandate:
- Outreach programme such as Film, medical, witnessing, crusade etc at Obudu, Boki, Etung, Obanliku and Nkom -Organization of different outreach programmes (). At least 2 outreach programmes in a month.
- Establishment of regular Discipleship programmes and literacy classes in all the planted Churches.
- Planting of 6 Baptist Churches 2 each at the 3 catchment areas on the field, which includes Obudu and Obanliku Local Government areas; Boki, which covers Boki and Etung Local Government Areas, Obubra and Ikom
- Training of 6 indigenous Pastor, 2 from each catchment Area