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!"

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/12/11 8:00PM EST)

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.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/11/11 9:00PM EST)

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:

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.

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

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.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/8/11 5:15PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:
This morning, Bill led a very powerful and moving prayer service for the Faith Alive Hospital community. After the prayer service Emma and Jonathan were able to sit in the operating room and observe an appendectomy. They were both interested in the differences between the procedures executing in Nigeria versus those in the United States.

Brian and Bill traveled to Hwol Yarje to witness the first ever graduation at Faith Alive Hwol Yarje school. The school was started 5 years ago and provides education for 250 children. The kids who graduated today will go on to secondary school.

Hwol Yarje is also the location of an ongoing, joint water project between Church of the Nativity and Faith Alive Hospital. Today, with our team present, a new borehole and 3 station latrine was dedicated by the community in a ceremony filled with presentations and dancing. Pastor Ben told the team that it is the biggest event and most exciting day the community had ever experienced!

You can learn more about our water projects here.

A short video shot by NATIVITY:NIGERIA teams in 2009 shows the stream, which previously provided water for Hwol Yarje community as well as the children who live there, and is available here.

More details regarding how Faith Alive Hospital got involved at Hwol Yarje are available here.

This evening, the team was also presented with letters written by friends, family, and supporters from home. These were a surprise for the team and provided the kind words and encouragement they needed just as their second week started.

Anawim Home Team:
The team traveled today and arrived safely back in Abuja after their weekend in Benin City. Just like Faith Alive Team, Anawim Home Team received their letters from home today as well. They explained how uplifting and important the letters were after an intense, long weekend visiting and serving the elderly and destitute in Benin City. Tomorrow, the team will be teaching in the Anawim Home School and preparing for graduation this weekend.

Photos:
1. Faith Alive Hwol Yarje School gradution
2. Emma & Jonathan prepare to enter the Faith Alive Hospital Operating Theatre

Updates from Jos & Abuja

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/7/11 5:00PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Sunday began early with the 7:45AM Mass at St. Theresa Catholic Church. The team was prepped by a local guest, Greg, to expect a 2 hour service (with only a 15 minute Homily), which seems to be the minimum duration for most denominations in Nigeria on Sunday. Being good, solid, American, 45 minute Catholics, we were apprehensive but anxious to experience Mass. The unanimous feedback was that it was incredible. The Mass was a traditional Catholic Mass, but with some African cultural additions. The most notable was the offertory, which combined the weekly collection with tithing and the presentation of the gifts. While most made their contribution to ushers from the pews, there was a line of parishoners who made special offerings to at the altar. This included people with bags of rice or some who brought babies for a special blessing. It was very cool to witness! Communion also was a little different as recipients approached the priest or eucharistic minister only when they were ready to receive, not by pew and many did not take communion as they may not have felt prepared or been to confession. The Mass was packed as the one before it had been and the 11 am was expected to be as well.

Inspired by that experience, the team went to its afternoon festivities full of energy. Dr. Chris, Pastor Ben and the extended Faith Alive family put on a show at the hospital in our honor. It showcased the various kids groups and active families in the hospital community entertaining us with song, dance and scripture. Brian even led our team in our contribution to the event, singing Amazing Grace - a rendition greatly helped by the singing of the entire community. The afternoon was capped off by more singing and dancing with the kids to the music of the Faith Alive band and a moment of crowd surfing by Jonathan over a large group of kids. The taem had a blast and look to the second week a bit tired but eager to start all over on Monday! We continue to be energized by the faithful dedication of all that we meet here.

Anawim Home Team:
Today, in Benin City, the team served the destitute and the street boys of the surrounding community. They distributed bags of rice to each, which they brought with them from Abuja. The team described it as "intense" and commented on the stark contrast between the abundance and opulence at the wedding yesterday and the poverty in the streets. The team will be reflecting together and staying at the monastery in Benin City again tonight before departing for Abuja in the morning.

Reflections from Anawim Home

The Anawim Home Team provided the brief reflections below on their first week:

Gin Gin:

Having met Sister Oresoa before, it is a totally different experience sharing life with her and the other sisters. She has a huge heart and exemplifies being a servant of God. I am overwhelmed with joy to be a witness to God's work through her.

