Stepping onto Nigerian soil for the first time in 1997, Larry Fleming didn’t know the trip he was taking would become a journey of lifelong commitment. Inspired by friends who visited Africa and returned with stories of profound need, Larry felt compelled to help. That first visit shaped his perspective, leading to ongoing efforts that have touched countless lives, both in Nigeria and back home in the United States.
Through the College Park Church of Christ, mission trips to Nigeria have become more than annual visits. They support projects designed to share the love and message of Jesus Christ while improving everyday life for local communities. Larry’s work primarily focuses on the city of Aba, where benevolence remains at the heart of their initiatives—drilling water wells, expanding education, and providing medical care.
Since 2011, College Park Church of Christ, located in Conroe, Texas, has overseen the mission, with Larry leading the charge alongside a dedicated team. Their efforts extend beyond Aba to areas like Port Harcourt and Lagos, addressing needs that range from health care to clean water access.
Between physical trips, financial resources sustain critical work that funds hernia surgeries, cleft palate repairs, cataract treatments, and prosthetic limb reconstructions. These contributions continue to shape lives long after missionaries return home. On each journey, the team follows up on these projects—checking on the sick, observing progress in schools and construction, and visiting villages where new wells have transformed daily routines. In communities where people once traveled miles carrying water on their heads just to meet basic needs, something as simple as a well represents lasting change.
On Larry’s most recent trip, his wife Lisa joined him for the first time after years of hearing stories and seeing photos from past visits. Married for 42 years, they had dreamed of experiencing the mission together, but responsibilities at home had kept Lisa from going. While she had imagined the impact through secondhand accounts, being in Nigeria and seeing the faces of the people firsthand was something else entirely. The experience moved her deeply—an immersion into a culture where joy and generosity flourish despite hardship. Even in villages with so little, the generosity is boundless. Offering a stranger their last banana is a simple yet profound gesture of kindness.
Beyond the church’s direct efforts, partnerships with organizations like Rotary International, Cows for Christ, and Sunny Glen Children’s Home have amplified their impact. Rotary collaborations have helped expand access to clean water, a fundamental necessity often taken for granted elsewhere. The ongoing humanitarian, health, and infrastructure work reflects a commitment to making a difference where possible—even in small ways.
Over the years, Larry’s time in Nigeria has transformed him as much as it has helped others. He sees his business, Accurate Home and Commercial Services, as more than a livelihood—it’s a platform for sustaining mission work. He doesn’t see retirement in the future; his focus is clear: serve where he’s needed most.
To support the mission, visit www.cofcnigeria.com, mail donations to PO Box 8792, The Woodlands, Texas 77387, or give through Venmo @ChurchofChrist-Nigeria. The mission continues in 2026, bringing renewed hope through faith, generosity, and hard work.
“Mission trips go beyond service—they build relationships, restore dignity, and reflect the heart of Christ through love and action.”