Abuja, Nigera Summer Outreach 2008

Blessings in Nigeria (A Tip of the Iceberg)

2008-08-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

· Brandon was in the hospital for 2 days in what turned out to be an anaerobic bacterial infection of his stomach. Each member of the team was hit by a similar or the same infection. The Lord brought us through, and in spite of sickness, used it to build many relationships and witness to nurses, etc. I (Matthew) was blessed to have a long Bible study with Brandon, and share some of our own deeper stories in life. I’m glad for the time we spent together.
· Heheheh, much of the transportation that we used in Nigeria, was via motorcycles. Although there were a couple of crazy bike drivers, and a few incidents happened, (ie. Brandon got into a wreck with Lindsay where the driver was going too fast and ran into Lindsay’s bike.) God watched over the team and provided safe travel.
· With the overflowing volume of kids that showed up to VBS, we had enough VBS supplies and left-overs to give to the church and orphanage. Instead of feeding the 5000, we call it supplying the 1000.
· The proprietor of the Calvary Chapel – One Man Village gave us the building free, which allowed for the VBS and Galatians conference. She and her family also had the women over for tea, movies, and fed them. She made fresh squeezed OJ the second day, of which I though was just the greatest thing since, well, the last time I had OJ before leaving J
· Nigerian’s helped out when we were at the end of ourselves. This was at the end of the 2nd weak of VBS, where the Nigerian’s picked up where we couldn’t. The team was exhausted at the end of the last day, waiting for donuts to be delivered. We had 350 kids to continue to interact with while waiting, but just when we couldn’t do it anymore, some men from the congregation stepped up and took over.
· God gave words for teaching many times, whether it be after a drama, where Josh said he had never been so bold, or at the Galatians conference, where the Lord spoke through each and every speaker to bring many to a saving grace understanding of the gospel.
· There were many neat relationships created through the women’s conference and discipleship.
· The team was able to bless Josh with provision of supplies such as a generator, fans, and chairs which will be used in later house studies.
· We had travel guiding from many natives in Abuja such as Sam, Ok, Prince, and Mama Rose. It was a blessing that they were there to help us get around.
· I was so blessed to have the light-hearted dancing and fun during fellowship to start off the trip. I learned a lot about the culture, and was blessed to get to know some of the church members.
· God brought quiet moments with the kids when needed in children’s church, VBS, and otherwise.
· The Lord was faithful in giving the words during the Women’s conference to really touch the lives of women.
· Mama Rose made dinner once and brought it to the market when she helped to pick out fabric for dresses.
· Pastor Godfrey expressed that he saw so much genuine love in our group.
· The owner of the Green Apple Kitchen told us that she was going to miss us.
· Do the math, but we had exactly ½ donut left after feeding the 250 kids. That was a sign of provision.
· We could see in the faces of Nigerian’s that lives were touched through drama and Josh’s message after the drama.
· Falicia, a member of the CC – One Man Village, was hospitable to the women. She had them over for coffee, tea, and biscuits.
· There were over 300 kids, with over 40:1, and yet it all came through.
· The Nigerian culture was so included us in their community. They have such a sense of personable love that one cannot mistake.
· The Lord gave us energy to play with the children even though we felt tired.
· The children just wanted attention and love. They were literally climbing the walls outside and looking through at us as we prepared for VBS. There were such smiles on the children’s faces when we played with them and loved them.
· The Lord taught us trust and contentment through the people here.
· The Lord gave us grace and flexibility to live together and have a great time together (14 people in one house).

Chad's Thoughts

2008-08-25T21:03:00.001-07:00

I hope this letter finds you all doing well. I just wanted to take a minute now that I have email, to say how HONORED I was to lead you guys to Nigeria. I know that I could have never imagined all that happened, whether the different sicknesses, the 350+ kids at VBS, or the precious new family we have in Nigeria. God's hand was truly with us....He is so faithful all the time!!!!

