We were troubled to learn of the most recent attacks on five places of worship in Abuja and Jos on Christmas Day. We are happy to report that everyone at Faith Alive Hospital in Jos and Anawim Home in Abuja are safe. We ask for your prayers of peace and support during this difficult time for both communities.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Humbling & Life Changing
A reflection from Anawim Home Team member, Jess Brown, on her time serving at Anawim Home:
There is humbling evidence throughout Nigeria that God’s love and compassion shines through the simplicity of life. The daily works of Sr. Oresoa and the Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor are predictably modest and self-sacrificing. Without fear or complaint, the sisters live a meager existence, rising early each day for Mass, serving as best they can the needs of so many and giving of themselves in every awe-inspiring way.
It was heartwarming and almost discomforting to see the tears of joy and overwhelming thanks from Sr. Julie who had toiled in the kitchen to prepare our meals each day when our Anawim Team presented her with a simple set of knives which we had purchased for her in the city.
But it was in the eyes of the children that God’s grace was so evident. In some ways, their lives were so very different from mine and the friends that I have in the U.S. These children lived without the distractions of technology, without the comfort of regular electricity and running water, without the guarantee of a next meal. And yet, they smiled with dignity in the simplest of pleasures – receiving pencil sharpeners and erasers from our team, reading ethnically rich novels, playing soccer on the front lawn, performing daily chores, and merely sharing a conversation with someone who really cared about them in the moment.
Daily visits to the Infant Jesus School allowed us to share in the laughs and cries of the primary students. Sister Oresoa insisted that we teach the students American songs and games. The boys and girls welcomed the opportunity to learn the words “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little star” and “Jesus Loves Me.” They were eager to dance in a conga line, play “Duck, Duck, Goose,” or follow the directions to “Simon Says.” I was particularly honored to take part in their joys of graduation. For a week I shared laughs with the primary students while learning and practicing a cultural dance to be performed at the promotion ceremonies. My life-changing experience has truly taught me how similar we all are as God’s children in Jesus’ image. We all have hopes and dreams and fears and needs. We all desire to be heard and to be appreciated and to be hugged.
The mission efforts of Nativity reach well beyond the boundaries of Timonium and Abuja and Jos. I am forever grateful to my many family members and friends of all faiths and backgrounds who have supported me and the team in our journey. Without the prayers, support and contributions from so many who also believe in the awesome power of God’s presence across the globe, this experience would not have been possible for me. I am humbled and privileged to have had the opportunity to serve as an equal to all in the world, which is truly one family in God’s eyes.
Photos:
1. Graduation dance at Infant Jesus School
2. Conga line
3. Adrienne, Sister Julie, Jess, & Kathi
4. "Simon Says"
5. Nursery and primary school student with Jess
6. Dance practice
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Grace in Action
A reflection from Anawim Home Team member, Kathi Rogers, on her time serving at Anawim Home:
Traveling to Nigeria has left me with many new memories and impressions. One of the most compelling lessons I learned was inadvertently taught to me by observing Sister Oresoa as she did her work. She likely is unaware of the silent lessons she taught me as I observed her tirelessly providing resources to the needy, regardless of the limitless need. Others may have become frustrated due to the overwhelming and never ending poverty in comparison the restricted resources and limited interest in helping.
Not Sister Oresoa. She continued to persevere, offering each person with whom she came in contact not only food or clothing, but equally important, she provided each individual a healthy dose of hope and kindness. One day, after being particularly saddened by the conditions, the overwhelming need and the recognition of the huge amount of people who were suffering in these conditions, the team discussed the reality of what impact our small group of missionaries could possibly have on helping the people we were serving. I was reminded of a beautiful passage based on a story by Loren Eisely, which a colleague once shared with me:
"There was a man who was walking along a sandy beach where thousands of starfish had been washed up on the shore. He noticed a boy picking the starfish one by one and throwing them back into the ocean. The man observed the boy for a few minutes and then asked what he was doing. The boy replied that he was returning the starfish to the sea, otherwise they would die. The man asked how saving a few, when so many were doomed, would make any difference whatsoever? The boy picked up a starfish and thew it back into the ocean and said "it made a difference to that one..." The man left the boy and went home, deep in thought of what the boy had said. He soon returned to the beach and spent the rest of the day helping the boy thrown starfish into the sea."
We can all lean from this philosophy by contributing in some way, everyday, to someone who appears to be struggling. Whether it is a smile to someone who appears downtrodden, serving the needy in Nigeria, or anything in between, a kind gesture that serves to provide dignity and kindness to any individual on any given day, CAN make a difference. We may never be aware of the effect our positive action might have on any particular person, however what I learned in Nigeria is that grace is in the action, not necessarily the outcome.
We can all lean from this philosophy by contributing in some way, everyday, to someone who appears to be struggling. Whether it is a smile to someone who appears downtrodden, serving the needy in Nigeria, or anything in between, a kind gesture that serves to provide dignity and kindness to any individual on any given day, CAN make a difference. We may never be aware of the effect our positive action might have on any particular person, however what I learned in Nigeria is that grace is in the action, not necessarily the outcome.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Faith Heals
A reflection from Faith Alive Hospital Team member, Bill Baird, on his time serving at Faith Alive Hospital:
Faith Heals! I describe my experience in Nigeria as humbling and an incredible experience in faith. Our trip to this amazing African town of Jos, Nigeria and Faith Alive Hospital was, as I expected, a true test of my boundaries. I told my daughter Emma that this trip we were taking was "routine" for her given her previous mission experience but was way outside my comfort zone. Emma broke those boundaries down in her presentation at a morning devotional at the hospital (through a Hausa translator in front of dozens of patients and staff) that she challenged us to "open the eyes of our hearts". She said we needed to not limit our view of life and the people around us through the myopic, critical view of our eyes but with the compassion and love in our hearts. It was this perspective that would give us a clear view of the people around us, the needs that they have and a clear path that God had provided us to him.
