Venerable Mark Wokgam Mukan’s passion for the Africa Study Bible (ASB) was obvious from the time he hurriedly walked into our interview with a well-worn Africa Study Bible. When asked about the Bible’s torn back cover, Mukan told us “it is because of usage. It is my companion.” He passionately added, “This is the work of God. It seems people were connected divinely as they worked on this Bible.”

One of the main places Mukan uses the Africa Study Bible is called Gantang Tuwan. Mukan describes Gantang Tuwan as “a place in our village where elders sit to tell Bible stories and tales about the village, ancient parents, hunters, and heroes. Other activities include prayer, advice, and correction of errors. I feel very much at home with the Africa Study Bible. I can hold it close to my heart.”

“I feel very much at home with the Africa Study Bible. I can hold it close to my heart.“

~ Venerable Mark Wokgam Mukan

Mukan is a minister with the Anglican Diocese of Jos, Church of Nigeria. He serves his diocese as the Director of Mission Operations (Local and Foreign Missions). He is married to his wife Lantana, and they have three boys and one adopted daughter.

Before receiving the ASB, Mukan describes his studies as limited—especially in finding relevant illustrations. “I enjoy reading different versions of the Scripture. I try to contextualize as I read them, and make the language simple for my people. I use observations a lot in preparing a sermon. However, it was always limited. I didn’t have many illustrations to share.”

However, now that Mukan regularly uses the Africa Study Bible in his studies, he regularly benefits from the ASB’s “Storytelling, incredible illustrations, wealth of insight of the commentators, ability to connect to biblical realities, its simplicity, and [the fact that] it is African in context.”

“I appreciate those who may not be able to see physically, but have sown into the lives of brothers and sisters in Africa. Their investments are not a waste, but living investments.“

~ Venerable Mark Wokgam Mukan

Mukan loves the ASB so much that he regularly shares it with others! He has donated some copies of this book to pastors, missionaries, and church workers who were affected by insurgency in the north east of Nigeria. He quickly received a reply: “Sir, on behalf of our group, we want to appreciate your effort for giving us the Africa Study Bible. We have found it useful. Remain blessed.”

Mukan shared, “My heart drive is to reach the north east of Nigeria. Many Pastors have lost their Bibles and biblical literature as a result of the insurgency. I hope to replace those losses by putting an ASB in their hands. Other things will be replaced when they read it and live it.” Mukan keenly explained, “If it pleases God, my dream is to place ASBs in the hands of many missionaries, pastors, church workers, traditional rulers, and imams. I have a longing to give to imams as a way of evangelism.”

Mukan praises God for the role the Africa Study Bibles plays in his life. He commented, “To Oasis International, we appreciate God for their availability, in this generation, to reach out to Africans in their own terms. They should not get tired.”

Though he will never meet the Christians who have changed his life, Mukan remains grateful for those who have donated to Oasis. “I appreciate those who may not be able to see physically, but have sown into the lives of brothers and sisters in Africa. Their investments are not a waste, but living investments.”