OUR STORY

Love of Jesus Missions began with one woman's obedience.In 1999, at the age of 70, Frances Oyinkansola Gesinde MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) was led by the Holy Spirit to take the Gospel to Orileigbon Kingdom, Oyo State, Nigeria.

But the story of Love of Jesus Missions began long before that moment.

Frances was a woman of many dimensions — an entrepreneur and contractor, a creative, a leader, a woman of faith and, above all, a lover of Christ. She studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, where she was taught by Wole Soyinka, and went on to appear in theatrical productions including Kongi's Harvest. She also produced a drama directed by the renowned Nigerian playwright and theatre director Zulu Sofola, which was staged to raise funds for her church.

The arts were part of our family heritage. My grandmother also appeared in numerous dramatic productions, and I participated in drama when I was younger. Looking back, I can see a creative thread running through the family — a love for storytelling, communication and reaching people — which may have quietly shaped my own later love for media, writing and production.

My mother's creativity also found expression through writing. She authored and self-published Jesus Identity, using the proceeds to support her ministry work. Whether through business, theatre, writing, fundraising or ministry, she had a remarkable ability to see something that needed to be done and take action.

Her commitment to Christian service extended across many areas of her life. She was a member of the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International, served in various ministries and remained closely connected to her alma mater, United Missionary College (UMC), Ibadan, where she served in leadership for approximately 25 years. She was known for being proactive and resourceful. Among the causes she championed was fundraising towards the building of a chapel at United Missionary College, mobilising others to support something she believed would bless future generations. Her life was not simply about what she achieved. It was about the people she served, the lives she touched and the faith she carried.

In recognition of her service and contribution to the community, she was honoured with the traditional title of Yeye Oba by His Royal Majesty, the late Oba Adegboyega Osunbade, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, who was himself an accountant by profession.

And then came the call.

At 70, Frances felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to go to Orileigbon Kingdom. She had shared her faith wherever she went and had been active in the church for many years, but this was a new assignment.

She responded with faith.

Every month, she would travel for more than two hours to carry out the mission. In the early days, she was supported by a medical team, while volunteer intercessors stood with the work in prayer. She continued faithfully until the age of 80. What began as one woman's response to the prompting of the Holy Spirit became Love of Jesus Missions — an evangelistic ministry carrying a prophetic mandate to win souls, make disciples, teach the Word of God, proclaim the Gospel and speak the voice of God to the nations.

Her daughter, Salewa, walked alongside her and supported the work over the years. The calling was also taking shape in her. Evangelism was always at the centre, alongside a growing prophetic mandate to speak the voice of God to the nations. Over the years, Salewa travelled on missions, participated in evangelistic outreaches, collaborated with churches and ministries, and took part in mass crusades.

Then came another defining moment.

After a season of fasting and prayer, Salewa woke one morning not long after the fast had ended with the words “Fishers of Men” strongly impressed upon her heart. She understood this to be the direction the Lord was giving her for a new season of ministry.Under Fishers of Men, the ministry developed through evangelism, teaching and prophetic writing. In 2011, Salewa began sharing Word for Today, Hope for Tomorrow — daily words received in prayer to encourage and strengthen those who received them. She subsequently funded the production and broadcast of one-minute segments for Inspirational TV Network, taking these messages to audiences across the Americas, Africa and Europe. The writing was taken up again for a season in 2017.

Alongside ministry, Salewa's journey has included a degree in Business Administration, a Master's in Ministry, Missions and Theology, postgraduate study in Business Systems Analysis and Design, and professional experience across financial services, business, systems, project delivery and consulting.

Yet alongside the professional journey, the call to people has remained.

She has supported churches, taught foundational Kingdom principles and worked with young people in different settings. The younger generation is particularly close to her heart — with a desire to see young people discipled, equipped in the Word, secure in their identity in Christ and prepared to fulfil their God-given purpose.

The ministry has also found expression through media and production, including an episode focused on sickle cell awareness, reflecting a desire to communicate, educate and encourage beyond the traditional church setting. After a lifetime of faith, service and obedience, Frances went to be with the Lord on 7 July 2021. Her earthly journey had come to an end, but the story did not. The work she had begun in obedience continued into the next generation.

Today, Love of Jesus Missions is moving into a new expression, carrying the same foundational call while embracing a wider assignment to the nations. Our focus is on missions, evangelism, discipleship, prophetic ministry, teaching, intercessory prayer, youth and Kingdom outreach.

We believe the Lord is calling us to participate in His purposes for revival across the nations — reaching beyond borders, strengthening the Church, raising a remnant generation, equipping believers, serving communities, giving a voice to the voiceless, caring for the poor and vulnerable, and bringing the hope, healing and love of Jesus wherever He sends us.

We believe in Kingdom partnership — working alongside churches, ministries, organisations and individuals who share a burden for the nations. Through collaboration, we seek to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, serve communities and see lives transformed.

What began with one woman's obedience at 70 has become a legacy that continues into another generation.

And the call remains the same:

To win souls.
To make disciples.
To teach the Word of God.
To proclaim the Gospel.
To speak the voice of God to the nations.
To raise a remnant generation.
To intercede for the nations.
And to carry the message and love of Jesus wherever He sends us.

Love of Jesus Missions — from one woman's obedience to a calling to the nations.