I was so blessed to lead such a HUMBLE team! It was wonderful to see God work through us and in us, and also to see that He had placed each person on the team for a purpose! I have never been apart of such a special team where you see God's faithfulness and power each moment of each day!

I am actually getting teary-eyed while I write you all (no joke). God has given me a special place in my heart for each one of you! It blows my mind how each and every person on the team continually carried each other's burdens. I know that the example of Humility given in Philippians 2 was met!!!! Thanks for taking it easy on me as well. I know at times I didn't have it all together, or that things went according to plan. I am glad you all put up with me and that you were FLEXIBLE! Thank you!

I hope that you all have a great week. Lets keep the communication going now that we are back. As family we need to continue carrying each others burdens...not just when we are in Nigeria. I know that for those I have talked to it has been hard adjusting to AMERICAN culture again. I pray that you rest in the arms of Jesus. He will give each of us the strength and He will show us how to serve now that we are home. I love the fact that God is in control and he will show us our next step in life if we wait on him. I pray we can all be faithful to where he has called us, until he shows us otherwise!

Sorry for the long email, I wanted to talk about adjusting back into America before we returned, but didn't get a chance. I am looking forward to seeing you all soon and want to set up a time for a reunion dinner around the 17th of September when Lindsey is home! We can have a time of debriefing then, prayer, worship, and family fun!!!! Can someone help with this...Maybe at the Gray's again?

Well, I love you guys and miss you!
In Christ,
Chad

Michael's Final Thoughts

2008-08-25T20:55:00.001-07:00

Our team prayed that we would be the hands and feet of Jesus and we were. For three weeks, I walked in Jesus' footprints as I took the gospel to the ends of the earth. For three weeks, I was Jesus' hands touching the desolate and annointing the sick, loving on the children and caring for the poor, Jesus' words speaking encouragement and petitioning God on the behalf of the weak, Jesus' smile welcoming the little children, Jesus' eyes that broke through the language barrier with a deep love, Jesus' tears as I sat with the beaten down and broken-hearted. I experienced a humility that goes beyond any words as I was brought people desperate for a miracle and looking at me to pray the prayer that would bring it. Crushed in spirit when I stood up from this meager prayer and saw no obvious change in this person's life as their eyes welled up with tears and their last hopes seemingly dashed with what seemed like an unanswered prayer. Yet, through it all an unshakable faith weld up within me. I got a small glimple of what Jesus must have felt as the crowds pushed in on him yearning for just a moment of His time and just a word of healing and hope.

What a contrast to the life I've always known. What to do with this new perspective, or should I say revelation, of what really matters to God in this world today. And, how do I weave what I experienced back into this culture that seems to me today to be even more clearly in complete contrast to God's call for His people. I don't want to step into my old footprints for I can't now that I have had this surpassing revelation. Now that I am so keenly aware of the way billions of people live day-to-day, how do I go back to a culture that's focus is on movie star's weight loss and doggy daycares? I can hear the devil laughing at me right now as he knows he has this very affluent culture's time wrapped-up in the most worthless of causes.

Lord, help me to walk in the ways you've prepared in advance for my life. Help me to step thoughtfully and carefully back into the life you called me to. Give me words to teach my children of what really matters in their lives to you. Give me grace with their naive viewpoint. Give me patience with my friends and family's gluttonous love of material possessions. Forgive me for my part in this as well. Give me words to speak to those I come in contact with that I may speak in balance of truth and grace. Teach me what you would have me do with this call on my life that is so surprisingly new to me yet prepared so long ago by you. Walk with me and be the lamp unto my feet so I may step back into my life and my family in America in your ways. But, seer upon my heart the cry of your people in far off places. Never again let my eyes rest in luxury as my brothers and sisters lie in the cold with nothing to eat. Fan into flame the spark you lit upon my heart and life in Africa. Let me not forget the joy in the midst of suffering. May I be as hungry as these people are for prayer, rejecting the pride that keeps me from asking for it and begin to seek it as hidden treasure. I give you my life as an offering for it is all I have to give. Use all of me (all my heart, all my soul and all my strength) for your kingdom work. May I walk in the faith spoken of in Hebrews 11.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12

Sunday @ Michelle's House

2008-08-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

I (Michelle) went to Costco and got steaks and roast beef galore, so if anyone is missing sitting around in a living room talking with everyone, please feel free to come to my house on Sunday after church. And eat yourself silly, take a nap, enjoy the AC, and use my flushing toilet and shower, if you want to! I miss you all so much, but I am so grateful for the times we had! Let me know if you feel like coming, or just show up.

