‘Church of Christ goats’ for Africa

Igarra, Nigeria —“I am a rural-born Nigerian and have lived most of my life in the villages, struggling to survive,” said minister Sylvester Imogoh. “I am always looking out for any means to affect the lives of our rural brethren — in very small, local ways.”

But when Imogoh suggested a “goats for widows” program to his U.S. supporters, he was amazed at the response. He hoped for a few hundred dollars to purchase goats, which produce milk, manure and more goats — all of which can bring much-needed profit for rural widows who have no other sources of income. Imogoh received more than $3,400 for the project.

The funds, provided by churches including the 41st Street Church of Christ in Sioux Falls, S.D., were enough to buy 160 goats (and a few sheep) for 80 widows in the north of Nigeria’s Edo state. There was enough money left over, Imogoh added, to establish a fund for the animals’ medical care. As the goats produce offspring, Imogoh hopes to expand the project to other villages.

“More and more people are talking about the church, in good ways, relating the care for the needy among us,” Imogoh said. “So many homes now have ‘Church of Christ goats’ in our rural areas. That alone is evangelism!”

Filed under: International Top Stories