Kathi:

While talking with the young, expectant, unwed mothers they had so many questions about pregnancy and child birth. They were so thirsty for information. It struck me how we take for granted our ability to seek out information through our computers or phones. These young women who are due in November have little, if any, access to information which we take for granted.

Tyler:

Nearing the end of our first week here. My time with Peter, Paul and Jude (three of the boys ages 8-13) has taught me that simply being present with the boys profoundly impacts and encourages, even more than providing for their physical needs ever could. All three are smart, energetic and offer so much hope for Anawim children's future. I will take with me their beaming faces after mastering something as simple as bolding text on the computer.

Adrienne:

We met a young woman, Deborah. She has completed primary and secondary school and hopes to go to university in the US. I wonder how hard it will be for her to make that happen. Not many are fortunate enough to get to the US, let alone become a lawyer. I hope somehow she will be able to achieve her dream.

Joey:

I am most fascinated by the thirst for knowledge exhibited by so many of the children and young adults at Anawim. In a world where so many squander the opportunities given to them, the residents of Anawim Home cherish and make the most of every opportunity they have to excel trough education.

Jess:

The "Angels" are a group of girls ages 10-11, who are both residents and caretakers of Anawim. On Wednesday, after a long night of 'go fish', Adrienne and I put the girls to bed. Their room had three beds to share amongst 5 girls, two wardrobes, and no lighting. Angela quickly tried to hide a bowl of food that was leftover from our dinner with the Bishop, which they had been eating. Otherwise, the girls had only rice for dinner. I am grateful for the hospitality we have received in Nigeria. But I am also heartbroken that we have received so many accommodations, while these orphans receive so little. Their spirit and connection to our presence with them is heartwarming and humbling.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/6/11 6:00PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:

The Team spent the morning playing soccer (or football in Jos) with the Faith Alive Hospital U-13 Team. Everyone played with the boys, who played with enormous enthusiasm as their coach looked on and provided words of encouragement and advice. In the afternoon, the team experienced the central Jos market, led by our friend, Blessing. Jonathan described it as "Canal Street in New York City times 10." The day ended with dinner with Pastor Ben and a game of team building hacky sack.

Anawim Home Team:

Today the team saw a huge range of Nigerian wealth and poverty. They attend the wedding of one of Sister's family friends - the Father is a top Nigerian gynecologist and the Mother of the Bride is a Magistrate in the government. The team stood out as Americans, but loved the entire experience: singing, dancing, and tons of food. Sister Georgina from Anawim Home made us each person on the team their own traditional African attire to wear at both the wedding and the burial ceremony.

After, the team bought bread and visited a local senior home. It is by far the worst poverty the team has seen. These women have been forgotten by their family and community, and are waiting out the rest of their life with little provisions or basic needs. The team's presence was encouraging and seemed to be the brighten their week. The short visit left all six members of the team strongly affected, particularly after attending the lavish wedding earlier.

Photos:

1. Anawim Home Team in Nigerian clothing: Tyler, Kathi, Gin Gin, Sister Oresoa, Adrienne, Jess & Joey

2. Bill after keeping a clean slate in goal during the U-13 soccer game

3. Faith Alive Hospital Team playing soccer with Faith Alive Hospital U-13 Team

Updates from Jos & Abuja

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/5/11 2:15PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Today, Jonathan had the opportunity to volunteer in the phlebotomy lab at Faith Alive Hospital. Please note, the highest level of safety precautions and procedures are in place at all times. Missionaries may chose to volunteer in areas such as these in the hospital, where their skills and expertise may be put to use.

The team also had the opportunity to view the operating theater this morning with Elder Bot. The hospital has done over 300 surgeries in 3 years with only 1 fatality. Emma served in prenatal care, where 20 expectant mothers are staying - they anticipate that one may give birth tomorrow. Like his team members, Bill was tested for HIV this afternoon and also did research for the hospital. Brian toured the various facilities and compiled notes for his Captain's report.

Tonight, the team will eat dinner with Dr. Chris and Pastor Ben. Then they will be meeting with Dr. Chris' mentoring group - 8 young men he is investing in for leadership in different areas, including education, medicine and art.

