08/11/2025
RALLY SEMINAR
THE LIFE OF JOHN DEAN – A TRUE EXAMPLE OF GODLY INFLUENCE
Influence is not noise. It is light that keeps shining. John Dean lived that kind of life. In January 1958, he became the first Travelling Secretary of Scripture Union Nigeria. His goal was to help students know Jesus, read the Bible daily, and lead others to do the same. What he started still shapes schools and churches across Nigeria today.
John Dean came from England. He met Christ as a young student and grew strong in faith. He later served in the British Army and came to Nigeria in 1955 with the Royal West Africa Frontier Force. After training, he taught Chemistry at Sudan United Mission Secondary School in Gindiri near Jos. In 1957, he was invited to work with Scripture Union. He prayed about it, felt God’s call, and obeyed. That one decision changed many lives.
His job was to reach students and help them stand firm for Christ. He travelled across Nigeria on rough roads in a green diesel Land Rover filled with Bibles, booklets, and SU-Noies. His work had three steps. First, he visited schools to explain the value of reading the Bible daily and invited students to know God personally. Next, he returned with Bible passages, taught them how to study and pray daily, and gave out SU cards and booklets. Finally, he met with those who were ready to form SU groups, plan meetings, and grow in faith.
John did not push students. He allowed them to take ownership, then trained and encouraged them. By the end of 1960, there were 71 SU groups across Nigeria’s regions. Many began because John visited, taught, and returned to strengthen them.
He also worked with churches, missionaries, and teachers. During the 1960 Billy Graham crusade, he helped train counselors and guide new believers in Lagos and Ibadan. To John, anything that brought students closer to Christ was worth doing.
People trusted him because he lived what he preached. He was humble, kind, and steady. Heat, dust, or distance never stopped him. Students still remember his smile and the sound of his Land Rover. His life spoke one word: commitment.
John Dean’s method “train and trust” produced lasting results. The students he mentored became leaders, pastors, teachers, and professionals. They formed more SU groups, taught others, and built godly families. His simple pattern of daily Bible reading, small groups, peer leadership, and follow-up became part of SU culture across Nigeria.
So what can you do?
1. Read your Bible daily and pray. Invite a friend.
2. Start or strengthen an SU group in your school.
3. Be consistent. Meet weekly and share what you learn.
4. Lead by example. Don’t cheat or bully. Be kind and truthful.