It was through this heart centered view that I saw God in Dr. Chris, Pastor Ben, Goddy, Greg, Pastor Esther, Joshua, Daniel, Blessing, Ezekiel, Vanessa, Ibrahim, the children and so many others for the joy, care, love and commitment they brought to their work and to all they came in contact with. Through this view, God was in my teammates Emma, Brian and Jonathan as we shared our experiences each day in our time spent together, our reflections and our prayer. HE was present in our kindred connection to our partners at Anawim and in our faithful connection to the Home Team and our Nativity parish. God was even in the simple greeting we received everywhere we went, "You are welcome!", and they meant it. The eyes of my heart were opened. Faith Heals!
Faith Heals! I describe my experience in Nigeria as humbling and an incredible experience in faith. Our trip to this amazing African town of Jos, Nigeria and Faith Alive Hospital was, as I expected, a true test of my boundaries. I told my daughter Emma that this trip we were taking was "routine" for her given her previous mission experience but was way outside my comfort zone. Emma broke those boundaries down in her presentation at a morning devotional at the hospital (through a Hausa translator in front of dozens of patients and staff) that she challenged us to "open the eyes of our hearts". She said we needed to not limit our view of life and the people around us through the myopic, critical view of our eyes but with the compassion and love in our hearts. It was this perspective that would give us a clear view of the people around us, the needs that they have and a clear path that God had provided us to him.
It was through this heart centered view that I saw God in Dr. Chris, Pastor Ben, Goddy, Greg, Pastor Esther, Joshua, Daniel, Blessing, Ezekiel, Vanessa, Ibrahim, the children and so many others for the joy, care, love and commitment they brought to their work and to all they came in contact with. Through this view, God was in my teammates Emma, Brian and Jonathan as we shared our experiences each day in our time spent together, our reflections and our prayer. HE was present in our kindred connection to our partners at Anawim and in our faithful connection to the Home Team and our Nativity parish. God was even in the simple greeting we received everywhere we went, "You are welcome!", and they meant it. The eyes of my heart were opened. Faith Heals!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Anawim Home Children
A brief reflection from Anawim Home Team member, Joey Barczak, on his time at serving with the children at Anawim Home.
My most rewarding experiences in Nigeria were those that involved the children of Anawim Home. Whether it was going with them to school, playing soccer in the afternoon, playing cards at night, teaching them computer classes, or simply spending time with them, the children always got an immense amount of job from anything you put forth. They relished any little bit of time or yourself you were willing to give them and they truly made the trip a special one for everyone on the Anawim Home team.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Serving the Destitute
A reflection from Anawim Home Team member, Gin Gin Diokno, on her time at serving with the Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor:
Destitute: (adjective) without the basic necessities of life. That’s according to the Oxford dictionary. In Nigeria, the word comes alive in the most raw representation I have ever witnessed.
For the Missionary Sisters for the Poorest of the Poor, the word is reserved for a certain group of people. They are not only lacking basic human needs like water, food, clothing and shelter; they have been the forgotten members of their society. These people, mostly adult men, have mental illness severe enough that they are not able to keep up with basic activities of daily living. They usually end up roaming in the streets looking for day-to-day sustenance. At times they become violent, thus the rationalization for keeping them chained in closed quarters. The more unmanageable ones are shackled to heavy pieces of logs which again gives a new meaning to restraints. I saw one young man strong enough to drag his log as he shuffled towards us. They are confined within a small compound of dark rooms. Mattresses seemed optional. Their mental problems are usually treated with traditional medicine which include herbal preparations and idol worshiping, at least from what we’ve seen. They are allowed to move more freely when they show improvement in their conditions. If they are able, they help with productive tasks like stripping leaves from stalks of palm to make household broomsticks. As elaborate as I can describe this unfortunate scene, there are no sufficient words Oxford can lend me right now to capture the stench of poverty and loss of human dignity.
Knowing I grew up in a third-world country, one of my team members asked me at one point if I have seen poverty like this. I have been to a community where they literally live on a landfill and sustain themselves with whatever they can scramble out of this “smokey mountain.” I thought I have seen some of the most destitute, but not until now. During our end-of-the-day reflection, one asked “Where is God in all these?” There was just silence. How can one attempt to even answer that question? There is one thing I know for sure I took away from this surreal experience. I saw God in the dedicated work that Sister Oresoa and her community of humble servants do. Her own family has taken a few of them to their home, sheltered them, and allowed them to work on their farm. Once a month or so, the sisters visit several of these compounds (take note there are around 15 in her own hometown alone) and share some of these basic needs. That day, we handed out plastic bags of rice, water and hard-boiled eggs which were very much appreciated. She prayed, sang and danced with them. She gave the caretakers encouragement for trying to do their job with the meager resources that they have. Her presence gives them hope that they are not totally forgotten and that somebody out there still cares.
That afternoon was probably the most intense and challenging part of my Anawim experience that I felt compelled to write about it, bordering on catharsis. It might have hit me in my gut but with it is a greater awe of Sister Oresoa’s commitment to truly serve the poorest of the poor and how much more love she still has to share. This difficult day of ministry just reminded me it always has to rain before you see a rainbow.
Destitute: (adjective) without the basic necessities of life. That’s according to the Oxford dictionary. In Nigeria, the word comes alive in the most raw representation I have ever witnessed.
For the Missionary Sisters for the Poorest of the Poor, the word is reserved for a certain group of people. They are not only lacking basic human needs like water, food, clothing and shelter; they have been the forgotten members of their society. These people, mostly adult men, have mental illness severe enough that they are not able to keep up with basic activities of daily living. They usually end up roaming in the streets looking for day-to-day sustenance. At times they become violent, thus the rationalization for keeping them chained in closed quarters. The more unmanageable ones are shackled to heavy pieces of logs which again gives a new meaning to restraints. I saw one young man strong enough to drag his log as he shuffled towards us. They are confined within a small compound of dark rooms. Mattresses seemed optional. Their mental problems are usually treated with traditional medicine which include herbal preparations and idol worshiping, at least from what we’ve seen. They are allowed to move more freely when they show improvement in their conditions. If they are able, they help with productive tasks like stripping leaves from stalks of palm to make household broomsticks. As elaborate as I can describe this unfortunate scene, there are no sufficient words Oxford can lend me right now to capture the stench of poverty and loss of human dignity.