Anawim Home Team:
The team traveled the rest of the way to the burial of Sister Oresoa's family friend, today. The dress and music were both impressive, and different than we are accustomed to. The team will spend the rest of the weekend in Benin City for other events related to the burial, and will visit other communities in the surrounding area to feed the poor and assist with Sister Oresoa's ministry in Benin City.

Some additional details from Anawim Home Team from the last few days:

From Wednesday, August 3:
Anawim Home's health clinic for CSW (Commercial Sex Workers) is open to the community on Wednesdays. After breakfast, the team began preparing for that - making bags of food supplies, holy water and toilet paper for each of the women to take home with them after visiting the clinic. During clinic hours, Gin Gin shadowed a doctor, Kathi assisted with counseling, Jess and Adrienne spent time with Anawim's young mothers, while Joey and Tyler gave computer and typing lessons to four of the young boys. It was the boys' first lesson with a computer, yet by the end they were able to successfully navigate MS Word - their faces lit up every time they learned something new. The boys have also been learning American card games. "Go Fishy" is a group favorite so far. In the evening, the Bishop paid Anawim Home a visit. He is a close friend of Sister Oresoa, and made a special trip just to welcome us. ALL of the the Sisters were excited for Bishop Anthony's visit, and started an impromptu dance and song.

From Thursday, August 4:
On Thursday the team was joined in morning prayer by Sister Nuala, a visiting Sister leading the Anawim Sisters retreat this week. The team gave her a parting gift of American crunchy peanut butter. During breakfast - Peter, one of Anawim's young boys, killed a chicken so we could watch the process. A new experience for everyone. The chicken was cooked into a stew, for our lunch. The team then set off on a five hour car ride, headed to Benin City for a weekend of burial celebrations. The ride gave the team a chance to see some of the smaller villages, all with stark poverty. The monastery is pristine, peaceful and a great place to rest and reflect. We took a walk through the herb garden where the Brothers run, and then enjoyed a shower (with hot water) and a good night's sleep.

Photo:
1. Jonathan serving at Faith Alive Hospital
2. Brian entering TB lab with his Faith Alive Hospital Captain badge

Updates from Jos & Abuja

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/4/11 7:45PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:

Today has been another full day at Faith Alive Hospital for the team. We were told that the storm the other night was the worst one in 30 years. This morning they attended a daily health talk and prayer session, led by Erika Nossokoff. On the first Thursday of each month there is a additional focus and prayer dedicated to a certain topic. Today, Pastor Ben announced that we would be praying specifically for Dr. Chis and his leadership of Faith Alive Hospital. After prayer, worship and singing the team jumped in to the mix at the hospital.

The team participated in a home based care visit. This is one of the outreach ministries of Faith Alive Hospital to the rural community surrounding Jos. The team met Ladi, a woman who came to Faith Alive Hospital to be tested and was informed that she has AIDS and TB. Since that time, she has become too weak to make the long trip to Faith Alive Hospital. Each day, someone from the hospital travels to her home to make sure that drugs are being administered properly and necessary hygiene is being maintained. The team also had the opportunity to pray with her at the end of their visit.

Jonathan joined Dr. Chris as he diagnosed a patient with hypertension and high blood pressure. Emma, Bill and Brian sat in on sessions at the counseling center. After receiving HIV/AIDS testing, patients are met individually in the counseling center to discuss their results. The team was witness to patients receiving both positive and negative results. They were also tested themselves.

At the afternoon staff prayer and worship session everyone joined in the "laying on of hands" in praying for Dr. Chris. The staff members also assign a "Captain" for the upcoming week. This person is responsible for observing different areas of the hospital, asking questions, and writing a report at the end with his or her findings. They chose Brian to take on this responsibility for the upcoming week. At the end of the afternoon, after all of the counselors had gone home, Jonathan and Dr. Chris met with a patient who was just being told of her HIV+ diagnosis.

Anawim Home Team:
Last night the team had the opportunity to slaughter a chicken and prepare it for dinner. They then received a welcome surprise of french toast for breakfast this morning before jumping in the van and heading off to Benin City to visit with Sister Oresoa's family.

