missionary outreach of the West Indian church, The

By Horace O. Russell

Book Description

This remarkable historical account reveals how former slaves transformed from mission recipients to mission leaders in just four years. Professor Horace O. Russell chronicles the extraordinary journey of Jamaican Baptists who, shortly after gaining freedom in 1838, felt called to establish their own missionary presence in West Africa's Cameroons region.

The narrative explores how these newly emancipated individuals developed a profound sense of spiritual purpose and identity, partnering with British pastors while navigating the complex relationship with the Baptist Missionary Society of London. Russell examines the institutions these determined believers created to fulfill their vision, tracking their progress through turbulent times marked by Anglo-Hispanic political tensions and ecclesiastical upheaval.

At its heart, this work illuminates a powerful spiritual transformation: the evolution from being served by missions to serving others through missions. The author analyzes how this shift reflected the growing self-awareness and confidence of a people discovering their own capacity for spiritual leadership and global outreach.

For readers interested in understanding how faith communities develop agency and purpose, this study offers valuable insights into the dynamics of spiritual growth, cultural identity, and missionary calling. The book demonstrates how circumstances that might seem limiting can become catalysts for extraordinary spiritual expansion and service to others across continents.