Knowing I grew up in a third-world country, one of my team members asked me at one point if I have seen poverty like this. I have been to a community where they literally live on a landfill and sustain themselves with whatever they can scramble out of this “smokey mountain.” I thought I have seen some of the most destitute, but not until now. During our end-of-the-day reflection, one asked “Where is God in all these?” There was just silence. How can one attempt to even answer that question? There is one thing I know for sure I took away from this surreal experience. I saw God in the dedicated work that Sister Oresoa and her community of humble servants do. Her own family has taken a few of them to their home, sheltered them, and allowed them to work on their farm. Once a month or so, the sisters visit several of these compounds (take note there are around 15 in her own hometown alone) and share some of these basic needs. That day, we handed out plastic bags of rice, water and hard-boiled eggs which were very much appreciated. She prayed, sang and danced with them. She gave the caretakers encouragement for trying to do their job with the meager resources that they have. Her presence gives them hope that they are not totally forgotten and that somebody out there still cares.
That afternoon was probably the most intense and challenging part of my Anawim experience that I felt compelled to write about it, bordering on catharsis. It might have hit me in my gut but with it is a greater awe of Sister Oresoa’s commitment to truly serve the poorest of the poor and how much more love she still has to share. This difficult day of ministry just reminded me it always has to rain before you see a rainbow.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Serving the Destitute
A reflection from Anawim Home Team member, Adrienne Brooks, on her time at Anawim Home:
I knew when I came on this trip that I would probably see things that would really affect me emotionally and spiritually. By now, I think everyone knows that Nigeria is a third-world, poverty stricken nation. Understanding that concept is one thing, to actually experience it is another. I have a few pictures of "the destitute", but honestly, a picture can't express the overwhelming sense of hopelessness, discomfort, grief, pity, and so many other emotions that I felt. These are places where people have been unwillingly taken off the street (many are mentally disabled), and forced to live in this place. Those who are strong enough to run away, back to the street where they can beg and maybe get food, are chained to logs, or their feet are chained together. I am not sure how often they are fed, but the system is corrupt and I does not appear that they eat everyday.
After enjoying a lovely day at a wedding, we went to feed the destitute Being there, seeing them, smelling them, hearing them moan or shout, feeling them claw my hands trying to get to the food faster, watching some pick up the logs that they are chained to get closer, was unlike anything I could ever describe in America. I have never seen a such a desperate need to survive. It was animalistic. I have been to many places around the country, on numerous service trips, two different places in Mexico, and there is nothing I could compare this to. At all.
The idea of voluntourism had been playing in my mind since I began planning and applying for this mission. That day, as I watched people bite into the plastic bags that held the rice, not caring if they were eating plastic or food only that they were eating, I realized that that day, I made a difference to someone. I don't know their names, they probably won't remember me, but their hands groping the air, tearing eggs and bags of water out of my hands will be ingrained in my heart forever. To them, I made a difference, that day.
As we went to these places, we were quiet. We didn't know what to say as we looked around at each other. Sister Oresoa was yelling at them to stay back and to only take one, but the other missionaries and I were silent. When we got in the car, felt like none of that had just happened. It was all a rush. Sister even said I was traumatized. I think we all were. I looked at Jess. We both had tears in our eyes, but we didn't know what to do. Sister was so strong and just moved on to the next stop. And we were out of the car again, fighting off more hands, blocking out more shouts for a second bag. When we got back in the van, we were silent again. I'm sure we were all thinking about how someone could live like that, how God could let that happen. When we made eye contact, we gave a weak smile and looked away, no one had words.
I have not quite figured out why God lets things like this happen. I only know that there are people out there, fighting off starvation every single day, chained to logs, unable to run away, to be free. I don't know what I can do for them anymore, now that I'm back here, except tell there story. If I can make one more person aware of this, make one more person pray for these people, then God will be happy.
This is a prayer I found while reflecting on such strong emotions:
O Lord, hear my cry pouring out from a troubled heart. The sorrow which clutches at my soul has driven me to You my protector, my True Friend in time of need. You know, my God, all my failings, my faults and my sins as well as the torment gripping my soul. My greatest sorrow should be for my disregard of Your holy commandments in the past, and I sincerely hope that you will grant me the grace of true contrition. O my Savior, hide not Your Face from me in this tribulation, let the light of Your Countenance shine upon me that I may be illuminated by Its love. If it be Your will, lighten this burden from me, yet should it be a means of my salvation, help me, help me O Lord, to carry this cross, for alone I can do nothing. Radiate Your love upon Your prodigal child O Lord, this beggar who knocks at Your door seeking shelter in Your Sacred Heart; this once proud earthen vessel made of clay seeks You, O Christ, and in a newly found faith, firmly believes that you will receive him in Your limitless Love and Mercy. Amen
I knew when I came on this trip that I would probably see things that would really affect me emotionally and spiritually. By now, I think everyone knows that Nigeria is a third-world, poverty stricken nation. Understanding that concept is one thing, to actually experience it is another. I have a few pictures of "the destitute", but honestly, a picture can't express the overwhelming sense of hopelessness, discomfort, grief, pity, and so many other emotions that I felt. These are places where people have been unwillingly taken off the street (many are mentally disabled), and forced to live in this place. Those who are strong enough to run away, back to the street where they can beg and maybe get food, are chained to logs, or their feet are chained together. I am not sure how often they are fed, but the system is corrupt and I does not appear that they eat everyday.
After enjoying a lovely day at a wedding, we went to feed the destitute Being there, seeing them, smelling them, hearing them moan or shout, feeling them claw my hands trying to get to the food faster, watching some pick up the logs that they are chained to get closer, was unlike anything I could ever describe in America. I have never seen a such a desperate need to survive. It was animalistic. I have been to many places around the country, on numerous service trips, two different places in Mexico, and there is nothing I could compare this to. At all.
