Nigeria
Around the world, December 2012
Nigerian-led school prepares young and old for ministry
West Nigeria Christian College in Abeokuta, Nigeria, hosted its annual lectureship recently, attended by 847 members of Churches of Christ. Cooks at the school killed a fatted calf — literally — to feed lectureship participants.
Launched in 2000, the school offers a two-year comprehensive training program. Graduates of secondary schools receive training in Bible, English, world religions, education and computer skills to help them as they enter university studies. The school also prepares young men to preach and offers an advanced diploma in Christian ministry.
Biodun Owolabi directs the school, which has a seven-member board of trustees, chaired by Peter Egure. Tennessee-based African Christian Schools supports the work.
For more information, see africanchristianschools.org.
HAITI
GANTHIER — About 330 children attended a Vacation Bible School in this Haitian town, 45 minutes east of Port-au-Prince. Three church members from Nashville, Tenn. — Andy Holley, Kelly Northington and Lindsey Kitchens — were volunteer workers for the event.
Jean Claubert Belton, the church’s minister, asked the group to return and host a VBS twice per year. The next VBS is scheduled for early 2013. To volunteer, contact Joe Holley at [email protected].
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
ALOTAU — Diane Reese, who serves as a missionary in this South Pacific nation with her husband, Marcus, recently wrote a small-group study guide for the Gospel of Mark.
“She called the women of the churches together, explained how to use the booklets and helped them to organize themselves into small encouragement groups — two to six women per group,” Marcus Reese said.
“A number of women who had stopped going to church are now involved again,” he said. “And some who go to church regularly said that they cried and cried as they shared with each other because of all the pent-up emotions that they had not been sharing until now. Men are also asking if they can use the booklets. I think God allowed Diane to meet a definite need with a powerful solution.”
PERU
LIMA — A church member in this South American capital designed and helped build a library and community center to serve single mothers and their families.
The church member, Carla, was baptized last year.
She ministers to single mothers, teaching them the Bible and collecting necessities for them and their children, said Justin Thompson, a member of Team Lima, a church-planting mission.
Working with the mission’s interns, community leaders and fellow church members, Carla designed and built the “ludoteca,” a place for recreational and creative activities.
“As a missionary in Lima, one of the things that you pray for is Peruvian leadership,” Thompson said. “While many people can talk, it’s inspiring when one person takes that vision, and with the help of others, puts their words into action.”
UKRAINE
TLUMACH — Ivan Skoleba, a minister in the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk, reports that people in the village of Tlumach have access to life-sustaining dialysis machines, thanks to donations by U.S. church members.
People with diabetes and kidney problems had to wait for months for dialysis in Ivano-Frankivsk but now can receive the service at their local hospital, Skoleba said. “Many of them would die before they could have their treatments,” the minister added.
Searcy, Ark.-based Ukraine Missions coordinated the medical shipment that included the dialysis machines.
West Nigeria Christian College in Abeokuta, Nigeria, hosted its annual lectureship recently, attended by 847 members of Churches of Christ. Cooks at the school killed a fatted calf — literally — to feed lectureship participants.
Launched in 2000, the school offers a two-year comprehensive training program. Graduates of secondary schools receive training in Bible, English, world religions, education and computer skills to help them as they enter university studies. The school also prepares young men to preach and offers an advanced diploma in Christian ministry.
Biodun Owolabi directs the school, which has a seven-member board of trustees, chaired by Peter Egure. Tennessee-based African Christian Schools supports the work.
For more information, see africanchristianschools.org.
HAITI
GANTHIER — About 330 children attended a Vacation Bible School in this Haitian town, 45 minutes east of Port-au-Prince. Three church members from Nashville, Tenn. — Andy Holley, Kelly Northington and Lindsey Kitchens — were volunteer workers for the event.
Jean Claubert Belton, the church’s minister, asked the group to return and host a VBS twice per year. The next VBS is scheduled for early 2013. To volunteer, contact Joe Holley at [email protected].
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
ALOTAU — Diane Reese, who serves as a missionary in this South Pacific nation with her husband, Marcus, recently wrote a small-group study guide for the Gospel of Mark.
“She called the women of the churches together, explained how to use the booklets and helped them to organize themselves into small encouragement groups — two to six women per group,” Marcus Reese said.
“A number of women who had stopped going to church are now involved again,” he said. “And some who go to church regularly said that they cried and cried as they shared with each other because of all the pent-up emotions that they had not been sharing until now. Men are also asking if they can use the booklets. I think God allowed Diane to meet a definite need with a powerful solution.”
PERU
LIMA — A church member in this South American capital designed and helped build a library and community center to serve single mothers and their families.
The church member, Carla, was baptized last year.
She ministers to single mothers, teaching them the Bible and collecting necessities for them and their children, said Justin Thompson, a member of Team Lima, a church-planting mission.
Working with the mission’s interns, community leaders and fellow church members, Carla designed and built the “ludoteca,” a place for recreational and creative activities.
“As a missionary in Lima, one of the things that you pray for is Peruvian leadership,” Thompson said. “While many people can talk, it’s inspiring when one person takes that vision, and with the help of others, puts their words into action.”
UKRAINE
TLUMACH — Ivan Skoleba, a minister in the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk, reports that people in the village of Tlumach have access to life-sustaining dialysis machines, thanks to donations by U.S. church members.
People with diabetes and kidney problems had to wait for months for dialysis in Ivano-Frankivsk but now can receive the service at their local hospital, Skoleba said. “Many of them would die before they could have their treatments,” the minister added.
Searcy, Ark.-based Ukraine Missions coordinated the medical shipment that included the dialysis machines.
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