Arrival of the Dutch Reformed Church Mission at Sai

Missionary Carl Zimmermann established the first Christian mission station in Tivland at Sai on 17 April 1911, on behalf of the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa working with the Sudan United Mission.

The Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa, in partnership with the Sudan United Mission (SUM), began missionary work among the Tiv on 17 April 1911, when Carl Zimmermann established a mission station at Sai after C. W. Guinter of the SUM negotiated the site with the local Tiv chief. Growth was initially very slow — reportedly only 25 baptized converts in the mission's first 25 years. The SUM later expanded east of the Katsina-Ala River, establishing further stations at Zaki Biam (1913) and Sevav (1919, including a girls' school).

Founded what became the Church of Christ in the Sudan Among the Tiv (NKST), now one of the largest denominations in Benue State, and introduced formal mission education into Tivland.

• Dutch Reformed Church (South Africa)\nSudan United Mission\nChurch of Christ in the Sudan Among the Tiv (NKST)