The idea of voluntourism had been playing in my mind since I began planning and applying for this mission. That day, as I watched people bite into the plastic bags that held the rice, not caring if they were eating plastic or food only that they were eating, I realized that that day, I made a difference to someone. I don't know their names, they probably won't remember me, but their hands groping the air, tearing eggs and bags of water out of my hands will be ingrained in my heart forever. To them, I made a difference, that day.
As we went to these places, we were quiet. We didn't know what to say as we looked around at each other. Sister Oresoa was yelling at them to stay back and to only take one, but the other missionaries and I were silent. When we got in the car, felt like none of that had just happened. It was all a rush. Sister even said I was traumatized. I think we all were. I looked at Jess. We both had tears in our eyes, but we didn't know what to do. Sister was so strong and just moved on to the next stop. And we were out of the car again, fighting off more hands, blocking out more shouts for a second bag. When we got back in the van, we were silent again. I'm sure we were all thinking about how someone could live like that, how God could let that happen. When we made eye contact, we gave a weak smile and looked away, no one had words.
I have not quite figured out why God lets things like this happen. I only know that there are people out there, fighting off starvation every single day, chained to logs, unable to run away, to be free. I don't know what I can do for them anymore, now that I'm back here, except tell there story. If I can make one more person aware of this, make one more person pray for these people, then God will be happy.
This is a prayer I found while reflecting on such strong emotions:
O Lord, hear my cry pouring out from a troubled heart. The sorrow which clutches at my soul has driven me to You my protector, my True Friend in time of need. You know, my God, all my failings, my faults and my sins as well as the torment gripping my soul. My greatest sorrow should be for my disregard of Your holy commandments in the past, and I sincerely hope that you will grant me the grace of true contrition. O my Savior, hide not Your Face from me in this tribulation, let the light of Your Countenance shine upon me that I may be illuminated by Its love. If it be Your will, lighten this burden from me, yet should it be a means of my salvation, help me, help me O Lord, to carry this cross, for alone I can do nothing. Radiate Your love upon Your prodigal child O Lord, this beggar who knocks at Your door seeking shelter in Your Sacred Heart; this once proud earthen vessel made of clay seeks You, O Christ, and in a newly found faith, firmly believes that you will receive him in Your limitless Love and Mercy. Amen
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Hwol Yarje Children
Below is a sampling of photos from Faith Alive Hospital Team's visit to Hwol Yarje, site of a school directed by Faith Alive Hospital. More will be posted in the coming weeks and shown at Church of the Nativity.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Dinner and Prayer with Pastor Ben
In his most recent post on the Church of the Nativity Missions blog, Faith Alive Hospital Team Leader, Brian Crook reflects on a dinner with Pastor Ben and praying for the community. The full post is available here. He writes:
"One evening at Faith Alive, Pastor Ben came to have dinner with our team at the guest house. We stumbled onto the topic of spiritual battle. Pastor was telling to us how diligent he and Faith Alive are about praying for Dr. Chris, his leadership, and especially protection from the devil. Ben said that because the Gospel is relatively new throughout Africa -- he is the first generation of Christians in his family -- the Church is fighting a more intense and often more tangible battle with evil. This really opened our eyes to one of the most remarkable aspects of Faith Alive: the faith of the community and how it's... well, alive!"
"One evening at Faith Alive, Pastor Ben came to have dinner with our team at the guest house. We stumbled onto the topic of spiritual battle. Pastor was telling to us how diligent he and Faith Alive are about praying for Dr. Chris, his leadership, and especially protection from the devil. Ben said that because the Gospel is relatively new throughout Africa -- he is the first generation of Christians in his family -- the Church is fighting a more intense and often more tangible battle with evil. This really opened our eyes to one of the most remarkable aspects of Faith Alive: the faith of the community and how it's... well, alive!"
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Reflections on Anawim Home
A reflection from Anawim Home Team member, Tyler DeVan, on his time in Abuja:
After spending two weeks in Abuja, Nigeria, I left feeling both humbled and encouraged. Despite the expected poverty and corruption for which the country is well known, there is a strong sense of community, faith and generosity. The Sisters with whom we lived led by their selfless and faithful example. Instead of being discouraged by the endless needs of their community, they helped those they could – and trusted that God would provide what was needed.
Sister Oresoa, the founder of the order and our host for the two weeks, is the most inspiring and remarkable person I have ever met. Her ministry and outreach center, Anawim Home, is home to several populations of impoverished and forgotten. The scope of the Sisters' ministries is remarkable. There is no limitation to their aid. Even while we were there, the Sisters welcomed a new CSW woman (Commercial Sex Worker) to the home and offered to start a new school within a local farming village that we visited. Their generosity, faith, resilience, and trust that God will provide is unlike anything I have experienced.
While relying on donated food and supplies to sustain the Home week to week, there is so much love and warmth which permeates Anawim. The Sisters and residents all welcomed our team openly, shared what little they had, and invited us to join in their daily ministries and prayer. It was simply humbling to be around such a spirit-led group of people.
I spent as much of my free time as I could throughout the two weeks with eight boys who live at Anawim’s orphanage. These boys, ranging from ages eight to thirteen, were disciplined, inquisitive, and extremely smart. At first I was taken aback by the respect and interest they showed me. Something as simple as an afternoon of Go Fish or a trip to the market together was a big deal. I learned that merely sharing time with the boys was all they wanted. Each afternoon brought another chance to play football (soccer), to teach them American card games, and for us to join in evening prayer together. For sure, the time I was able to spend with these boys was unexpectedly the most impactful part of the mission for me. I felt as though I had nothing to offer them; yet day after day, they sought nothing more than my company.
We spent one day visiting four Government-sponsored homes for the previously homeless and mentally ill, bringing food and water to the men, women and children there. The conditions were horrendous, and reminiscent of a POW camp. The residents were mostly unclothed, chained together, visibly starved, and laying on cement floor in rows. The first house we visited was the size of a typical family of four in the U.S., yet inhabited by 220 people. As we walked through each of the rooms handing out bags of rice, eggs, bread, and water, people hurriedly reached for the food. Most of the residents immediately chewed right through the bag to get to the rice, not waiting to untie the knot. Somehow I knew poverty like this existed; yet walking amongst it, and seeing it as others’ reality was shocking.
