By Rick Postma

Background

It surprises most people to hear that one in four Africans is Nigerian. Nigeria has a population of well over 120 million people. Unfortunately, it also has a well-earned worldwide reputation for scams and swindles, especially via email. In addition, the country is faced with ongoing political turmoil, poverty, dishonesty, and other forms of immorality. There is increasing pressure from Nigeria’s Muslim population (50 percent) to impose Islam and Sharia law on the nation. Islam is often not content to coexist with other religions and is also more militant in the northern half of continental Africa (Nigeria’s location) than in the southern half (Malawi’s location).

Until recently, Word & Deed Projects Director Bernie Pennings was finding it increasingly difficult to get a visa from the Nigerian embassy in Ottawa. As well, on a recent trip to Nigeria, he was accused of being in the country illegally and was almost arrested. But his paperwork was in order and it turned out that the government official’s main purpose was to uncover international scams headquartered in Nigeria. The official visited one of the schools with Bernie and was very impressed. In a separate development, Bernie has now established a relationship with the newly arrived Nigerian Ambassador to Canada, Lyorwuese Hagher, who is a Christian. Ambassador Hagher has immediate knowledge of our projects and endorses them. He has extended an invitation to Bernie to meet with him.

Bernie Pennings with members of Faith and Freedom Ministry Board

Christian Education

In light of the above, the Christian education projects that Word & Deed supports in Nigeria under the able leadership of Nigerian Rev. Daniel Pever and his carefully selected staff is critical in providing (in his words):

- The hope of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, who alone can save from sin.

- Transformed lives leading to Christian families characterized by biblical fathers and mothers, and obedient children.

- A biblical foundation for morals.

- A comprehensive education from a Christian perspective, taught by Christian teachers who model what it is to be a God-fearing man or woman.

Faith and Freedom Ministry

Word & Deed has a policy that projects in each country report to a board with supervising authority. The Faith and Freedom Ministry was established to oversee the Word & Deed projects in Nigeria. In addition to having representation on the board, local churches provide spiritual oversight of the staff members and are involved in providing chaplain services.

There are two Christian school campuses. One is in Koti-Yough (pronounced ko-tee-yoe), a very poor, rural area. The other is in Makurdi (ma-kur-dee), which is a little more urban. Both schools have a local pastor from the NKST church (a denomination with Dutch Reformed roots peculiar to the Tiv speaking people of Nigeria) acting as school chaplain. Subjects are taught from a Christian worldview, and the chaplain and teachers also provide Bible lessons.

A major goal for both schools is that operating costs will eventually be covered by parents, and that Word & Deed will help with infrastructure costs.

The primary school system in Nigeria consists of Kindergarten, pre-primary, and primary grades one through six (a total of eight years). Secondary school consists of four grades.

Koti-Yough

The Koti-Yough Christian School began in 2000 and has 300 children in the primary school and 200 children in the secondary school (see picture). The school year runs from September to July, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. After eight years, Word & Deed is only providing $3,000 in 2008 for this school. Parents are covering 95% of the operating costs, a major achievement. There are no infrastructure projects running at Koti-Yough this year.

Makurdi

Makurdi Christian School has 400 students in Kindergarten up to primary level four. The school is adding primary grades five and six this year. A secondary school wing is also being started. After four years of operation, 75% of teacher salaries are being covered by school fees.

There are 32 staff members working at the two campuses. Both schools have been accredited by the government, a process which took some time and challenges given government corruption.

Orphans and Vulnerable Children Assistance Program

The orphan population in the school areas is increasing due to HIV/AIDS. In response, the local Makurdi NKST congregation started an assistance program for 20 orphans. Word & Deed is supporting a further 12 orphans, for a total of 32. The fund covers their school fees, books, medical bills, food and other items.

Rev. Daniel Pever

Pastor’s Forum

Daniel writes: “In order to promote spirituality and unity, I have introduced a special meeting for pastors (Pastor’s Forum). At first we are started with only pastors but now we have included pastors’ wives. We meet every two months for Bible study and discussion. The attendance is usually close to twenty-five and everybody is happy about this.”

Budget (Makurdi)

The budget of $103,000 covers:

_ Salaries

_ Purchase of a lot next to the school for expansion

_ Five-classroom building

_ Furniture

_ Playground equipment

_ Orphan fund

_ Secondary school government fees

_ Textbooks and school supplies

_ Administrator costs

Conclusion

The threat of sin and Islam make Christian Education a critical ingredient to bringing hope to this large and troubled nation. Pray that Daniel and his team will be equipped and blessed by the Lord and that their ministry will be effective in the schools as well as in the communities around them. May they be used by the Lord to bring in a large spiritual harvest in Nigeria! Would you like to support this project?

Rick Postma is the Director of Public Relations for Word & Deed Ministries.