After this gracious invitation, a group gathered Sunday Night at Michelle's house, ate, exchanged pictures, and watched Tommy Boy.

I bet it was a great time, so thanks Michelle.
~MW

Amy's Thoughts

2008-08-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Man I miss you all so much! I just wanted to say Thankyou so much for all the prayers and support the last week! I have never felt so loved and taken care of, it touched my life in a way I can not describe. And thankyou for packing for me and taking care of all of my flight/bags!
I got back from the hospital yesterday and am feeling really good!
Praise the Lord. He has taught me so much through this trial. I don't know if I will be able to come tomarrow, I'm still working on resting but I do need phone numbers because I don't think I have many. I will be praying for you Michael! thankyou for sharing that letter. I definitely share in those thoughts.
**Also I know that Matthew has been pretty sick so please everyone be praying for him!

Team member in the Hospital

2008-08-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

I spoke with Chad on the phone today, during our Sunday service here in Corvallis. Team members from Ibudan had arrived back safely to Abuja and things are going well as the team is in their last few days in Nigeria.

When I called I reached Chad and Matthew at teammate Amy Knight's bedside in a Nigerian hospital room. As best they know, she had an alergic reaction to medication that was given to take care of the bacterial related stomach problems. She broke out in hives andcollapsed at church. An adventurous ride to the hospital followed and all in all a scary ordeal, but it appears that Amy will be fine. I was glad to be able to talk with them on the phone, and hope that Amy was able to call mom at home and let her know she is alright.

Sounds like most other team members are doing better. However, I heard that even veteran missionary Josh Baley got hit this weekend with whatever bug it was that had nailed several team members. I was able to pray with Chad and know the whole team appreciates all the prayers they are getting from loved ones at home. (LL)

2nd VBS / Galatians Conference

2008-08-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

We had the second VBS series at One Man Village this week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We started out the first day by walking the village and inviting kids via word of mouth. After that we didn’t do any inviting, but watched the numbers of kids grow from 50 the first day to 225 the second day, finishing with 350 the third day. All of the kids lived within walking distance. That should give you an idea of the need for reaching kids here. This city is spread over a massive land area, which means that there are kids everywhere that we would love to be able to reach, but to have masses of kids within walking distance is the same theme wherever we go. It just shocks me the response that we have had by, in essence, pitching a tent, pulling out a guitar and a lesson plan. We were very thankful for the Nigerians of the church on the 3rd day because we were outnumbered, something like 40:1. After the VBS, though, we talked about how God had been faithful to complete the work in each area as we came to the end of ourselves and came to an even deeper reliance on Him.
After the morning VBS we stayed at the church, where we had lunch brought in, and then hosted a Galatians conference. There were several people who came to Christ through the conference, and a lot of lives changed, myself included. The message of grace is so powerful, and fully explained has had an impact on the people here. There are many corrupt churches in the area that preach a message of prosperity, telling people that if they want an extraordinary blessing from God, they have to give an extraordinary amount of money. The pastor will literally stand in front of the church as people come up to give money and bless them. Not only is that kind of corruption going on, but Prince told a story last night about attending a service where the pastor looked at a woman who had just given all of her money as she walked away. He then stopped her and said “Wait, I see that death is over you.” He prayed for her, and then wished her a good evening, informing her that short of praying for her right then, she would have died. So… they use fear and all sorts of corrupt tactics to make money from the people of their churches. Yesterday (Friday) was essentially a rest day. We went to the market and had an enormous amount of fun. I, personally, like bartering. We were warned that everything would be marked up 3-4 times the market value because we are apparently the color of money. My favorite line was “I wouldn’t pay that much for it in America, (Insert Price) final offer.” By the end, it seemed that everyone was having some fun bargain hunting. Three of us purchased Jimbees to bring home to the states.