Sister Oresoa responded to the residents with such grace and compassion, assertively leading us through the rows, singing her usual “thank you Jesus” Nigerian song of praise, and helping us to converse and pray with the individual residents. Clearly, these are places of corruption and pure unfairness. Instead of being a source of support and rehabilitation, these centers merely offered a place for their residents to await death. Our team returned to the van and rode home in silence – saddened and appalled by the inexplicably inhumane conditions which some are forced to live.
The Sisters of Anawim also run a primary school for children in their community, servicing 200 students in grades nursery through 6. We spent five mornings at the school, assisting the teachers with basic lessons, end-of-year examinations, and sharing American games with the kids. The overall conditions of the school were pretty minimal, and not necessarily conducive to learning. The teachers each had one chalk board, and only a few pencils, books, or paper to use. Yet despite the lack of resources, it was clear that the school was a place of hope for the community. The students diligently worked hard to master mathematics, English, literature, public speaking, etc - to propel themselves to a specialized profession. On our last day there, the kids proudly participated in the school’s graduation; literally beaming as they were promoted to the next grade.
Spending two short weeks with the Missionary Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor was an amazing and enriching experience. Their life is one of sacrifice, prayer and limitless generosity. For sure, I will forever be impacted by the time there, and come away with a new perspective on living in response to the needs of our community.
Photos:
1. Sister Oresoa, Tyler, Adrienne, Gin Gin & Jess serving in a nearby village
2. Tyler with boys at Anawim Home
3. Anawim Home School children
4. Resident at a home for the destitute
5. Joey & Tyler playing soccer at Anawim Home
6. Tyler & Joey with boys at Anawim Home
After spending two weeks in Abuja, Nigeria, I left feeling both humbled and encouraged. Despite the expected poverty and corruption for which the country is well known, there is a strong sense of community, faith and generosity. The Sisters with whom we lived led by their selfless and faithful example. Instead of being discouraged by the endless needs of their community, they helped those they could – and trusted that God would provide what was needed.
Sister Oresoa, the founder of the order and our host for the two weeks, is the most inspiring and remarkable person I have ever met. Her ministry and outreach center, Anawim Home, is home to several populations of impoverished and forgotten. The scope of the Sisters' ministries is remarkable. There is no limitation to their aid. Even while we were there, the Sisters welcomed a new CSW woman (Commercial Sex Worker) to the home and offered to start a new school within a local farming village that we visited. Their generosity, faith, resilience, and trust that God will provide is unlike anything I have experienced.
While relying on donated food and supplies to sustain the Home week to week, there is so much love and warmth which permeates Anawim. The Sisters and residents all welcomed our team openly, shared what little they had, and invited us to join in their daily ministries and prayer. It was simply humbling to be around such a spirit-led group of people.
I spent as much of my free time as I could throughout the two weeks with eight boys who live at Anawim’s orphanage. These boys, ranging from ages eight to thirteen, were disciplined, inquisitive, and extremely smart. At first I was taken aback by the respect and interest they showed me. Something as simple as an afternoon of Go Fish or a trip to the market together was a big deal. I learned that merely sharing time with the boys was all they wanted. Each afternoon brought another chance to play football (soccer), to teach them American card games, and for us to join in evening prayer together. For sure, the time I was able to spend with these boys was unexpectedly the most impactful part of the mission for me. I felt as though I had nothing to offer them; yet day after day, they sought nothing more than my company.
We spent one day visiting four Government-sponsored homes for the previously homeless and mentally ill, bringing food and water to the men, women and children there. The conditions were horrendous, and reminiscent of a POW camp. The residents were mostly unclothed, chained together, visibly starved, and laying on cement floor in rows. The first house we visited was the size of a typical family of four in the U.S., yet inhabited by 220 people. As we walked through each of the rooms handing out bags of rice, eggs, bread, and water, people hurriedly reached for the food. Most of the residents immediately chewed right through the bag to get to the rice, not waiting to untie the knot. Somehow I knew poverty like this existed; yet walking amongst it, and seeing it as others’ reality was shocking.
Sister Oresoa responded to the residents with such grace and compassion, assertively leading us through the rows, singing her usual “thank you Jesus” Nigerian song of praise, and helping us to converse and pray with the individual residents. Clearly, these are places of corruption and pure unfairness. Instead of being a source of support and rehabilitation, these centers merely offered a place for their residents to await death. Our team returned to the van and rode home in silence – saddened and appalled by the inexplicably inhumane conditions which some are forced to live.
The Sisters of Anawim also run a primary school for children in their community, servicing 200 students in grades nursery through 6. We spent five mornings at the school, assisting the teachers with basic lessons, end-of-year examinations, and sharing American games with the kids. The overall conditions of the school were pretty minimal, and not necessarily conducive to learning. The teachers each had one chalk board, and only a few pencils, books, or paper to use. Yet despite the lack of resources, it was clear that the school was a place of hope for the community. The students diligently worked hard to master mathematics, English, literature, public speaking, etc - to propel themselves to a specialized profession. On our last day there, the kids proudly participated in the school’s graduation; literally beaming as they were promoted to the next grade.
Spending two short weeks with the Missionary Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor was an amazing and enriching experience. Their life is one of sacrifice, prayer and limitless generosity. For sure, I will forever be impacted by the time there, and come away with a new perspective on living in response to the needs of our community.
Photos:
1. Sister Oresoa, Tyler, Adrienne, Gin Gin & Jess serving in a nearby village
2. Tyler with boys at Anawim Home
3. Anawim Home School children
4. Resident at a home for the destitute
5. Joey & Tyler playing soccer at Anawim Home
6. Tyler & Joey with boys at Anawim Home
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Photos from Anawim Home
Below is a sampling of photos from Anawim Home Team. More will be posted in the coming weeks and shown at Church of the Nativity.
