Partnership Meetings Begin

16 October 2010

Gary Sande, Pr. James Gonia (ELCA Global Mission) and I arrived at LCCN Nyanya congregation in Abuja at 9:00 a.m. for worship.  We learned quickly that the entire morning would be dedicated to the youth of the church as last week was know as Sunday School week.  We were treated to music from six different choirs throughout  the church, testimonies of faith given by six middle school youth, a skit performed by the elementary-age children, and a firey sermon given by a member of the congregation (who is a lawyer by trade) who works with the youth.  He spoke directly to the parents about not fighting in front of the children and always setting a good example by taking the time to help their children with their homework.  We think he missed his calling!  Following worship, we met with the pastor of the congregation and enjoyed a cool drink before departing for Jos, a nearly four hour ride.

I noticed this year that there were many more guard check points along the way.  As we neared Jos, the check points were every 3 kilometers. But we made very good time and arrived in time for a delicious supper meal.  As many who travel to Nigeria know, our time at the Dogon Dutse is peaceful and serene.  The staff treat us like royalty and were so very happy to see us.  It continues to amaze me how they remember the names of each person who has traveled here over the years, asking after each of you and your families.  We are also treated to barking guard dogs, roosters crowing, and, of course, the Muslim morning call to prayer, which usually begins at 3:00 a.m.  We got lucky, though, as the call to prayer did not begin until 4:00 a.m.  But that doesn’t mean I slept well!  One dog had been tied up (as I learned the next day upon inquiring) for a short time, and he cried so much that I thought he had been bitten by a snake or attacked by some other animal.  After the government guard drove around the compound on his motor bike, he released the dog, who then promptly be-lined it over to my cabin and decided to rummage through the garbage and bang up against my door.  Suffice it to say, no sleep for me this first night.

17 October 2010

The sun is shining and Pwakitti has already done the laundry for the day.  The cooks were so pleased to receive the vanilla and orange aide that I brought along.  They wanted to make us some sugar cookies, but did not have cream of tartar (apparently it is not available here).  So I have already made a note to bring some along next year.  One visitor from LCCN Majami’ar Almasihu arrived early to greet me (nurse Justina Ekaa) and she was pleased to have received photos from her partner congregation, Our Saviour’s/East Bethel.  Meanwhile, my friend, Mori, purchased me an internet access stick, so I am able to access the internet. The prices have gone done from last year and the coverage is better, so things are improving in Nigeria.

All of partners with the LCCN began meetings at 10:00 a.m. and concluded at 6:00.  May fruitful discussions took place.  We ended our time discussing interfaith dialogue between the Muslims and Christians in Nigeria.  The outbreaks of violence from last year were really a result of an extremist group known at Boko Haram, who are planning jihad at some time.  The good news is that things have calmed down quite a lot in Jos and the Christians here have reached out to those Muslims who lost their homes to fire or family members to death.  It has been a time of healing  in the community and good dialogue has begun.  The main concern is the extremist group that still lingers and is making plans of some sort.  Our LCCN leaders have requested that we pray  often and mightily that this terrorist sect’s plans might be found out prior to any future violence occurring.

It has been a good two days so far, with warm weather but no rain.  The partners will meet again Tuesday all day where we will continue to learn from one another, strengthen our friendships and partnership, and look for ways in which we might all support the efforts of the LCCN.  I am looking forward to my group of eight arriving Saturday night – we have some wonderful things planned for their time here.  Peace and joy to all this warm and humid evening!