The projects that have been sponsored by Word & Deed Ministries in Nigeria are not and shall not be in vain. This huge financial investment is bearing fruits. These projects are not barren, like the cursed fig tree of Matthew 21. The partnership between Cornerstone Academy and Word & Deed started in the year 2000 and has been growing steadily. This work started very small, like a mustard seed, but today it has recorded great success stories and has impacted many people.

Students at Koti-Yough.

The ministry’s primary focus is to provide education, especially to underprivileged children. The choice to minister to people through education is borne out of the fact that Christian education is biblical (Proverbs 22:6), and because we believe that education is the best medium for change and development. Through education we believe we can catch children young and be able to change and develop them for a better society and for Christ.

With support from Word & Deed, we run two primary schools and two secondary schools under the name Cornerstone Academy. The primary schools have graduated about 300 students. Most of them have gained admission into various secondary schools and are doing well academically, morally and spiritually. The secondary schools offer up to the 11th grade so far, but the demand for admission is more than we can handle. People have seen the great value of this ministry.

Students at Makurdi in their new classroom.

The school construction projects have also broadened the impact of Cornerstone. Due to the ongoing construction, job opportunities have been provided to many people in different ways. Small children gather sand and stones to make money to buy slippers, clothes and books. Some women sell food to the workers on site. Men work as masons, laborers, architects, carpenters, iron benders, or roofers. Other people supply materials in small and large scale quantities. Every worker is being paid accordingly and this has helped tremendously in the economic welfare of the people. This, in turn, helps to reduce crime as well.

It is not difficult to find workers, as many laborers like working for us. The workers have said that the regular and prompt payment of their wages have spoken volumes about the ministry. It is not uncommon for an employer to take weeks or months to pay their employee; sometimes payment is never received at all.

The school chaplain at Koti-Yough (left) and Daniel Pever (right).

As a ministry, we try to find out what our employees use their money for. The result is positive. Some take care of their families; others pay their school fees, buy clothes or pay hospital bills. One boy bought a mattress with his wages. He came to thank me for that, saying, “Thank you, sir. Without you I could not have afforded to buy this mattress.” In return, I would like to say, “Thank you, Word & Deed. Without your support this boy could not have afforded to buy the mattress.” In the few cases where we have noted that one of our employees is making seriously unethical decisions, they have been let go. We do not want this ministry to support those leading immoral lives.

Generally, there has been great impact both morally, spiritually, socially, economically and otherwise on many people that have come in contact with us. I am pleased with everything and encouraged to keep on with the ministry. It’s good to make a difference in the lives of many people through God’s work.