Photos:
1. Gin Gin and a young girl at Anawim Home
2. Gin Gin, Kathi, Jess & Adrienne with some of the young girls at Anawim Home
3. Gin Gin with a newborn
4. Jess and children at Anawim Home
5. Tyler & Joe with boys at Anawim Home
6. Tyler and a young boy at Anawim Home
7. Kathi teaches in Anawim Home School
8. Joey teaches computer skills
9. Jess & dinner
10. Anawim Home Team traveling through Abuja
11. Kathi pumps water at Anawim Home
12. Young girls braid Jess' hair
13. Adrienne and young girls wash dishes
14. Adrienne and her class at Anawim Home School
15. Jess and a young boy at Anawim Home
16. Boys at Anawim Home School
Photos:
1. Gin Gin and a young girl at Anawim Home
2. Gin Gin, Kathi, Jess & Adrienne with some of the young girls at Anawim Home
3. Gin Gin with a newborn
4. Jess and children at Anawim Home
5. Tyler & Joe with boys at Anawim Home
6. Tyler and a young boy at Anawim Home
7. Kathi teaches in Anawim Home School
8. Joey teaches computer skills
9. Jess & dinner
10. Anawim Home Team traveling through Abuja
11. Kathi pumps water at Anawim Home
12. Young girls braid Jess' hair
13. Adrienne and young girls wash dishes
14. Adrienne and her class at Anawim Home School
15. Jess and a young boy at Anawim Home
16. Boys at Anawim Home School
Reflections on Faith Alive Hospital
In his most recent post on the Church of the Nativity Missions blog, Faith Alive Hospital Team Leader, Brian Crook reflects on his time at the hospital and the role of this partnership in Church of the Nativity's International Mission. The full post is available here. He writes:
"To say that the are doing amazing work is an understatement...
I'll be sharing some more of my thoughts over the next few weeks, but wanted to get a post up this week... We all shared some thoughts with the doctors and staff at Faith Alive on our last day. I made comments on three things -- and these three things make me and Church of the Nativity so incredibly proud to partner with Faith Alive.
The vision of Church of the Nativity starts with the phrase "Making Church matter by growing disciples growing disciples..." We are disciples who are committed to growing in our relationship with Christ internally and intentionally. The entire staff at Faith Alive Foundation not only meets once per week to have a learning session, not just do they also train and educate medical students in Jos, but Dr. Chris himself holds personal Christian leadership and mentoring classes with up-and-coming leaders in the community. What an inspiration to see a glimpse of our vision being realized in one of our partners.
Secondly, and speaking of vision, it was so obvious to me and my team that the vision of Faith Alive is being carried not just by Dr. Chris but by the entire organization. We had passionate conversations with everyone from the managers of the store room to doctors in the emergency room about how essential the work is that they are doing, and how it's not just a great work to be done, but it's a God-inspired vision to take part in. They set goals that seem to be impossible so that when they are accomplished, God gets the glory.
And finally, a concept that is not easy to master, the Faith Alive Foundation has married good works with the Good News. They are successfully treating and caring for thousands of patients, have carried out 300 surgeries (with only 1 fatality) in a few short years, and will continue to grow as a healthy organization to provide excellent medical care to the surrounding communities... Not just that, but they are evangelizing to each and every patient, the staff, which they call a family, are going to the streets with the message of salvation (40 some people saved last month), and each day begins and ends with devotion and prayer.
I'll say again how proud we are to partner with such an amazing organization. And I should also thank all of our past missionaries who have traveled to Jos and formed relationships with people in the Faith Alive family -- it is the relationships that you have built that our partnership is standing on now. I'm grateful for all your contributions and very excited about all that God has in store for the future..."
Photo:
1. Dr. Chris, Brian, & Sister Oresoa
"To say that the are doing amazing work is an understatement...
I'll be sharing some more of my thoughts over the next few weeks, but wanted to get a post up this week... We all shared some thoughts with the doctors and staff at Faith Alive on our last day. I made comments on three things -- and these three things make me and Church of the Nativity so incredibly proud to partner with Faith Alive.
The vision of Church of the Nativity starts with the phrase "Making Church matter by growing disciples growing disciples..." We are disciples who are committed to growing in our relationship with Christ internally and intentionally. The entire staff at Faith Alive Foundation not only meets once per week to have a learning session, not just do they also train and educate medical students in Jos, but Dr. Chris himself holds personal Christian leadership and mentoring classes with up-and-coming leaders in the community. What an inspiration to see a glimpse of our vision being realized in one of our partners.
Secondly, and speaking of vision, it was so obvious to me and my team that the vision of Faith Alive is being carried not just by Dr. Chris but by the entire organization. We had passionate conversations with everyone from the managers of the store room to doctors in the emergency room about how essential the work is that they are doing, and how it's not just a great work to be done, but it's a God-inspired vision to take part in. They set goals that seem to be impossible so that when they are accomplished, God gets the glory.
And finally, a concept that is not easy to master, the Faith Alive Foundation has married good works with the Good News. They are successfully treating and caring for thousands of patients, have carried out 300 surgeries (with only 1 fatality) in a few short years, and will continue to grow as a healthy organization to provide excellent medical care to the surrounding communities... Not just that, but they are evangelizing to each and every patient, the staff, which they call a family, are going to the streets with the message of salvation (40 some people saved last month), and each day begins and ends with devotion and prayer.
I'll say again how proud we are to partner with such an amazing organization. And I should also thank all of our past missionaries who have traveled to Jos and formed relationships with people in the Faith Alive family -- it is the relationships that you have built that our partnership is standing on now. I'm grateful for all your contributions and very excited about all that God has in store for the future..."
Photo:
1. Dr. Chris, Brian, & Sister Oresoa
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Hwol Yarje Graduation
The team recently received an update from Dr. Chris on Graduation at Hwol Yarje School. Dr. Chris summarized the project, saying "We greatly appreciate you all for the support and prayers. These ones would have been without education."
Over 300 people attended the graduation of these 15 students, including: community heads, neighboring schools and Trustees. Activities included dancing, presentations and theater. The same day, the team also dedicated the Hwol Yarje borehole and toilet system, a long term project of NATIVITY:NIGERIA.