The drive to Benin City was about five hours, which Kathi described as an "adventure." They even had some walnuts from a street vendor on the way. The team is staying at a monastery in Benin City, which has running, and even sometimes "hot" water. The team described the monastery as "beautiful" - although they didn't do too well with the "silent" dinner. They will be attending a funeral for a friend of Sister Oresoa's Friday and Saturday. The team brought rice with them and will be serving the street boys and mentally ill in Benin City as well. The team is in great spirits, having an exciting time with Sister Oresoa, and becoming closer by the day.

Photos:
1. Jonathan, Emma, Ladi & Bill in prayer
2. Jonathan, Emma & Bill visit Ladi's home
3. Travel outside of Jos

Joined in Prayer

Tonight, a group of Nativity parishoners, Home Team members, parents and friends met at Church of the Nativity to pray together. The group prayed for our missionaries, our partners, our missions around the world, all those we meet and those we have left at home. We prayed in thanksgiving, we prayed for guidance, we prayed for courage, and we prayed for peace. Around the same time, our teams abroad were reflecting and participating in their evening prayers. Across oceans we were joined together in support and worship. God Bless.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/3/11 8:30PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:
The team was up early again today and had some pancakes for breakfast. It rained all night and into the morning a bit. After breakfast there was an 8AM prayer and staff meeting at the hospital, led by Pastor Ben. The staff and team prayed over each other and Dr. Chris described the partnership between Faith Alive Hospital and Church of the Nativity, telling everyone that "Nativity is my home church."

The team then traveled to Fabor, a satellite location of Faith Alive Hospital and home to a health counseling center. The clinic also provides HIV/AIDS testing for the community. They were greeted by Ezekiel, the founder of the clinic. From the village, he had traveled to Faith Alive Hospital and discovered that he was indeed HIV+. He founded the clinic and was made chief by his fellow villagers for his extraordinary courage.

After leaving Fabor, the team trekked to Hwol Yarje, the site of multiple NATIVITY:NIGERIA water projects. The borehole and latrine have been completed at this location and will be dedicated during a ceremony, which the team will attend, next Monday. This will coincide with the 5th grade graduation of the first class at the community school, sponsored by Faith Alive Hospital. The team visited with students today and we're greeted with the "ABC's" from some younger children. After a lunch of coconut rice, chicken, and plantains, the team returned to serve in the hospital and were also introduced to Daniel. He is the manager of the General Store as well as the Coach of the Faith Alive Hospital U-20 Soccer Team and is taking our team to practice this afternoon.

Anawim Home Team:
Everyone is in high spirits and feeling well at Anawim. This morning, after Mass, the Jess, Kathy, Gin Gin and Adrienne were in the new clinic for HIV/AIDS testing (opened in March), a mission of Sisters of Poorest of the Poor. The 'ladies' come to Anawim Home to be tested. Later in the week, the women and Sisters will go to the hotel to evangelize. Joey and Tyler have fixed 2 computers, a scanner, and are teaching computer classes to some of the residents of Anawim Home. The team is preparing to travel to Benin City tomorrow, Thursday - Sunday to visit with Sister Oresoa's family and serve in her ministries in that community.


Photo:
1. Emma, Jonathan, Daniel & Bill.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/2/11 2:10 PM EST):

Faith Alive Hospital Team:

The team was up around 7AM for a hearty oatmeal breakfast today. Overall the food here has been very good (pizza, fries, spaghetti, and chicken). The day started with a Faith Alive Hospital prayer meeting at 8AM, followed by a health talk. The talk focused on preventing the transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child. Throughout the next two weeks, the team will be leading these prayer meetings each morning. The spiritual theme for August at Faith Alive Hospital is "look upon Jesus."

The rest of the morning and early afternoon was spent volunteering at the hospital. Jonathan assisted and shadowed doctors with Emma, while Bill worked in IT and Brian in the pharmacy lab. The rest of the afternoon was spent touring and meeting those at the Faith Alive Hospital Skills Acquisition Centers. The hospital sponsors a variety of these centers to provide a venue for current or past patients to obtain new job skills. Some of these centers include a wood working shop, a sewing center, and a computer school. The afternoon was cut short by a torrential downpour which sent everyone scattering around 3PM. The rain and wind blew the roof off the shop of a neighbor and friend of Dr. Chris. The team hustled through the rain to help bring all of their belongings to a dry location. Everyone was soaked, but thankfully no one was injured.