Friday 8/15/08 Update from Chad

2008-08-15T16:48:00.000-07:00

Chad called me on Friday afternoon (Oregon time). It has been really difficult for the team to get internet access and almost impossible even when they do to send pictures.

The ministry is going really well but team has been battling sickness. Brandon Larsen was hospitalized for a day with fever. A local doctor suspected a particular bacteria and prescribed medication for all the team members who were still having symptoms and it is helping. Today was the first day in 8 days that Chad has felt well.

This week the team in Abuja held VBS for kids in a small sister church in Abuja. The first day they were surprised to have 50 kids show up, the second day over a hundred, and yesterday, their final day over 300 kids came to be loved on and hear about Jesus!

The team has another soccer outreach this weekend and one more Sunday with the church in Abuja. The team that traveled to Ibudan (Michael, Michelle and Amanda, Josh and Jess) return to Abuja on Sunday morning. A Nigerian flight. Please pray for safe travel.

Being back together the team will debrief on Monday, help Josh Baley move on Tuesday and begin their journey home on Wednesday.

[posted for the team by Larry Lyon, Missions Pastor Calvary Corvallis]

8/11/08 @ The Market

2008-08-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the market. What an experience. The women definitely enjoyed picking out fabric to have dresses made. They also found some pretty cool scarves. Brandon & I also picked out some fabric to have pants (trousers) and a shirt made. The market is not exactly the Lloyd Center, or whatever your favorite mall may be, but it certainly had a lot of shops. If a person wants to setup a business, 4 pieces of wood, a tarp or umbrellas, and some stuff to sell, is all you need. After we went to the market, we headed back to the church area and found a few tailors. The women picked out the style of dress that they wanted made, and paid a partial payment
Please keep Chad, Michelle, and Brandon in your prayers for health. We have all been taking turns with sickness, since the foreign viruses and bacteria to our system have been hand shaking and saying “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” to our bodies. Chad has a cut on his hand, Michelle has had some bad reactions to bug bites, and Brandon is currently running a 3 degree fever. Praise the Lord that everyone who has been sick has recovered, and that we have had no infections as of yet for the skin related wounds. So, keep these current members who are sick in your prayers as well.
I started to have some of the first feelings of missing people back home today. I guess I’ll take this opportunity to tell everyone that I love them. This has been an amazing experience thus far, and God has done some amazing things with the team, and in the city here. Chad mentioned after a conversation with Pastor Larry that you have all been praying for us back home, and that has meant a lot to all of us. Also, we thank you guys for the comments you have posted. They have been read to the team, and everybody has been touched by them. (MW)

Rest Day

2008-08-11T04:44:00.000-07:00

The schedule has been cleared for the afternoon. Right now we are all sitting around in conversation, blasting some tunes on the Liberty (portable loudspeaker), just chillin'. We are headed to the market here shortly. Looks like it is almost 5AM back home, so good morning America :) Many of us plan to get on the phone today and talk to those back home. The women on the team (and Brandon) are looking at having African dresses made. They will go to the market and pick the material they want, get measured, and have custom dresses taylored. I think the plan was to wear them to church on Sunday.

Departure to Ibudan

2008-08-11T04:33:00.000-07:00

This morning at 4:30AM, three of the team members departed for Ibudan. Michelle, Michael, and Amanda left by bus with Okey, Josh, and Jessica. They are out for an 8 hour bus ride to the SW. Please keep them in your prayers. The team will be putting on a Colossians conference. We prayed for them last night here as a team. We miss them already. That was the first thing I thought this morning. With that, we know that God has some amazing things planned, and look forward to hearing about the blessings He will pour out when we are reunited in a week.