The team was also provided with testimonies from some attendees:
Community Head: "We can see great improvement in our children, the way they speak and interact with other children from other schools. We are grateful to God and Faith Alive Hospital for their support and assistance, most importantly for the provision of the modern toilet system and borehole."
PTA Chairman: "On behalf of all of the parents of children benefiting from this school, we are grateful for the gift of the school and the facilities available to make teaching and learning conducive for our children.
Head Teacher: "Despite all of the challenges, we are thankful to God and Faith Alive Hospital for all of the support and assistance needed to have produced the first graduates of this school."
Graduate: "Today is a day of joy in our lives, we are happy to have visitors from USA witnessing our graduation and even dedicating the toilet and borehole on the same day. We thank God for being a part of this history. Faith Alive Hospital, we are grateful for this completely free education given to us."
Photo:
Faith Alive Hospital Team with Hwol Yarje School graduates
Monday, August 15, 2011
Welcome Home
This afternoon, NATIVITY:NIGERIA missionaries arrived safely in Washington, DC after a brief layover in Frankfurt. They were greeted warmly by family and friends. After one last picture together, they returned back to Baltimore. The teams will be meeting again in the coming weeks to pray, reflect, and share their experiences.
Photos:
1. NATIVITY:NIGERIA returns home
2. Jonathan greets his family
Headed Home
Both teams departed from Abuja late Sunday night and landed safely in Frankfurt. After a few hours in Frankfurt this morning, they boarded their flight to Washington, DC on time and are scheduled to return to the States this afternoon.
Photo:
1. Jess, Adrienne, Joey and Bill departing Frankfurt
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Updates from Jos & Abuja
Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/13/11 6:00PM EST)
Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Today, the team worked with the Kiddies Club in the morning before attending a wedding in the early afternoon. After touring Jos and the surrounding area the team also visited the Faith Alive Teaching Hospital. For their last night in Jos the team ate a nice, nearby Chinese restaurant. They will be getting up at 5AM tomorrow for a 6AM departure to Abuja. They will be spending the day with Anawim Home Team and Sisters for their final day.
Anawim Home Team:
The team started the day with Mass before attending the Anawim Home School graduation. The team has been working with the students for the last two weeks on songs and dances for this afternoon. Tyler, Kathi and Gin Gin were seated at the head table as guests of honor and Jess led a choreographed dance with the students. The graduation was 6.5 hours long, including games, songs, dancing, a talent show and awards. Tomorrow, the team will attend Sunday Mass in the morning before spending the remainder of the day with the Faith Alive Hospital Team at Anawim Home.
Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Today, the team worked with the Kiddies Club in the morning before attending a wedding in the early afternoon. After touring Jos and the surrounding area the team also visited the Faith Alive Teaching Hospital. For their last night in Jos the team ate a nice, nearby Chinese restaurant. They will be getting up at 5AM tomorrow for a 6AM departure to Abuja. They will be spending the day with Anawim Home Team and Sisters for their final day.
Anawim Home Team:
The team started the day with Mass before attending the Anawim Home School graduation. The team has been working with the students for the last two weeks on songs and dances for this afternoon. Tyler, Kathi and Gin Gin were seated at the head table as guests of honor and Jess led a choreographed dance with the students. The graduation was 6.5 hours long, including games, songs, dancing, a talent show and awards. Tomorrow, the team will attend Sunday Mass in the morning before spending the remainder of the day with the Faith Alive Hospital Team at Anawim Home.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Updates from Jos & Abuja
Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/12/11 8:00PM EST)
Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Faith Alive Hospital Team:
The team started the day in Kafanchan with the morning session of the children's rights seminar which they participated in yesterday. Today focused on how to recognize abuse - emotional, physical and sexual. The team then drove back to Jos in the afternoon. They had the pleasure of stopping at Assop Falls, a waterfall on the route, for a bit as well. After lunch, the team said goodbye to most of the Faith Alive Hospital staff and students. They went to Afri-1 a local restaurant for a dinner of hamburgers, milkshakes, and donuts - a welcome surprise! Tomorrow will be the team's final day in Jos before traveling to Abuja early on Sunday morning.
Anawim Home Team:
Today, the Anawim Home Team again served at the school in preparation of graduation this weekend. In the afternoon they traveled with the Sisters to distribute clothing to the poor. The team described it as "frenzied." After, they closed the day with a 3 hour sunset prayer service.
Anawim Home Team:
Today, the Anawim Home Team again served at the school in preparation of graduation this weekend. In the afternoon they traveled with the Sisters to distribute clothing to the poor. The team described it as "frenzied." After, they closed the day with a 3 hour sunset prayer service.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Updates from Jos & Abuja
Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/11/11 9:00PM EST)
Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Today, the team served in Bakin Kogi and Kafanchan, two clinics of Faith Alive Hospital a few hours from Jos. The clinics were started in 2004 and the communities have seen a dramatic decrease in the rate of HIV/AIDS infection since. The team also attended and participated in a conference on children's rights. Specifically the conference focused on gender equality, a departure from traditional thinking. The team will stay in Bakin Kogi for the night before traveling back to Jos to serve at Faith Alive Hospital again tomorrow.
Anawim Home Team:
Anawim Home Team:
Today, the women returned to serve the commercial sex workers in their place of business. They prayed with them and listened to their stories. Upon returning to Anawim Home, Gin Gin, Tyler, Jess, Adrienne, and Kathi taught at the school, while Joey continued computer classes for the boys at Anawim. In the afternoon, the team traveled into Abuja for lunch and to visit the market. On the way back, they were caught in a 3 hour traffic jam - just another day in Abuja! The team will be serving at the school again tomorrow in preparation for graduation this weekend.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Updates from Jos & Abuja
Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/10/11 4:15PM EST)
Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Today the team again served at Faith Alive Hospital. Brian finished his Captain's Report, which he has been compiling by visiting and shadowing various members of the Faith Alive Hospital staff over the last week. It contains, observations, lessons, comments, and suggestions for discussion by the hospital's leadership. Bill continues to assist with the installation of a security and intercom system throughout the facility. He is finalizing the connections between individual rooms and the main system. Emma is working with doctors in GOPD - General Outpatient Department. She says that she "has learned a ton." In the afternoon, the team participated in the weekly staff meeting, joining together at the end in prayer.