Anawim Home Team:
The team has had a great first two days. Mass yesterday was an awesome experience as the sun went up. The priest shared kind words at the end of mass to welcome us in front of the community, and expressed his hope that our visit would show the spirit and safety of Nigeria.

Tyler and Uncle Joseph have been playing soccer with the boys at Anawim in the front yard - ages 8-15, while Kathi has been mentoring the young mothers. Joey has also been spending some time fixing computers for the Sisters. Jess, Adrienne, and Gin Gin have been spending time playing with all of the young girls. This was a chance to each spend quality time with a niche of the Anawim community. Yesterday was highlighted by teaching the hokie pokie and macarena to about 200 school kids for their upcoming graduation. Can't wait to show off pictures of that.

The team's first taste of Nigeria food was yesterday at lunch when they were served "agusi" stew - a thick, melon-based Nigerian soup with bold spices. Along with that was "pounded yam" - covered in peanut butter of course, a new staple of food for us here. There was a prayer session in the evening and then dinner.

Today, Tuesday, the team had pancakes for breakfast - which were delicious and welcomed. Sister Julie has been generously and joyfully preparing each meal for us here. In the morning we went to the school again and divided amongst the classes. They are having exams this week, so some of us ran lessons and games while the teacher did one-on-one testing with each kid.

Afterwards, we visited a nomad family of "fulani" (farmers). They grow okra and corn, and gave some of both to take back to Anawim. The team also served at a nearby leper community of nearly 200 families, distributing toilet paper and food supplies.

This afternoon we took an eventful trip to the Abuja market. Sister Oresoa, Sister Dorothy and a few of the older children were able to help us navigate the crowded streets and locate the best items. Sister has asked some of the ladies here in the skill training classes to make African clothing for all of us.

This weekend we are traveling to Sister's hometown for the funeral of a friend, and will stay with her family there. We are also looking forward to the school's graduation next week. Tonight there was a downpour, so Joey, Adrienne & Jess took the opportunity to take an outdoor shower. It's the cleanest we have been in three days. All six of the team are doing well and loving our time at Anawim.

Photo:
1 & 2. Afternoon rain at Faith Alive Hospital

Join Us in Prayer

On Wednesday, August 3rd 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.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

Updates from Jos & Abuja:

Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Today the team left Abuja around 7AM for th 4+ hour drive out to Jos, in Plateau State. After a fairly traffic-free drive, the foursome ate lunch and rested at the Faith Alive Hospital flat - about a 5 minute walk from Faith Alive Hospital. Erika Nossokoff, US Director for Volunteers for Hope for West Africa Foundation, will also be staying with Emma during their time at Faith Alive Hospital. After lunch the team toured Faith Alive Hospital and received an orientation to all of their programs. They reflected as a team after dinner and noted that "the community here is so welcoming." Which was quickly followed up by "and we've just killed our first cockroach." Tomorrow the team will see Faith Alive Hospital in action and will be volunteering in a variety of their outreach programs.

Anawim Home Team:
The team woke up early to pray with the Sisters before Mass. They begin the rosary and morning prayers at 4:30AM before traveling to Mass nearby at 6AM. After returning from Mass and some breakfast the team spent the day meeting everyone at Anawim - including the children, Sisters, young mothers, and mentally ill. In between various prayer sessions, the team also visited the nearby school run by the Sisters, where they will be teaching later in their visit.

Off to Jos

Upon arrival in Abuja late last night, both teams were greeted by nuns from Anawim Home and Dr. Chris Isichei from Faith Alive Hospital. The Faith Alive Hospital team departed for Jos at 7AM Abuja time (2AM EST) this morning after staying the night in Abuja. After breakfast in Abuja the traveled the 4+ hours to the Faith Alive Hospital compound in just over 4 hours - not much traffic along the way either. Both teams are now at their permanent sites for the next two weeks.

Photo:
1. Jonathan, Emma & Bill before departure to Jos this morning.