Sunday School

2008-08-11T04:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we tought Sunday school. It was my first time. There are a lot of kids in the church. We broke them out into 3 different age groups. My group was 10-12 year old kids, and we went through 1 Cor 13:4 and discussed the different attributes of love. We then looked at where love comes from and who we are commanded to love. The toddlers learned the story of Zacchaeus and how Jesus loved him, even though he was looked down upon as a person by man. The middle group learned about Zacchaeus too. It was a very interactive time of question and answer. There are high expectiations here, for the children, which is consistent with the deep love for God's word we have seen here.

Soccer Half-Time Drama

2008-08-11T03:49:00.000-07:00

One of the bags we brought to Abuja to bless the church was filled with Football Jerseys. Saturd ay afternoon, before the game began, we had a ceremony, passing out Jerseys to the Calvary Chapel team. The Jerseys came on a good day, because the team won 1-0. At half-time we put on a drama called “Decision Time,” passed out flyers for the church, and talked to the crowd. Nigerian's love oyiebo in make-up.We estimated that about 200 people watched the drama. Many of them talked to us afterward. Josh gave a pretty powerful message about being trapped in sin, and a few people were saved after delivering the gospel message when he prayed. Drama has been powerful.

Women's Conference

2008-08-11T03:26:00.000-07:00

The topic of the conference was "Loving Well." Jessica Silva talked about 1 John and the women watched a video clip of Beth Moore talking about how to love strangers. This was the first women's conference of the church, and came out of wanting to bring the women of the church closer together. It was a neat time for them. We guys were in charge of facilitating the behind-the-scenes work, and serving food. It was a really powerful time of learning and healing.

VBS

2008-08-10T04:56:00.000-07:00

Putting on a VBS (Vacation Bible School) has been our task for the last three days. The first day, we went out and canvassed the neighborhoods, inviting kids to come and join in. Each day consisted of five, half-hour segments of worship, teaching, crafts, games, and a snack time. The lesson topics for the first three days were creation, salvation, and Saul to Paul. On the first day we had about 100 kids, 150 on day 2, and 225 yesterday. The group fell in love with these kids. The kids, when lined up in single file begin to sing “We are soldiers. Soldiers of the Lord. In the name of Jesus, we will conquer.” They also play a game called “fire on the mountain,” where they run in circles chanting, well… “fire on the mountain.” It’s actually pretty interesting. The children honestly melt in our arms. They love to be held. In the last class, three little girls in Kaela’s class raised their hands and received Jesus.
Hi! This is Kaela and I thought I’d share just a minute about my experiences here this last week. I can honestly say that I’ve never been in a place away from Oregon where I have been so content. That actually seems to be the consensus for many of us. I was telling some of the girls to day that it is the strangest feeling to be here and be famous just because we are white. I can’t even describe how strange that is. And I can’t even begin to describe how beautiful the people are. Today we had a ladies event and I sat with three of the older women of the church. They expressed many different times and ways that God has proven His love to them, and I was in tears because it has come to them in ways and avenues that I have selfishly taken for granted—mercy in traveling, being able to have children, and simple things like having kitchen knives available in the compounds they live in. God is radically, radically showing Himself to me through the people and the children. It feels like home here. I’m eagerly looking forward to the rest of our time here and I have loved every minute.

1st VBS

2008-08-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

2008-08-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

Chad at the orphanage (Abuja's Children's Home - Aug. 2) party. The kids were having a great time. We played games, did a drama, sang songs, and provided a snack. We all didn't want to leave! God has been so faithful to us!!! Thanks for your prayers!

