“Come and see, go and tell.” These are the words that Archbishop Nemuel Babba encouraged the Minneapolis visitors to Nigeria to live out upon our return in December, 2006. Since that time, 43 adults have since visited our companion congregations of The Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) over these past five years, returning inspired to “go and tell” about what they have seen and experienced.
October 15 marks the 5th annual companion synod trip to Nigeria. Eight Minneapolis Area Synod congregational members and one ELCA Deaconess from New York will accompany companion synod coordinator, Kris Perry, on another life-changing trip.
Carolyn Hirsch from Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Delano will meet their partner congregation, Nyanya Lutheran, located in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. Nyanya Lutheran Church has now been named the Cathedral Church for the newly approved Abuja Diocese. Right Rev. Benjamin Fuduta has been elected bishop of the Abuja Diocese, and it will be our group’s first worship experience on Sunday, October 24. Pastor Judy Burgett Winzig, who formerly served Epiphany Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, will accompany Carolyn as she spends time with Elders and congregational members of Nyanya as they, together, begin discussion about their new partnership.
Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church is sending four adults to visit LCCN Kubi, the former congregational partner of Epiphany Lutheran Church, which closed in August, 2008. Several members of Epiphany subsequently joined Lake Nokomis and shared their enthusiasm about their 12-year partnership with Kubi, and the congregation voted to continue this wonderful partnership. Rev. Drew Flathmann, John Becker, Barb Geiger and Deb Swanson will share experiences in a rural congregational setting with Pr. Drew preaching and undoubtedly baptizing several into the life of the church. Below is a photo of Barb when she traveled to Nigeria in 2006 working side-by-side with a woman from their partner congregation at Kubi.
Kris Perry and Paul Nelson (member of Lyndale Lutheran of Maple Plain) will spend time visiting two pilot project sites which have been chosen to initiate a Community Based Primary Health Care Program (CBPHC). This program will be under the leadership of the LCCN Health Board, Dr. Martin Bimba, Chair. Local consultant is Dr. David Thompson with Global Health Ministries. He, along with Rev. Tim Iverson, Executive Director of GHM, and Gary Sande, GHM Nigeria Liaison Volunteer, will also be traveling to Adamawa State, Nigeria in late October.
As a new member of the Minneapolis Water Team, Paul will see for himself the many challenges facing our friends in Nigeria and will gain a deeper understanding of how our synod and congregations might best support the efforts of the LCCN in the areas of health care and providing safe drinking water in Adamawa State, Nigeria.
As a new member of the Minneapolis Water Team, Paul will see for himself the many challenges facing our friends in Nigeria and will gain a deeper understanding of how our synod and congregations might best support the efforts of the LCCN in the areas of health care and providing safe drinking water in Adamawa State, Nigeria.
In a separate trip during November, Rev. Bradley Holt, professor at Augsburg College in Minneapolis and former missionary in Nigeria during the 1960's, will spend three weeks teaching a course with Rev. Dr. Peter Bartimawus at Bronnum Lutheran Seminary in Bamba-Adamawa State, Nigeria.
As always, the groups will spend much time visiting a variety of ministries including Bronnum Lutheran Seminary, Demsa Health and Referral Center, the Deaf Church, public schools and social service agencies (NGO’s). And, of course, while eating new foods and learning and experiencing new ways of living, some will also visit Yankari National Park for two days of rest and reflection as they swim in the hot springs, visit ancient caves, and photograph animals such as baboons, warthogs, deer buck, and hopefully elephants.
Above you see Sr. Melinda Lando, ELCA Deaconess, enjoying a climb into the ancient Marshall Caves at Yankari.
We request your prayers for safe travels and good health along the way. The group will return November 6 with many stories to tell and an abundance of photos. Participants include:
Back Row: John Becker, Paul Nelson Middle Row: Kris Perry, Carolyn Hirsch, Pr. Drew Flathmann
Front Row: Pr. Judy Burgett Winzig, Debra Swanson, Barb Geiger
ELCA Deaconess serving in New York
If you would like to learn more about a congregational partnership, how to become involved in our water or health teams, perhaps financially support rehabbing a health dispensary in need and/or drilling a borehole for clean water, or inviting one of our travelers to share their experiences/photos at an adult forum, please contact Kris Perry at k.perry@mpls-synod.org.
If you would like to learn more about a congregational partnership, how to become involved in our water or health teams, perhaps financially support rehabbing a health dispensary in need and/or drilling a borehole for clean water, or inviting one of our travelers to share their experiences/photos at an adult forum, please contact Kris Perry at k.perry@mpls-synod.org.
Plans are already under way for the annual trip to Nigeria in 2011. If your congregation wishes to participate, please contact Kris Perry to secure your intention. Dates for the 2011 trip are tentatively scheduled for October 28-November 12 with orientation sessions scheduled for March 5, June 2, September 8 and October 6.
If you would like to learn more about the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), visit their new website (still under construction, but viewable) at: www.lccnigeria.org
Check out this video and see how the group in 2008 learned a Nigerian song in the language of Hausa!
Check out this video and see how the group in 2008 learned a Nigerian song in the language of Hausa!
Just keeping an eye on My Big Sister (Deb Swanson). Wishing I too was in Africa. Only in my mind this time Keeping you all in my prayers as you make your journey. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to join you in your mission through the gift of technology. Love and Gods Blessings to your group and all the people you encounter along the way.
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