By Sharon Mager
CURTIS BAY, Md. — Early Monday evenings, a small group of individuals, two families, and five or six others gather in a room at The Well in Curtis Bay, just south of Baltimore. They sit at desks set in a “U” shape. It’s not a class; it’s a Bible study/gathering of a new church plant — Grace Gospel Church. The session begins with worship led by Nigerian Church Planter Samson Amajene, using music from his iPhone with a mic.
The small group joyfully sings, praising God. Samson passionately shares from the Bible, interspersing his testimony. He’s personal and engaging throughout his message, which is strong and convicting. The group stands in prayer as they close, and then a few discuss upcoming events.
For decades, Amajene served as a pastor and missionary in Nigeria. He came to the United States in 2020, followed by his wife, Mercy, in 2023, who was delayed due to the immigration process. Samson wasn’t sure what the Lord had for them. Some family members had encouraged him to scale back to relax a bit. But God had other plans, and it wasn’t to relax. He called Samson to plant and made that call very clear.
In May, Samson had a dream where he was going from one job to another, struggling and not making any headway. “The Lord came to me in that dream and said, ‘All these things are not the reason I brought you here. I brought you here to do MY work, and you’re doing YOUR work.’” That was disturbing to Samson. “I started fasting and praying, seeking the face of God.” He began to feel God calling him back to ministry — to go and make disciples. He kept the dream and thoughts to himself at first.
Samson says, “I went to a Christian conference in Ashland, Virginia, continuing to pray and seek the face of God. There, I had multiple confirmations.” One came in front of a soft drink vending machine. During a break at the conference, Samson wanted a Coke and was a dollar short. Another conference attendee came by, and Samson asked to borrow the money. Samson says, “He looked at me and said, ‘You are called by God but denying and refusing to answer.’ I was shocked! Shocked!” exclaimed Samson. “He gave me the dollar, and I bought the coke, and while there, my phone rang. All this was happening within 15-20 minutes. A pastor in Rosedale wanted to see me. I met with him, and he said, “I see you standing with a Bible in your hands and preaching to people. You know God has called you. Why are you not doing it? “My mind was blown,” says Samson excitedly.
From there, he shares, “I had a singular goal. I’m going to start a ministry, no matter what happens. I was afraid. I came back and kept it as a secret, praying until one day I felt led to go rent a hall. I didn’t want what happened to Jonah to happen to me,” he says, smiling. When Samson told Mercy, she was supportive.
“We had our inaugural meeting, and a lot of people came. We had food and drinks, and the Word was preached. I was so filled. But then I had a series of temptations from Satan — many trials. I fasted for ten days, and again, it went well.”
A co-worker whom Samson had been talking to about the new plant connected the couple with her husband, who then connected Samson and Mercy with the Send Network. They applied as planters and were quickly approved. South Shore Church (SSC), Crownsville, became their sending church partner. Jamie Caldwell, the pastor of SSC, also serves as the BCM/D Church planting director.
Samson and Mercy were ecstatic. “I’ve never seen someone so kind, helpful and supportive as Jamie, and I appreciate the training and advice.
“Currently, we’re raising a core team to prepare to launch next year. Now, we’re doing a Bible study and reaching out to the community. South Shore has graciously offered to help us in sponsoring community engagement.”
The group has been prayer walking in the neighborhood, inviting people to Bible study, and sharing flyers about the church’s activities. In August, they distributed school supplies. They also visited a local high school to offer support and invite students to a Bible study.” Soon, they will give away Thanksgiving turkeys, Christmas meals, and winter jackets.
“These programs are designed for the community to know us and for us to make contact with people so that when we’ve officially launched, the community will know we love them,” says Samson.
Reflecting over the past year, Samson says, “This has been quite an adventure!”
Looking ahead, Samson and Mercy are praying for Christians to help and for lost individuals to be drawn to the church. To help Grace Gospel Church, email [email protected].
The BCM/D would love to partner with you and your church to start or support a church plant. Visit our website to learn more.
Sharon Mager serves as a communications specialist and BaptistLIFE editor