2008-08-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

August 5 – Tuesday – Rest Day & Culture

Food: Today is rest day. Ohhhh, were the pancakes good, topped with a little peanut butter, and syrup J The first thing I heard this morning was “do we have any powdered syrup?” I absolutely lost it. You’d have to be here. Aaron, Josh Rist, and Brandon went to the market to find some eggs, but they tried to charge them 900 Naira. You get 110 Naira (Nigerian money) for one American dollar. That puts those eggs at a crazy price. It’s standard to have the prices higher for Oyiebo (white people), so they bartered a bit. Bartering is part of the culture here. For lunch, we typically have gone to a café down the road. They have several kinds of rice, a spicy pasta, a couple kinds of stew, beef, goat, chicken, and bread. I personally have avoided the goat. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen anybody try it. Meat pie has become a staple among the team. I think the most popular item is just good old chicken. It’s spicy and delectable if you get the right piece, which leads to the fact that variety happens here. The meals are a little different each time. Ok… away from the food, lol, but we really have enjoyed it.

Housing: There are many levels of houses. At the hotel, we had AC, running water, and the goose down pillows from Lufthansa (the German airline). At Josh’s house, it’s a little different. They purchased some ceiling fans and floor fans. We take bucket showers. The first few days it was a bit of a shock, but now it actually feels like home. We felt like we were being a little taxing on Josh Baley, having 12 people in his house here, so we divided the duties. Josh is an amazing cook, and loves to serve people but we don’t want to be a weight on his shoulders. We weren’t sure that there was enough space in the living-room to fit everybody, so a few of the guys went over to an adjoining room, but after one night without power, water, and waking up to being soaked, we found a way to keep us all together. I’ve overheard, and agree, that because of the amazing team we have, I think we could be just about anywhere and having a blast of it. It’s really the work of the Lord in each of us that is holding the team together. You’d not be able to deny that if you were here with us.

Music: Oh maaan… I really have been enjoying the African style worship. Under a tent at the church, we had two drummers with a Jimbaye / Djembe (drum). Surrounding the drummer was a host of people dancing and giving it up. It was amazing. I mentioned in another blog that a lot of the songs were a combination of English and Pidgin.

Language: Almost everyone here speaks English, but it can be hard to understand what they are saying. To be honest, I think that not being able to understand the language would make things a lot harder, if it were the case. Things are shocking over here, but at least we can understand what is going on around us for the most part. We are all learning to have a bit of an accent here. It appears that if you have somewhat of an accent and slow speech they understand you better.

People: The people here interact in a much more personal manner than in America. I have held more men’s hands than… well… ever. It doesn’t feel that weird, because it’s normal to Nigerians. You will find that when you shake a hand, the person you are talking to will not let go while they are talking to you. Even as they let go, your hand will slide slowly out of theirs. It’s weird at first, but then you start to get used to the personal interaction. It’s not just the physical part of people hugging, etc. but rather the whole attitude toward each other. People here really want to get to know you, and show an interest. When I was riding the motorcycle, having the time of my life, Nigerians were looking over hollering oyiebo (white), which is their way of greeting. They had huge smiles on their face, and they were loving the parade of the team going by. The children were a lot of fun. They love having oiyibo around and are constantly wanting to be held or hugged. All of them just want to be touched. They have really touched all of our hearts deeply and we will surely miss them when we go back to the states. What amazing us is that they have nothing…I mean nothing…and they still smile widely and act happy. We could learn a lesson from these children. We continue to let them know how much we love them and how much Jesus loves them and how they have a special place in His heart.

Transportation: Wow, can you see the gradation in economic status in the people here! Many Nigerians are walking where they need to go. I have not seen a single bicycle here. People apparently don’t ride them, but I’m not sure why they wouldn’t be a more popular form of transportation other than it being a hazard due to the traffic problems. Next up the ladder are the motorcycles, which are huge here. Giving rides on motorcycles is also one way to have a business, like a taxi business, although I haven’t heard Taxi here. They are called Okada by oiyebo but they official sounding name is (ochada). Riding a motorcycle will cost something between 50 and 100 naira, equivalent to 45 to 90 cents. I’ve seen zero hitchhiking. On up the ladder are the poor cars. There are a lot of buses (vans) and cars that are barely running with smoke clouds behind them. “If you can’t find it, grind it,” has become a popular phrase among the team. We hear some bad tranny action all the time. It’s pretty interesting. Ok… so then there are the Mercedes and BMW fancy cars. Most of these are owned by Nigerians that are either in politics or the oil industry, which are basically synonymous terms here. So those are the scales of transportation available and used here. Needless to say, my favorite is the motorcycles.

