Wilson Akinwale
Master of Divinity, 2021
I was born into an Anglican family in Nigeria, where my father served as a priest for almost fifty years. I began a career in journalism and later switched to aviation security and communications. In 2007 I sensed God calling me into pastoral ministry. When I asked my father about next steps, he advised me to be patient. “Don’t go ahead of God,” he said, “Wait for His time. He will lead you to the right place and the right people.”
In 2013, God led me from Nigeria to Winnipeg where I began part-time theological studies, served in lay ministry, and worked full time. Soon after, I heard about Wycliffe and was delighted to enroll.
All I have learned has greatly shaped my understanding about who God is and how to be missional about His work. I found joy in our weekly community worship services and daily morning prayers. My learning experience in leading prayers and worship was profound and deeply ingrained my faith.
Along the way, the prophet Habakkuk reminded me that “the vision awaits an appointed time” (Hab 2:3). Today, more than two decades after hearing God’s call, I know He granted me the grace and trust to endure. Now is the appointed time. After a lengthy process of obedience and spiritual formation, I'm a candidate for ordination in the Diocese of Rupert's Land and a mission pastor, serving, and joyfully praying with over seventy-five families and over two-hundred participants in a foodbank program. “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37) is my mission work here, because it’s out of the abundance God has given me—through Wycliffe College—that I plan to spend the rest of my life giving back to Him in service.
