Pastor Felicity Ruth Reid, Senior Pastor of Shalom Worship Centre, reflects back on their season with Pastor John Fancin Ibe, (2013-2014) when he and his family resided with her in Merrigum but also maintained contact over subsequent years, hosting a series of prophetic bible teaching meetings- EQUIP until travel restrictions during COVID (2020) made it impractical when living in Canberra. Also working with YWAM, CHOP (Canberra House of Prayer) and other African congregations. However our connection has remained, and we continue to keep in touch. The family recently travelled down to Merrigum for a Christmas break after moving to Armidale NSW in 2024 from Canberra, ACT.

 Introduction … Pastor Felicity met John Fancin Ibe in 2009 and invited him to Australia in 2011. He believed God laid it on his heart to come to Australia to help strengthen the body of Christ in being equipped to co-labour with God in His sovereign plan for reviving His people in this nation.

Shalom Worship Centre leadership prayed as a team and believed the Lord confirmed His plan and purpose in Pastor John Fancin coming to Merrigum, even though it was a  small ministry in a small rural town.

However his humble obedience to the call of God and bringing his family over from Nigeria, in spite of the financial and logistical challenges, warmed the hearts of our people.

 Pastor John was not dismissive of the church’s small size or the size of the town and was resolute in his overall mission to this nation .

 Pastor John Fancin Ibe would be described as a person of sound Christian character, humble, sincere, diligent in prayer, and passionate about teaching God's Word. His wife Janet is also committed to their mission, and together they respect others' sovereignty and the Holy Spirit's work. They now have two children Reign and Blossom (born in ACT).

Pastor John faced several challenges - reaching out to the marginalized communities, including migrant, African, and Indigenous communities, as well as needy families, itinerant workers, backpackers, unemployed individuals, and those with disabilities. He sought to strengthen  our leadership in it’s mission to provide a worship sanctuary, a safe refuge for those with special needs and assisting members of the church in practical welfare areas, such as prayer, encouragement, teaching, and visiting the sick.

Monthly Worship Weekend Events: These were held at the Merrigum Hall, where Pastor John delivered strong but simple biblical messages addressing both negative and positive aspects of life, such as anger, worry, love, joy, and obedience to God's Word.

Gospel Tract Distribution: Pastor John, along with his wife Janet and son Reign, distributed gospel tracts around the households in Merrigum and always engaged positively with the community.

Outreach to Backpackers: During that period in the summer months, Merrigum would host many backpackers from many nations for the fruit-picking season, providing a special opportunity to reach out with the “word of God” and pray for specific needs.  There were several significant miracles of healing, answers to prayer over those years.

Shalom Worship Centre, Merrigum,  was and still is counting it as a privilege to remain connected to Pastor John Fancin Ibe and his family, and appreciate it has also been an ongoing challenge for them in forging their way on this journey. It has involved a significant move to a totally new demographic region found in Armidale (Northern NSW) but still with a passion to see the reality of Jesus in kingdom life that fosters a deeper unity within the wider body of Christ. This naturally reflects being a true witness of His love and purpose amongst His people to bring real lasting hope and light to our communities.

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