Religion: About half of the country is Muslim, maybe 40% are Christian, and a few practice the native African religion. The Muslim people have their call to prayer, and all go into the Mosque and pray on the floor. That’s about all I have been able to see regarding the Muslim population. Since we are here on our mission trip, there isn’t a lot of need to describe Christianity. The native African religion I don’t know a lot about, but I do know that they are worshiping different types of ancestors (totems). They worship the animals as gods. They are called animists.

Gender: (Michelle writing) From the female perspective the actual fear of experiencing danger here was much worse than the actual experience. Being a female in a different country is always a learning experience, but Nigeria is not as strict on things as I had thought it might be. Both men and women alike welcome you to Nigeria and will stand and talk, mostly they are inquiring how you are and if everything is well for you. We are always on the watch for ways to be sensitive to cultural differences. There are some differences in dress for Sundays and church times, but knee length skirts and Capri pants are acceptable, and make our travel very easy. No head coverings are necessary, and I have found you can ride at an astonishing speed on the back of a motor bike in a skirt with no trouble if you tuck your skirt in just right! J (btw, we were a bit apprehensive about the bikes, but the ride to the church is mostly on paved road and is terrific fun! The part that is not paved is also very exciting but mostly because it is through a “neighborhood” and they all come out of their “houses” to laugh and wave at the Oyiebo Pepe that are zipping by. We wave and laugh back and it is all great fun.)

2008-08-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

The first full day in Abuja, Nigeria (August 1, 2008). We were all excited to be at the Church for the first time.

Communication Status

2008-08-04T02:56:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody... We want you to know that we are having the time of our lives and that God is working mightily. We have written some emails for you, but internet here is slower than dial-up :) We haven't been able to send them because the connection is timing out. We will try to get them out on our day off (Tuesday).

July 31 - Travel

2008-08-04T02:32:00.000-07:00

I had a neat experience on the plane that I wanted to share. A woman in the row next to me had a Bible and looked to be from Nigeria, so I asked her a little about what church she went to. She asked about the team, and I explained that we would be working in orphanages and doing VBS, among other things. After our conversation, I sat down, and overheard her telling friends about how beautiful America is, and that it was neat that we came to love on the kids. She was using our team as an example of God’s love breaking down all barriers. “No matter where we are or what country we are from, we are all one body.” I thought that was so awesome. I had to talk to her some more, and was more encouraged as she shared that Nigerians love Americans. It was just a really neat conformation.

August 2 - Orphanage Party

2008-08-04T02:26:00.000-07:00

“Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!” We visited the orphanage today and had prepared a day full of games and visiting. The church from Abuja was also invited and many took a day off of work to come and be with us. People from all over the earth shouted for joy as we sang, played, and hugged the children that we had come so far to see. Yesterday we had worked hours to put together games. We had a sport games (football/soccer), the “other” football game, and volleyball. There was a “fishing” game where we set up a sheet and had poles with clothespins so we could give them some of the gifts we had brought for them without having so much chaos. Rachel and her Mom had sent small ziplock bags with crayons and paper in them, and we were able to put extra things in that others had sent, and it was so perfect for what we needed today. (Thank you!)
Michael played Jesus in a drama. Afterward he spoke to the children in what sums up the visit. The following is what Michael said. Imagine a crown of 100+ children all crowded around and the precious moment it was… “Jesus has a special heart for children, and so He loves you guys very, very much. Did you see what Jesus did to the people? What did he do? He took away their problems. He took away their blindness, their limps, their injuries, and their sadness. Who here loves Jesus? I know I do! So I just want you guys to know how much Jesus loves you, and how many wonderful things that he has in store for you. He wants you to trust in Him, and any time that you feel sad, any time that you feel frustrated, He will meet you there. He will lift you up and He will carry you. I know He’s done that for me, and He’s done that for all of us. I want you to know one last time how much God loves you. He has a place in His heart for you, and we love you too from America.”