The team also attended a meeting of the Faith Alive Hospital Borehole & Latrine Committee. The committee is made up of Dr. Chris, Pastor Ben, a finance representative, and representatives from Hwol Yarje and Bakin Kogi. They provide each other with status updates, share difficulties and solutions and explored future water projects in two communities. Tomorrow, the team will be traveling to Bakin Kogi and Kafanchan to serve in the Faith Alive Hospital outreach programs in those cities as well.
Anawim Home Team:
On Tuesday, the team spent the morning back at Anawim Home's primary school. Each team member has connected with a particular class, and is helping to lead graduation preparation. Each class will share an American song during Saturdays graduation. The time at school has been an opportunity to get to know kids throughout the entire community, beyond just the Anawim Home children.
The team met with several benefactors of Anawim Home, meeting specifically with members of a local church who have begun supporting the Anawim Home ministries. During lunch, Sister Oresoa shared some of the children's heartwarming stories about how they have come to live with her at Anawim Home. Many have had tough roads and yet continue to smile and exude such joy while with the team at Anawim Home. In the afternoon, Tyler played football (soccer) with the boys and Joey completed fixing the office computers.
Today, Jess, Adrienne, Kathi and Tyler returned to school again to continue teaching and playing with the primary school children. Gin Gin served in the clinic, assisting with triage and HIV/AIDS counseling. Joey continued to lead the older Anawim Home children through separate beginner, intermediate and advanced computer classes.
In the afternoon the team visited one of Anawim Home's farms. The Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor own the land and rents the space to local farmers as a source of both food and income. The team visited with a tribal nomad community living in the area surrounding Anawim Home's farm as well. Sister Oresoa agreed to begin teaching the villages' children later this month, so that the children can learn English. It was an interesting experience - the community was inquisitive and intrigued to see "white people" for the first time. The day ended with evening prayer. Tomorrow, the team will spend time with the students again, visit commercial sex workers, and the travel into the city to shop in the Abuja market.
Photo:
1. Gin Gin, Joey, Adrienne, Kathi & Jess after teaching at Anawim Home school
Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Today the team again served at Faith Alive Hospital. Brian finished his Captain's Report, which he has been compiling by visiting and shadowing various members of the Faith Alive Hospital staff over the last week. It contains, observations, lessons, comments, and suggestions for discussion by the hospital's leadership. Bill continues to assist with the installation of a security and intercom system throughout the facility. He is finalizing the connections between individual rooms and the main system. Emma is working with doctors in GOPD - General Outpatient Department. She says that she "has learned a ton." In the afternoon, the team participated in the weekly staff meeting, joining together at the end in prayer.
The team also attended a meeting of the Faith Alive Hospital Borehole & Latrine Committee. The committee is made up of Dr. Chris, Pastor Ben, a finance representative, and representatives from Hwol Yarje and Bakin Kogi. They provide each other with status updates, share difficulties and solutions and explored future water projects in two communities. Tomorrow, the team will be traveling to Bakin Kogi and Kafanchan to serve in the Faith Alive Hospital outreach programs in those cities as well.
Anawim Home Team:
On Tuesday, the team spent the morning back at Anawim Home's primary school. Each team member has connected with a particular class, and is helping to lead graduation preparation. Each class will share an American song during Saturdays graduation. The time at school has been an opportunity to get to know kids throughout the entire community, beyond just the Anawim Home children.
The team met with several benefactors of Anawim Home, meeting specifically with members of a local church who have begun supporting the Anawim Home ministries. During lunch, Sister Oresoa shared some of the children's heartwarming stories about how they have come to live with her at Anawim Home. Many have had tough roads and yet continue to smile and exude such joy while with the team at Anawim Home. In the afternoon, Tyler played football (soccer) with the boys and Joey completed fixing the office computers.
Today, Jess, Adrienne, Kathi and Tyler returned to school again to continue teaching and playing with the primary school children. Gin Gin served in the clinic, assisting with triage and HIV/AIDS counseling. Joey continued to lead the older Anawim Home children through separate beginner, intermediate and advanced computer classes.
In the afternoon the team visited one of Anawim Home's farms. The Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor own the land and rents the space to local farmers as a source of both food and income. The team visited with a tribal nomad community living in the area surrounding Anawim Home's farm as well. Sister Oresoa agreed to begin teaching the villages' children later this month, so that the children can learn English. It was an interesting experience - the community was inquisitive and intrigued to see "white people" for the first time. The day ended with evening prayer. Tomorrow, the team will spend time with the students again, visit commercial sex workers, and the travel into the city to shop in the Abuja market.
Photo:
1. Gin Gin, Joey, Adrienne, Kathi & Jess after teaching at Anawim Home school
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Updates from Jos & Abuja
Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/9/11 5:00PM EST)
Faith Alive Hospital Team:
This morning the team was treated to a surprise of pancakes for breakfast. Emma led the morning devotional prayer service at Faith Alive Hospital. She spoke to the patients and staff about following Jesus and listening for his voice in our hearts. Brian led the afternoon devotional prayer service and Jonthan gave a health talk as well. The topic of conversation all day has been the food that everyone wants to eat when they get back home. Throughout the day, Emma served in the counseling center, Brian served in the lab, and Bill served in IT.
Photo:
1. Emma leads the morning devotional prayer service at Faith Alive Hospital
Join Us in Prayer
On Wednesday, August 10rth at 6PM, the NATIVITY:NIGERIA Home Team will meet at Church of the Nativity in the Sanctuary for a time of prayer and reflection. We will pray for our teams in Abuja and Jos, our partners, and our missions around the world. Friends, family, all are welcome. If you cannot attend, we ask you to join us in prayer at that time, wherever you may be.
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