GOOOOOD MORNING FROM NIGREIA,
Rejoice with us as we woke up this morning and had electricity at full current, after 5 days without. I was also able to get our water situation straightened around so we have running water again, after 3 days without; a new pump, some plumbing work and lots of running around on sat. Saturday also brought some relief as I was also able to get 10 gallons of fuel after only 2 hrs. wait for a little less than $6/gallon.
Our Ministry trip last week was incredible, yet not totally what we had expected. As I had asked for prayer to do the Lords will and not our own, it was immediately answered when we arrived at Bachi, Riyom local gov. Plateau St. We had planned to set up and do our typical evening evangelism program, but because of security issues outdoors and evening activates could not be allowed. This community has been attacked several times in the last 2 years, resulting in Loss of life and property. We prefer to not hold programs inside churches as it tends to limit it to whatever denominations building we use. However, God had different plans for all of it. COCIN, ECWA, Anglican & Catholic Pastors, leaders and members all came together under one roof. The Hands of Mercy Ministry did an incredible job of teaching how to make: dish soap, shampoo, room freshener, disinfectant cleaner and a perfumed vaseline. After teaching the skill each individual that registered to learn received some of the product they had watched and were educated on how to make. Any of these products can become a home industry for these people as the closest shops are at least half an hour by car. There was also a full day of medical tests and free medications, seeing hundreds of individuals that may have never seen a Doctor.
Our Work was to do Discipleship training as well as something specific for the youth. In our Discipleship training we broke everyone up in to groups of 8 individuals with a leader. We would teach for half hour to forty-five minutes then have 20-30 minutes of group discussion that they would be required to teach others. We used a discipleship series from Word of Life called “Where Do I Go From Here?” We were able to get through the first 6 lessons and left behind 3 additional books with 6 lessons each. Those that received the books had to commit to teach the remaining lessons and be willing to be accountable and committed, which we will follow up on. All This went incredibly well and really provoked the community to think how they were each now going to try to teach someone else. Our time with the youth was focused on Who they are in Christ to try and help them wade through some of the confusion they face in this day and age. One of the group leaders said “I have had a great desire to be discipled and grow but had no idea where to begin, your teaching has really helped and now I must go out and let others know”. Another individual said “I now realize I must live in such a way that others can see that I am following Christ so they can follow my example”.
The attached pictures shows what I can-not fully describe.
God Bless each of you and thanks for your support
Bob DeVoe