August 1 - Worship Night

2008-08-04T02:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight we were blessed to worship with Calvary Chapel Abuja for the first time. It is in a part of the city called Jikwoyi, which is a little away from the house we are staying in. We loved the interaction of the church, with question and answer style learning. It really made an impression on me when we were digging through the word for specific answers to questions written by Prince. I was so impressed by the devotion that they have for the word. “Many people here have never heard before”, Josh told me. They think it’s hysterical when we say their names wrong, which means that they laughed a lot. The church community was so welcoming and excited to see us. The church congregation waved and shouted goodbye as departed. We felt a part of that love, and feel very welcome. When shaking hands, it caught me off guard that my hand would be held while they spoke to me for a while and inquired. It’s obvious, the sincerity and caring that is present here. I wouldn’t say that we don’t have that in America, but because of the lack of other distractions, Nigerian’s really care for God and each other with a special type of genuine love. Here, white people are called ow-ee- bow, and since I have no idea how that is spelled, there be the phonetics  When we walk down the street, people will shout “Welcome ow-ee-bo,” which is their way of greeting is. Tomorrow is the orphanage party. We are excited!

Farewell

2008-07-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself in me." - Galatians 2:20

Praise God! We are on the way and already seeing the evidence of His presence in last minute flight hang-ups (Michael almost wasn't on our flight due to a strike in Germany this morning) and in the unity, patience and care of team members toward one another. To sum it up in one word, "Dude!!!"

2008-07-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks from the team to the Gray's for opening your house and hosting an afternoon BBQ. We enjoyed loving, learning, and laughing together :)

Sunday Morning Prayer & Send-Off

2008-07-27T15:09:00.001-07:00

All 12 of the Nigeria team members, three days before departure. Thanks for the support CC Corvallis!

Packing / Prayer Meeting / BBQ

2008-07-26T23:44:00.000-07:00

The Lord has provided many things for CC Abuja: a generator, a CD duplicator, and many other supplies. We met tonight at the church to pack, and there are now 15 suitcases surrounded by caution tape in the foyer. God is good. After packing, many in the team practiced a drama. This was followed by an outdoor prayer meeting.

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong.
~ Ephesians 3:17, NLT

Tomorrow is a team BBQ at Michael's house. What a blessing to be able to get together one last time before we leave. It promises to be an awesome time of fellowship.

Outreach Activities

2008-07-24T01:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of some of the things we will be doing:

1. Orphanage Party (need puppets, games, toys, costume jewlry, etc.) We will be visiting the orphanage several times!

2. VBS - 3 days each. 150 kids expected at each one.

3. Lots of Discipleship. Meeting with young believers and walking through the Word.

4. Home Visits

5. Prayer Meetings

6. Youth Rally - African Style Worship :) (Fridays)

7. Medical Outreach (Monday's)

8. Soccer Ministry

9. Womens Conference / Tea (AUG 9-10)

10.Growing in God's Grace (Galatians) 3 day conference at sister church.

11. Men's Breakfast

12. Street Evangelism

13. Loving on the PEOPLE!

CHIKKO

2008-07-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

CHIKKO was a time of team building and sharing our love for each other. We were completely exhausted at the end, but with a sense of brotherhood that can not be matched. The weekend started out with a jog, division of rations, and prayer at an upstream bridge. The next day we hiked Black Butte, an experience none of us will likely forget. It was awesome, because we were able to share each other's burdens on this 7 mile hike. At the top, a team-building exercise included untangling the group without letting go of each other, after having crossed hands (see pic) in a huddle. This gave us even better insight into leadership and group dynamics. The neatest symbol of God completing our unity was represented by a butterfly landing on the the group's hands while we were huddled together. Atop Black Butte, we shared our deepest fears, both personally and for the mission trip. The Lord met us there, and continued to enhance our love for each other.